Review: Cacao macarons at Puccinos

The next stop on my search for the perfect Salted Caramel macaron was Puccinos on Bourke Street. They sell the full range of Cacao macarons (as well as the yummy cakes from Le Petit Gateau).

Cacao call their version a ‘Salty Caramel’ macaron and it was nice to finally eat one that tasted good.  

Cacao's Salty Caramel macaron

The outer shell of the macaron had a great sheen to it, with a nice crunch and the right amount of chewiness.

When it came to the ganache, there was no mistaking that this is a Salty Caramel macaron. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, I’d rather a strong flavour than none at all. But it does border on being a little bit too much.

Do I crown this the best Salted Caramel macaron in Melbourne? It is pretty good, but the slight flavour imbalance puts the title just out of reach for Cacao.

Address: 188 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Hours: Mon-Sun: 7am - 9pm

Review: Royal Saxon

After spending a few hours on Church Street sitting on couches, measuring dining tables and trying to figure out the best configuration of furniture for a brand new apartment that we have only inspected once, all the pieces we saw were starting to look the same.

We needed to take a break and the Royal Saxon was like a beacon of light to us weary furniture shoppers, offering much needed food and rest.

The place was renovated a few years ago and it looks great - modern and funky. We sat outside in the courtyard area, where there was lots of light and a beautiful fig tree.

We ordered lunch and started with the mozzarella di bufala, new season figs, basil, mint, lemon and olive oil. It was delicious! All the elements on the plate really worked well together. The figs were perfectly sweet and plump and the mozzarella was soooo good, really fresh and creamy.

Mozzarella di bufula, new season figs, basil, mint, lemon and olive oil

For mains, we had the house-made Italian sausage, roasted peppers, oregano and mozzarella pizza, porterhouse steak with roasted pumpkin (one of the specials they were offering) and zucchini fritti as a side dish.

I had the pizza and you could tell the base was homemade and fresh. The house-made Italian sausage was really tasty and my recent cravings for pizza were very much satisfied. 

House-made Italian sausage, roasted peppers, oregano and mozzarella pizza

My boyfriend had the porterhouse and it was cooked perfectly, just melted in your mouth. The roasted pumpkin was really soft and full of flavour. The oil with herbs on the plate also turned out to be a great dipping sauce for the pizza crust! 

Porterhouse steak with roasted pumpkin

The batter on the zucchini fritti was light and crunchy and the zucchini inside was yum. They were hard to stop eating once we started!

Zucchini fritti

The service from staff was great, although we were there for a late lunch so it wasn't busy.

The prices were a little higher than usual for a pub/bar but it was an enjoyable, good quality meal. We will definitely go back if we are in the area again.

Address: 545 Church St, Richmond
Hours: Mon-Thurs: 12pm - 12am
          Sat: 12pm - 1pm
          Sun: 12pm - 11pm

Review: Laurent macarons

 
I have been warned by many people that Laurent’s macarons are not very good. I always felt that was a little weird, seeing as they are meant to be a French bakery and all.

So I tried one today to finally confirm this for myself.

I had a look at their selection and I was surprised to see that they don’t offer a Salted Caramel macaron (though apparently it is on its way). So I tried a Vanilla one instead.

Oh lordy. It was indeed terrible.

As soon as the macarons were brought to the table, I knew they would be bad. The outer shell didn’t look crispy at all and it was missing the usual ‘sheen’ that macarons are supposed to have. I took a bite and found that it was like eating almond meal cake with some cream in the middle. It also lacked vanilla flavouring.

Laurent's vanilla macaron - notice the lackluster shell?

Laurent's vanilla macaron - the shell was very cakey and not very nice

This macaron didn't taste good at all and turned me off wanting to try their future Salted Caramel macaron. I now agree that Laurent macarons should definitely be avoided...

Address: 304-306 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Hours: Mon-Sat: 8am - 6pm
          Sun: 9am - 5pm

Review : Famish’d macarons

Salted Caramel and Macadamia macaron

I recently had lunch with a friend at Famish’d and noticed that they do a selection of macarons. Yum.

I thought their Salted Caramel and Macadamia macaron would be the perfect antidote to combat my after lunch food coma.

I have to say I was excited to try this macaron. I really like macadamia nuts and was hoping this would be a marriage made in heaven.

The first thing I noticed was how small it was... No matter, as long as it tasted amazing to make up for the size. I bit into it and found that the outer shell was crispy and chewy, just as it should be. However, the ganache inside was pretty much non-existing. There were no real favours beside the ‘almond-y’ taste of the outer shell. I was really disappointed because I assumed it would be a lot better based on the price I paid for such a small macaron.
 
Oh well. I will stick to the huge and tasty baked potatoes the next time I am at Famish'd.

