I used to really like this place, but a recent change of ownership has led to a rapid deterioration in the quality of the food and beverages. The new owners are not Taiwanese and do not appear to have any great understanding either of Taiwanese food or of tea.

What now passes for milk tea is a strange, somewhat gritty concoction that bears little or no resemblance to the milk tea available in Taiwan.

The food is still alright, but it no longer has the subtlety and complexity that made it special and worth travelling for.

Approximate cost: $10

This restaurant is probably my favourite place to go for lunch anywhere in Melbourne. Its relaxes, low cost, comfortable and friendly and the food is brilliant.

If you like a substantial meal, i recommend the Mei cai kou rou hui fan (Pork Belly with pickled vegetables and rice). There are many other hearty dishes and also a great range of snacks, soups, side dishes and treats from which to choose. They are licensed and are one of the very few places that serve Taiwan Beer.

Since Taiwan Shao Chi (Little Burke Street) has closed down and Tien Ren's Tea House (Swanson Street) have been taken over by non-Taiwanese people who don't seem to understand Taiwanese cuisine, The Booth is now, to the best of my knowledge, the only place where authentic Taiwanese street fare can be enjoyed in Melbourne.

The milk tea, though nothing special in Taiwan, is really really good by Australian standards.

They would get perfect marks if they didn't always forget to bring me water when I ask for it.

Approximate cost: $8

They have a very extensive range of books in Japanese, which was my main reason for going there. They have a lot of other languages as well. The books are all in excellent condition for second hand and you can find things there that I've not seen anywhere else. The proprietors are polite and helpful and the atmosphere is quiet... bit like a library only smaller.

The old man at the parts counter is very friendly and takes his time talking to you and looking at your car. He knows a lot about his trade and gives honest, detailed advise that is aimed at genuinely helping the customer, not just making sales. He's been around long enough to have experienced most automotive issues himself and tells some interesting stories.

Receptionist are friendly. Usually have to wait a long time even though I'd booked an appointment. Doctors seem reasonably knowledgeable, but its hard to tell because they don't talk to the patient very much about the thought processes and considerations leading to their diagnoses. Not as much as I'm used to from my regular doctor, anyway. I often go there because they are located close to where I live.