Tuesday, 27 October 2015
Sunday, 18 October 2015
About
EMPTY PLATE BLOG will provide category based recommendations to help you decide where and what to eat in the simplest way possible // using short & sharp descriptions // my top menu picks // & an interactive navigation through google maps at the bottom of each post.
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NOTE: Images are my own unless otherwise specified
Empty Plate's Favourite Burgers in Melbourne
8bit
8 Droop St, Footscray
Retro fit out and always packed which sparks a great vibe to enjoy some of Melbourne's finest burgers, fries, hotdogs & shakes.
My top menu pick: Double Dragon - Double beef, double cheese, double bacon, Mustard, lettuce & 8bit sauce + cheese & bacon fries // chilli cheese fries.
credit: @mel_alforque
NORTH OF THE RIVER
The Beaufort (Ike's Rack Shack)
421 Rathdowne St, Carlton
Very unassuming from the front (think blacked out windows) but super cool martime decor on the inside serving southern comfort food. My new fave!
// On Tuesday's they host Burgerpalooza - think $14 burger & 'tinnie' combo! #Winning
My top menu pick: Cliff Burger - Double patty, double cheese, bacon jalapenos, bbq sauce & mayo (served with the most deliciously seasoned fries on the side).
*Note: I am super keen to try the truffled Mac 'n' cheese too*
Chew Burger
147 Plenty Road, Preston
Chew Burger prides themselves on simply // good // quality burgers using only locally sourced ingredients with their sauces and pickles made in house. I loved the unpretentious vibe and the fact you can order and enjoy your meals next door at Racoon Bar. #DateNightSorted
My top menu pick: The Chew - 190g wagyu, cos lettuce, tomato, tomato sauce, pickle, mustard, aioli, cheddar + added bacon & a side of parmesan salted fries.
Rockwell and Sons
288 Smith St, Collingwood
Run by ex- Attica, Stokehouse & Cutler and Co chefs, Rockwell & Sons is a rustic yet polished laid back diner serving burgers sourcing local produce where possible.
My top menu pick: Double Patty Smash Burger - Kraft, special sauce & seeded bun ++ I always add bacon #Duh #bacon4lyf
Mr Scruff's
60 Smith St, Collingwood
Great for burgers and dranks with friends or date night, Mr Scruff's is a cool eatery/bar that accommodates gluten and vegetarian options which makes it an easy place to hang.
My top menu pick: Beef Burger - with cheese, lettuce, mr. scruff's special sauce, pickles, onions + poutine chips [cheese, gravy, bacon]. Ah poutine makes me miss Toronto, Canada oh so much!
NORTH & SOUTH OF THE RIVER
Brother Burger and the Marvellous Brew
413 Brunswick St, Fitzroy & 560 Chapel St, South Yarra
Covering all bases across the north and south, Brother Burger is a Melbourne favourite and rightly so. Great craft beer (I'm a cider gal, but my boyfriend says its good), hip vibe (think neon lights- who doesn't love neon?) and most importantly, consistently tasty burgers (100% wagyu). #WinningOption
My top menu pick The Jane - 100% wagyu beef patty, lettuce, house made pickles, mustard mayo and ketchup // and yes I always add double cheese & bacon because #yolo
// @Emptyplateblog // #Emptyplateblog
Navigating Carlton
Buon apetito!
Heart Attack & Vine Bar:
329 Lygon St, Carlton
My weekend spot for a caffeine hit using wide open road coffee beans. Relaxed vibe and consistently great coffee.
My top menu pick: Heart Attack & Vine is an all day/night eatery, so besides coffee, I'd also recommend stopping by for a bite to eat from their daily [small but delicious] rotating menu. The porchetta rolls are my fave #piggy
Le Miel et Le Lune:
330 Cardigan St, Carlton
Duke's coffee, creative Korean inspired menu (ex-proud mary head chef), organic bread by Zeallybay, meat & poultry from local butchery institution Donati's, bacon by Johnathan's in Collgwood + accommodates gluten intolerance's and vegetarian options...Need I say more?