Address: 130 Little Collins St, Melbourne
Hours: Monday - Friday: 7am to 4pm

Review: Ryan Adams – Regent Theatre 03/03/2012

A promo for the show near home

It was a truly magical night when Ryan Adams took the stage at the exquisite Regent Theatre in Melbourne.

I have been a fan of his for years (Gold is one of my all time favourite albums) and it was my fourth time seeing him live. I was really looking forward to seeing the intimate one-man show he had planned.

It certainly did not disappoint.

No photography or recording was allowed during the show so that the audience (and performer) was not distracted. With people unable to tweet, facebook, text, etc, during the show, all eyes and ears were firmly planted on Ryan Adams.

As he walked out to start the show, the crowd erupted with cheers and whistles that died down to a deathly silence as he took centre stage. Every little sound could be heard, from Ryan Adams rustling around in his chair to coughs echoing around the theatre.

He opened the show with the beautiful “Oh my sweet Carolina”. His voice sounded perfect, accompanied by his guitar, almost haunting. The set list was filled with old favourites (like New York, New York and Come pick me up) and new songs from his latest album. Each song was received with overwhelmingly loud applause and appreciation.

He spend the night ‘working the room’ (as he referred to it), moving between his guitar and the piano. He played such an amazing stripped back rendition of “The rescue blues” on piano that an audience member shouted out to him about how great it was. ‘Thanks dad’ was his cheeky response.

Again, there was minimal lighting at his show. My boyfriend refuses to come with me to see Ryan Adams now for this very reason but I don’t mind. During the set, a person shouted out to asked him to turn on some more lights. This request was of course ignored (as they always are) but was done so with humour this time.

Speaking of comedy, there were some very funny moments throughout the show. Halfway through the night he said that he had some jokes prepared but hadn’t spoken much because he figured that he could fit in two more songs if he talked less.

But lucky for us, he started chatting a bit more. He spoke about his reputation of being a ‘villain’, his old band ‘Turkey Nut Sack’ (he joked that they were huge in the nineties and almost opened for Pearl Jam at a house party – if only they could have found the house…) and played a version of ‘Mr Cat’ – a homage to his ninja movie watching, brave dog attacking cat, who is also apparently very soft.

I was laughing so hard that I wasn’t sure if I was at a Ryan Adams music gig or comedy act…

Two and half hours later, sadly it was over. I could have stayed there all night watching his flawless performance and enjoying his light banter. 

Well played Ryan Adams, well played.

Set list

Oh my sweet Carolina
Ashes and fire
If I am a stranger
Dirty rain
My winding wheel
The rescue blues
Please do not let me go
Do I wait
Firecracker
Everybody knows
Dear Chicago
Sylvia Plath
Let it ride
English girls
Chains of love
16 days
Hardest part
Lucky now
Mr Cat
New York New York
Two
Come pick me up

Encore

Holy diver (Dio cover)
Avenues
When will you come back home

Review: Little Feat

Little Feat is the latest venture to jump onboard the macaron bandwagon. Last month, they launched their partnership with Guava Bean Espresso Bar on Russell St in Melbourne’s CBD, where the handmade macarons are exclusively sold.

Pretty packaging from Little Feat

They celebrated their union by giving away free macarons for three days at the end of November, one per person per day and limited to the Blue Currant and Tim Tam Tease flavours. I, of course, unashamedly took advantage of this generosity and ventured down each day, work colleges in tow. 

Little Feat's Blue Currant macaron

The first flavour I tried was the Blue Currant, which is described as “fine mouth watering black currant with a blueberry pearl”. I have to say that it was quite delicious. The texture of the macaron was quite dense - slightly crunchy outside with a heavy, chewy inside. It was almost at the point of being a little too chewy but I kinda like my macarons like that so I’m not complaining. The flavour of the ganache was really nice, very fruity and not too sweet.

Little Feat's Tim Tam Tease macaron

The Tim Tam Tease definitely captures the tim tam flavour. It too had a dense texture and while the taste was spot on, it didn’t have the same kick as the Blue Currant one.

I’ve yet to try their Caramel Craving macaron (their version of Salted Caramel) but I promise I will try it in the New Year and update this post with my thoughts.

However, if you like a chewy, fruit flavoured macaron, Little Feat is the place for you.

Address: 114 Russell St, Melboure
Hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 6pm
           Sat: 10am - 4pm

***Update 07/01/12*** I tried the Caramel Craving from Little Feat the other day. Same chewy texture with a salty caramel taste, but again.... No kick to it. Slightly underwhelming.

Review: Laksa Bar

I’ve returned home tonight from another visit to Laksa Bar.

Opening in early November, this Malaysian restaurant offers delicious, authentic food. Laksa dishes are obviously their speciality (eight types in total) but they also do rice and noodle dishes.

