Rissotto and Asparagus

One of my favourite lunch options when I lived in East Brunswick was to ride my bicycle across to Clifton Hill and enjoy some delicious rissotto balls with pesto at the Red Sage. Well the cafe has long since changed hands and I dont live anywhere near Clifton Hill anymore.

Today I discovered the rissotto cakes at Try This. They are served with proscuitto and asparagus and are delicious. Generous serving, very tasty and substantially filling. While the days of the Rad Sage are a fond memory that may never be equalled I did find it very satisfying to enjoy a healthy and scrummy meal with my skillfully prepared coffee.

Another vote for Try This :)

Smoke and Jazz

One of Yarraville's best features is Acqua Del Vino. It features a dedicated menu for the cocktail and spirits drinker, the wine connoissuer, and even cigars for those special occassions when only a bit of tabbacco inspired toxic smoke will do.

The ambience is distinctive - a blend of indulgent service with casual elegance. On those nights when a jazz bands warms the air the room is filled with a gentle flow of rythms that suggests not only the appearance has been dictated, but subtle care was taken to ensure that accoustics move freely and softly through the space.

The few offerings of food on the menu are worthwhile, but it is the drinks that steal the show. Polish Martini's, Acqua del Mojito's, and a few dozen boutique beers. One day I should try the coffee.

The Gold Standard

The recent excitement of getting a decent caffee latte in Yarraville was somewhat overwhlemed by the reminder of what lustrously smooth delights are found in the city's traditional outlets. A quick visit to Atmoica in Brunswick St restored my respect for a truly superb latte, complete with artisticly expressed froth and divine friand accompaniment. And the gold standard that exceeds even that of Atomica, Rays in Victoria St Brunswick, leaves me in awe and adoration of the barista's art. Coffee is not just a drink, it's an indulgent pleasure and one that can be heightened further by offering culinary options that match the caffeine seduction. That is what yarraville still lacks.

Melbourne's best sausages and mojitos are one thing, but neither of them are suitable companions to a creamy latte are they?