Mamasita

I get asked, on many occasions, if I have eaten at Mamasita..

‘Not yet,’ is my usual response.

Naturally, ‘why?’

‘I waited in hunger, and gave up.’

You see, I have waited to be fed at Mamasita, twice, and on both occasions I gave up and walked away.

One of this was on my birthday, last June. It was a cold and wintry Thursday evening. We have been waiting 20 minutes when the maitre d’ announced that ‘it will be 40 minutes from the door to the bar, and another 15 to 20 minutes to a table.’ We had just made it pass the door.

In November last year, during Taste of Melbourne 2012, I sampled a Yacutan Ceviche from their food stand, and I must say it was absolutely yum. This gave hope of another attempt at dining at Mamasita.

Last Saturday, I decided that it was time. With a plan, brilliantly executed, I finally made pass the door, up the stairs, and onto a table with a 30 second wait time. I ordered the jug of Sangria straight away.

We started our mid afternoon feast with the Elotes callejeros – chargrilled corn with chipotle mayo and lime.

The best I’ve had, ever!

Next I ordered four out of the six variety of tacos on offer – Beef, Prawn, Fish and Ox tongue. The prawn and Ox tongue were my ‘I’d definitely eat that again’ favorites.

Then it was that beautiful Yacutan Ceviche that gave this place its third attempt.

Fish in coconut milk with green tomato, chili, mint and lime.

The pulled pork tostaditas lacked seasoning, but a few drops of the green habenero and a bit of pico de gallo (that green salsa you see) solved that easily.

My favorite moment was when the dessert came out. Not only did it make me smile like a cheshire cat, it also brought back childhood memories of eating caramel popcorn at the cinemas (which was a very rare occasion for us) and eating ais cream potong (cut ice cream) after school. Saving every penny from our pocket money, my bbf and I would buy this once or twice a week. For me it was always the corn ice cream, as I loath red bean anything.

Corn ice cream topped with caramel popcorn.

Overall, I must say I enjoyed my afternoon at Mamasita. The food is simple, and tasty. The service lacked, but I’d definitely go back to try their Quesadillas and something from the ‘Comida para la familia’ section of the menu.

At present, it sits second on my list of good taquerias in Melbourne.

Naked in the Sky

It was the first catchup of the year, for the girls and I, and Naked in the Sky was definitely the place to be. It was an accidental discovery, as the original plan was to meet at Naked for Satan.

Four levels above Naked for Satan, Naked in the Sky gives you a spectacular view of Brunswick and Fitzroy. The drink menu is exactly the same, however the infamous $2 pintxos is only available downstairs.

2010 Tempranillo, Spain

Up the in sky, it’s all a little bit fancy. The food list is exquisite. The atmosphere, vibrant. There’s also a restaurant, but be sure to make a reservation, it looked busy.

The cheese platter

The cheese and walnut blocks

The prawn skewers

The eggplant chips with blue cheese.

We were totally cheesed out, but we had a fabulous time.

Dandelion

If you love all things French, you may fall in love with this french inspired Vietnamese restaurant, in Elwood.

When I first heard of Dandelion, I thought why would anyone pay $21 for a bowl of pho when it’s only $9 in Springvale, Richmond and Hanoi Hannah (my usual place for pho). Rippoff was my first impressions. But being the curious cat that I am, I couldn’t help but wonder “What is in that pho? Like seriously!” So I figured I’ll go check it out for my self.

The verdict: I LOVE it.

For a Sunday night, they were buzzing with patrons. Without a reservation, we got a table within 15 minutes. The vibe was spectacular. Friendly staff, contemporary layout, but earthy at the same time, and quirky deco – which I love.

Food was more than amazing. The Green Rice Tiger Prawns were YUM, the Duck Pho was money well spent and the flavours of the Creme brule rice pudding and pandan cake for dessert reminded me of home. Definitely have had better peaking duck hand roll, but never the less, everything tasted good.