The laksa was thick and tasty. You get to choose whether you would like mild, spicy or extra spicy and what type of meat you would like. You even get a bib to protect yourself while you slurp up the soup! However both times we ordered it, the temperature of the soup was a little bit too cool, but otherwise it is very good.

House curry laksa with chicken

The other dishes are delicious too. I’ve tried both the Nasi Lemak Goreng Pattaya and Mee Goreng Mamak and they have a real home-made taste about them, not too oily or salty.

Nasi Lemak Goreng Pattaya

Mee Goreng Mamak

The service is really friendly and helpful – the staff seat you and then you order at the counter when you have decided. The prices are reasonable and the serving sizes are also quite generous so you definitely won’t leave hungry!

So if you are in the city and craving a great laksa or some mee goreng, you should certainly give Laksa Bar a go.

Address: 108 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne
Hours: Mon - Fri: 11am-10pm
           Sat - Sun: 5pm-10pm
 

Review: Foo Fighters – AAMI Park 02/12/2011

As the sun set on a beautiful clear summer night, Melbourne was treated to an amazing performance by none other than the incredible Foo Fighters.

The 30,000 strong crowd filed in early to check out support act (and good friends of the Foo Fighters) Tenacious D. Jack Black and Kyle Gass rocked it out with some new songs like “Death Star” and one that they had to abandon half way through because Jack Black couldn’t remember the words… But it was their old favourites “Tribute” and “F**k her gently” that started the first of many sing-alongs throughout the night. 

“We supply the lightning, the Foos bring the thunder!” declared Jack Black and he wasn’t wrong. Right on cue, the lights dimmed and chords of “All my life” boomed out and the Foo Fighters got the party started.

The show was part of their Wasting Light world tour and the Foo Fighters played songs from their brilliant new album. Dave Grohl introduced “These days” as the next single and the best song he has ever written. He hinted that its video clip was going to be filmed during the Australian leg of the tour by teasing the crowd with “you might see some of your pretty faces on MTV soon”.

Dave Grohl was in fine form throughout the show, running all over the stage and the massive walkway that extended out deep into the crowd like a little kid who had drunk a little too much red cordial. “I hope none of you have work tomorrow because we've got a lot of things we've got to do”, he promised early in the show.

And they did not disappoint. The Foo Fighters whipped the crowd into a frenzy that lasted all night. "This one goes out to all the old Foo Fighters fans," Dave Grohl said as he launched into “Breakout”, which had everyone singing along so loudly they almost drowned out the band.

When Dave Grohl announced that it was bassist Nate Mendel's birthday, the crowd broke into an impromptu chorus of "Happy Birthday". Unfortunately, it wasn’t exactly in sync (or in tune). "What the f**k was that?" was Dave Grohl's reaction. "Were you guys singing 'Happy Birthday'? Because what it sounded more like was 'HEERGGGH GHHGHGERRR BBBBEEEERGHDEEERGH'," he said, mocking our efforts.

After a playing a show filled with 16 years worth of rocking hits that prove why they are, and always will be, one of the greatest bands ever, we got down to the business end of the evening. While everyone was waiting for the encore, Dave Grohl appeared on the big screen on night cam and began negotiating how many more songs they would play. The offer of just one song elicited a loud BOO and drummer Taylor Hawkins joined in on the fun, bringing the number up to five songs.

Dave Grohl then ran up walkway onto a raised podium and started an acoustic version of “Wheels”. “We'll play as many songs as we can until they tell us to stop”, Dave Grohl told an adoring crowd. There was a slight interruption by a person who managed to jump the barrier into the floor area from where Dave Grohl referred to as the “shitty seats”. He was pulled up on stage when the crowd expressed their disapproval when security dragged him away.

After almost three hours, the show was finished with “Everlong” – a perfect ending to a perfect night.

Setlist:
All My Life
Rope
The Pretender
My Hero
Learn To Fly
White Limo
Arlandria
Breakout
Cold Day In The Sun
Stacked Actors
Walk
Monkey Wrench
These Days
This Is A Call
In The Flesh (Pink Floyd cover)
Best Of You

Encore:
Wheels
Times Like These
Generator
Tie Your Mother Down (Queen cover)
Everlong

Review: La Belle Miette

Without a doubt, Salted Caramel macarons are one of my most favourite things in the world. Ever since I had my first one over a year ago, I have been on a mission to find the best Salted Caramel macaron in Melbourne.

My latest taste test was La Belle Miette in Hardware Lane in the CBD.

The store is truly exquisite looking. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon enjoying tea and a macaron or two (or more!).

La Belle Miette

La Belle Miette’s flavours are quite interesting too - Olive Oil & Vanilla, Cherry Blossom & Sake and Bastille (Moet et Chandon & Blackcurrant) are some of the more… unusual ones.

