The Urban Trailer Park

I love it when food trucks unite. It means I don’t have to chase after them.

They’ve been getting together at Village Melbourne, formerly Belgian Beer Garden, on the weekends, trailer park style, from noon to eight pm. The outside bar is still in operation.

I spent last Saturday afternoon, sitting under a heater, on a park bench, eating chicken and sausage gumbo from the Gumbo Truck, taking mouthful bites off my guy’s Beatbox beef burger, whilst stealing his chips, and I washed everything down with decent drop of red. Bonhuer!

To finish things off, we shared a salted caramel and Nutella & Strawberry cream brûlée from The brûlée Cart.

I was happier than a bird with a French fry.

Jalan Jalan Cari Makan

I think I fell in love with Melbourne all over again, over the weekend. We experienced all four seasons in 24 hours, and OMG it’s so pretty in Autumn, beautiful in Winter, romantic in Spring, and energizing in Summer!!! And today was simply superb!

Southbank – last night, in the rain.

I went to the Malaysian Street Festival today, at the Queen Victoria Market, and it was amazing! Live music and performances, awesome weather, plus yummy food – simply brilliant. “Jalan Jalan Cari Makan” was one of my favorite tv shows, growing up in Malaysia. Literal translation: walk walk find eat – Lol. It was about, well, food of course, and the different cultures that influence and collectively make up what we know as “Malaysian Food.”

Nasi Lemak, Roti Chanai, Beef Rendang, Laksa, Char Kway Teow, Satay and Ice Kacang – to name a few!

Air Bandung or rose syrup with evaporated milk drink, in a plastic bag – just like they serve it on the streets in Malaysia.

Ais Kacang or Shaved ice with red beans, grass jelly, rose syrup, condense milk, evaporated milk and gula melaka (brown sugar syrup).

Live performances – they even did the Gangnam Style!

The Uncle from Kampung Story frying Char Kway Teow. I stood here, watching him do his thing for 10 minutes, enjoying the sight and the aroma.

Mmm.. Char Kway Teow. YUM!!!!

The guys at the Satay stall doing their thing. They had the longest queue, and wait time to this point was 80minutes.

Chicken, Beef and Lamb Satay – it was worth the wait!

And to conclude this beautiful day, I sat outside, on my favorite spot, in the evening sun, with a young coconut and a spoon.

Terima Kasih, and Jumpa lagi!

La Petit Creperie

This got me excited today. The cutest little food stand on the busiest street in Melbourne. I’m going to let the photos do the talking. Bon Appetite!

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!!