My top menu pick: I love the pork belly potato hash comprised of potato hash, sliced pork belly, enoki, shimeji, mushroom, capsicum a poached egg with creamy sesame sauce. The baked goods are delightful too!
The Vertue of the Coffee Drink:
8 Raffa Place, Carlton
Architecturally designed specialty coffee roastery, retailer and cafe, Vertue boasts a beautiful space with a unique and memorable menu. A true hidden gem - Great spot to brunch.
My top menu pick: The chia pudding - divine!
Vincent The Dog:
348 Drummond St, Carlton
Vincent the Dog is a small yet refined Carlton eatery offering great coffee and a great spot for breakfast with Melbourne classic's from smashed avo to waffles and bagels (hell yes).
My top menu pick: Being a true Melbournian, I can't go past the smashed avocado on toast with radish and cherry tomato. And of course I add chirizo & haloumi. #guilty
Lunch/Dinner:
Gemma Simply Italian:
183 Elgin St, Carlton
Gemma Simply Italian is my local in the truest form. I quite literally go here once a week if not more. To the point people genuinely think I have stakes in the restaurant. Gemma Simply Italian sings simple, authentic, tasty italian that will leave you feeling exceptionally nostalgic about your last trip to Italy. Great spot if looking for gluten free too.
My top menu pick: I can genuinely say I have almost tried everything on the menu and it has all been delightful, but my go to orders are the Crudo San Danielle prosciutto pizza, carbonara spaghetti, 4 formaggi gnocchi & the con melanzane calzoni.
Tiamo:
303 Lygon St, Carlton
An absolute institution on Lygon St, Tiamo 1 & 2 do not need an introduction. Top quality italian, reasonable prices, warm and authentic. Great street front seating as well as large interior to accommodate larger bookings.
My top menu pick I love the penne ragu (SO good) and if I am feeling like something light the grilled calamari salad is belissimo. Oh and I can never go past the nutella pizza because I have no self control.
Town Mouse:
312 Drummond St, Carlton
Winner of 2015 young chef of the year (George Tomlin) and awarded one hat at The 2015 Age Good Food Guide amongst other well deserved accolades Town Mouse is an unassumingly refined and sleek restaurant on Drummond St, Carlton.
It's dark, it's vibey and immaculately styled, it is no wonder it has received so much recognition as one of Melbourne's top eateries.
My top menu pick: I'd recommend going in a small group to be able to try a few dishes on the menu. I love the goats cheese profiteroles to start, the slow roasted red cabbage (trust me...beyond) and the lime posset for dessert. #Thankmelater
DOC Espresso:
326 Lygon St, Carlton //
DOC Pizza:
295 Drummond St, Carlton
The original and the best, DOC Espresso is located in the heart of Lygon St serving some of the italian favourites. It's always busy (but in a good way) which creates a vibrant aura. There are plenty of options from breakfast - dinner.
DOC Pizza is located on the corner of Faraday and Drummond Streets and is home to the majority of Melbourne's favourite pizza's.
My top menu pick: From DOC Espresso I love the proscuitto piadina or the farro salad if I'm after something light. If I'm a little more hungry I always opt for the lasagna...the best on the street!
At DOC Pizza I love the Pizza Speck, Pizza Salsiccia and the classic, Pizza Margherita.
Abla's:
109 Elgin St, Carlton
A lebanese institution, Abla's has been open since 1979. Modest and warm, Abla's encapsulates traditional homestyle lebanese food. It is no wonder the owner and head-cook Abla Amad has been affectionately known as the "the queen of lebanese cooking".
My top menu pick : I love the mixed dips to start, ladies fingers (filo pastry cigars filled with minced lamb, pine nuts, and spices), falafels, salata (lettuce salad) and last but certainly not least, the in house made baklava... sensational!