I went for the Salted Caramel but also got the Strawberry & Vanilla and Pimm’s & Pomegranate. 

 Let me start off by saying that I admire anyone who makes macarons. They seem like they are really hard to make and get right.

These macarons weren’t the worst I’ve ever had, but also weren’t the best. The Salted Caramel filling was a bit overpowering and the texture of the outer shell was a little dry and not chewy enough. The flavours of the other two weren’t really present either and didn’t really make much of an impression on me.

It was a bit of a shame because I love the look of the store and the customer service was really good.

The search continues...

Review: Bistrot D'Orsay

Nestled within Melbourne’s theatre district on Collins St is Bistrot D’Orsay.

Walking through the doors was like being transported to a cosy and intimate restaurant in the heart of Paris. The décor has a quaint French feel about it and the smells wafting from the kitchen were heavenly. 

Inside Bistrot D'Orsay

The four of us were seated by a lovely waitress, who was attentive but unobtrusive, and began our meal with wine or for me - a champagne cocktail.

We started with the house made brandied duck liver pâté. The butter covering was a bit hard but once you got past that, the pâté was delicious.

We moved onto our entrées and I had the twice cooked goat’s cheese soufflé on beetroot with walnuts. It was the first time I have had a soufflé and I decided to forget about my lactose intolerance and at least try a little bit. It tasted so good that I polished the whole thing off very quickly. With a subtle cheese flavour, the delicate cake texture just melted in my mouth.

Twice cooked goat’s cheese soufflé on beetroot with walnuts

Next was mains and I had the crispy skin salmon with carrot and pea puree. The salmon was perfectly cooked, pink and tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Some of the others had the braised beef cheek on buttery mash potato with truffle oil, caramelised onion and asparagus. I had a little bite and I was almost wished that I had ordered it instead…

Crispy skin salmon with carrot and pea puree

Braised beef cheek on buttery mash potato with truffle oil, caramelised onion and asparagus

We managed to fit in dessert – the portion sizes may look a little small but they are definitely filling! I finished the meal with the parfait with green apple, rhubarb and crumble – delish! The sourness of the apple and rhubarb was perfectly matched with the creaminess of the parfait. Others on our table had the vanilla crème brulee, it had a beautiful vanilla flavour and a divine caramelised top!

Parfait with green apple, rhubarb and crumble

We were pretty much ready to roll out of Bistrot D’Orsay by the end of the meal. It was a fantastic meal – not cheap by any means but well worth it. It’s a great place for a special occasion but make sure you book, especially on weekend when it gets quite full.

Bon Appétit! 

Review: The Fitzroy Pinnacle

On a sunny Sunday afternoon, we found ourselves hungry and in Fitzroy.

We chose to have a look at the Fitzroy Pinnacle. I can't tell you how many times I have driven past this place (it's on the way to my mum's place) and never really thought about checking it out.

The Fitzroy Pinnacle - pool table, old knick knacks and a... disco ball

As we walked in, The Beatles' Revolver album was playing and I knew we had made the right choice.

It's an interesting place. There is a unusual mix collectables all over the place, from Stalin books to old style flip open toasters - adding to the charm of this ecletic pub.

On top of that, it has great service, great music and really delicious food!

Porthouse beef schnitzel with roast vegetables, caramelised onion and gravy

Crispy pork chop with potato dumplings, field mushrooms and gravy

Review: Pulp - Festival Hall 29/07/2011

It’s been 13 years since Pulp played their one and only show in Melbourne and they did their best to make up for the long wait.

Festival Hall was filled to capacity on Friday night, with eager anticipation in the air as it saw the return of Pulp.

When they walked on stage and the first notes of “Do you remember the first time?” started to play, the crowd went wild and this set the scene for the rest of the night.

Frontman Jarvis Cocker was in fine form. Randomly flinging chocolates into the crowd, giving out beer and champagne, he even threw out a pear because, according to Cocker, “nothing beats a firm, hard pear”. His wild dancing was almost hypnotic and he had to change his shoes early into the show because he was afraid of falling over on the slippery stage.

The set list did not disappoint. All the fan favourites were played, including Common People, Disco 2000, Babies and The Fear. Cocker did admit that they were a little rusty, he hoped they would nail “Like a Friend” this time and confessed that they hadn’t played “Party Hard” in many years but would give it “their best shot”.

Not that anyone there would have noticed. Every word to every song was sung back to them by the crowd and one person at the front was even told to “calm down” by Cocker as he/she got a little too enthusiastic.

It was all over too soon and as Cocker thanked the crowd and announced that they had to go, Festival Hall erupted into a chorus of NOOOOO!

A brilliant night with a brilliant band. It was my first time – and I will always remember…