I’d recommend you make reservations before showing up, after we sat at our table, there was a long line at the door!

Dandelion I ♥ You.

Where A Girl Goes

I believe in spending quality time with my girls, it’s just what a girl deserves every now and then.

Four weeks ago I decided that its about time the girls and I caught up. Its been a while since the six of us got together. Well, since uni ended last November, some have been busy traveling, while others got busy with summer school and I worked. A couple of us caught up during summer, but it wasn’t the same.

For a bunch of metropolitan girls like us, high tea is just the right kind of catch up! It’s more than just drinking expensive tea in fancy cups or eating scrumptious buttered scones with homemade jam and cream – it’s about dressing up in a pretty frock, showing off your finest jewelry and walking tall in your new shoes (and gossiping about ‘you know who,’ of course!).

Christina Re has created a divine space for girls like us wanting escape our daily routines. In the heart of Collingwood, it was some how odd to find this pretty little cafe/boutique/craft-shop, but it was perfect. The scones were hot and yummy, the selection of beverages were impressive and the hospitality was warm and welcoming. For a Scrapbooker, this is paradise! – Pretty papers every where, signature cards and embellishments screaming “buy me!” and the deco of this place really makes you feel right at home. Overall, we had a fabulous time, and we look forward to our next high tea at Where a girl goes.

Where a girl goes to spend time with her girl-friends is nobody’s business. However, when a girl finds a fabulous place and has a marvelous time, it’s hard not to share the joy. Enjoy!

Where a girl goes – Christina Re

Corner Langridge & Oxford Streets
Collingwood, Melbourne

Melbourne Food & Wine festival 2012

20 Days of Eating

YUP, It’s over!

Alas, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival 2012 has come to and end. It has been a marvelous 20 days of eating and drinking, catching up with friends and date nights!

Yesterday’s Epicure sums up the festival brilliantly, so be sure to check it out.

As for me, I’m kinda glad it’s over! Got off the scales this morning, and I wasn’t impress – I’ve gained two kilos!! All that eating and talking about food got me. Never the less, it was all worth it.

Highlights:

The Broadsheet Bar – after work pop-up bar in the heart of Melbourne. Service and drinks were no more than average but atmosphere was energetic. Was a good meeting point.

The Green House by Joost – $14 for eggs on toast, Joost must be crazy! but coffee in flower pots, simply amazing!

Food Trucks Unite – 45minute wait at the Taco Truck was worth ever minute. The burger and chips at Beatbox, scrumptious as always, Dhaba at the Mill rolling out decent Indian meals with mango lassi to go, and to the boys at the Massive Wieners, loved your bow ties.

Foodie Movie at Fed Square – Perfect date night, or two!

Masterclass with Mangia! Mangia! – simply bellissimo! Making passata with the Italians was simply amazing.

Jamie Oliver – technically not part of the MFWF but it was a fabulous night out with the girls. Seeing him talk about obesity in Australia next to Matt Preston was a sight!

Express Lunch at Cecconi’s – it was superb! the dessert could have been better but the experience was amazing. I’ll be back.

Sweets Exhibition – I was hoping to taste some of these sweets, but walked out learning more about the culture and significance of them. A must go! the exhibition will be on for a while.

Overall, I had a great time and I look forward to it again, next year!

Fonda Mexican

 

There is nothing Caliente about Jane Fonda, but damn she’s muy sabrosa

Mexican joint serving mexican street food and beverages. With a dessert-less, but amazing food and drink selection, Fonda Mexican has a lot to offer. The atmosphere is perfect for a summery evening – and after a couple frozen lychee and elderflower margaritas + fish tacos, you may start to feel homely.

Lychee and elderflower frozen Margarita

Jane Fonda

Fish Taco

Vegitarian Burrito

Charred Corn

 

They don’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait – ordering Pacifico and Charred Corn (to go) while you wait, is an excellent idea.

They also do Phone orders amigos!!