Snacks/Dessert:
*WARNING: The following options are a lactose intolerant individual's nightmare*
Pidapipo:
299 Lygon St, Carlton
BEST GELATO IN MELBOURNE. #Enoughsaid
My top menu pick: I always always always get hazelnut & coconut topped with hot nutella sauce in a cone. If it was socially acceptable to put my mouth underneath the free flowing nutella fountain I would. #sorrynotsorry
La Latteria:
104 Elgin St, Carlton
La Latteria is Melbourne's first cheese producing cheese-monger.
My top menu pick: Ricotta filled cannoli. Made fresh... as in you literally have to ask for it as they're not out on display. #Lifechanging
Milk The Cow:
323 Lygon St, Carlton
With a selection of 150 different artisan cheeses crafted by expert cheese mongers, Milk The Cow is my favourite spot for a weekend afternoon catch up with friends for cheese and wine.
My top menu pick: If you haven't been to Milk The Cow before I'd recommend a flight [4 matching wines (or beer or cider) with cheese)] otherwise the cheese boards are always great and I love the mac and cheese! Soo good!!
Have I missed one of your Carlton favourites? Let me know in the comments section below or tag me on instagram:
// @emptyplateblog #Emptyplateblog
Empty Plate's Top 10 Breakfast Spots in Melbourne
Sir Charles:
121 Johnston St, Fitzroy
A great addition to the Fitzroy foodie scene, Sir Charles beams light, sleek decor and a uniquely favoursome menu.
My top menu pick: Definitely the Sir Charles Benedict. Just wow.
Small Victories:
617 Rathdowne St, North Carlton
Situated in the beautifully tree lined Rathdowne Village, Small Victories bursts a lively vibe and rich seasonal menu.
My top menu pick: creamy corn baked eggs with bacon & Lardo toast. Their granola muesli is pretty damn good too!
Journeyman:
169 Chapel St, Windsor
My favourite cafe on the South-side of the river, Journeyman on Chapel St, Prahran is en trend for all the right reasons. Great decor and killer menu.
My top menu pick: I absolutely loved the crispy kale, creamy corn with a potato croquette. Heavenly!
Two Birds Cafe:
31 Peel St, Collingwood
Tucked away off Smith street in Collingwood, Two Birds is a sleek and uber cool corner cafe with expansive windows letting in ample natural light making it perfect for people watching.
My top menu pick: Avocado smash on potato hash with a side of bacon.
5 lire:
116 Errol St, North Melbourne
Celebrating all things italian, 5 lire in North Melbourne boasts simple italian favourites with a modern twist.
My top menu pick: Even though everyone is going bonkers for the mouth watering nutella hot cakes, I can't go past the whipped ricotta, basil pesto, roast tomatoes on toast with a side of proscuitto.
Axil:
322 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn
If expansive warehouse aesthetics and hand sourced coffee is your thang then you must check out Axil in Hawthorn. Did I mention they do all day breakfast? - SOLD.
My top menu pick: Probably the best sweet breakfast I have ever had, Waffles in dark chocolate sauce with peanut parfait, banana and candied pop corn...yep diabetic coma but SO dangerously good!
Little Ox:
452 New St, Brighton
A gorgeous local eatery in Bayside Brighton with a warm and welcoming vibe.
My top menu pick: Come here for the best corn fritters you will ever have. I am still yet to try better corn fritters.
Addict:
240 Johnston St, Fitzroy
A sheer delight. Addict delivers every time with a consistently delicious menu, coffee and customer service.
My top menu pick: I can never go past the chia pudding. My fave!
Prospect Espresso:
2A Prospect Hill Rd, Camberwell
Housed just off busy Burke Rd, Camberwell Prospect Espresso is a sleek little spot serving great coffee with a creative menu.
My top menu pick: The Warm coconut rice topped with lime foam, passionfruit and puffed wild rice- Amahhzing!
Barry:
85 High St, Northcote
Situated in the up and coming Northside Northcote hub, Barry is a superfood favourite. Creative menu and welcoming vibe.
My top menu pick: Scrabbled red chilli eggs, bacon, spring onion, parsley, Parmesan on toast.
[image to come]
Where are your favourite breakfast spots in Melbourne? Comment below or tag me on instagram:
// @Emptyplateblog // #Emptyplateblog
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