Reviews by dum101
The entry is a little hidden, down a lane off Young st.
They make my favourite Pizza, a perfect lunch size.
But my favourite menu item is a dessert that I prefer to refer to as a 'drink' so as to deceive myself about its decadence, they call it a 'little bit of everything' and once I think about one it haunts me until I get down there and quench my desire, it is a glass with a thick molten chocolate base covered in expresso and topped with cream, and words can not do it justice.
The particular chocolate they use is of excellent quality and they offer hand crafted truffles to tempt you.
I have seen complaints that they are not kid friendly, but I have not experience this, in fact the owners and staff were doting on my 2 year old, perhaps the complaints stem from the tiny size of the establishment, I don't bother with a pram as they really would be a nuisance in the small space. I'd say well behaved kids are warmly welcomed, prams perhaps not.
Garden Tuscany represents the best of what makes Melbourne great - in a surprising location tucked away in Moonee ponds.
A must go place. The only down side is the very limited opening hours, but that is part of the charm and just builds the anticipation between visits =D (open thursday - saturday)
Approximate cost: $10 - $20
Trustworthy service, and excellent support from both the sales and service team.
Passionate supporters of Vintage bikes sponsoring the 'Great race' Harley vs Indian time trials.
I recommend Harley City for servicing and sales.
"Dirty dumplings" is its colloquial name and if that puts you off - then it probably isn't the place for you.
It's single best feature is price. The meals are served fast and they fill you up. The smell takes getting use to (at least to my western nose)
The service is well documented – bizarre at best, non existant at worst.
Do I recommend it? yes, on price alone – but there are much better places to eat (peer down some of the neighbouring alleyways and explore)
The wall plaque commemorating its opening by Jeff Kennett is perfectly at home in this surreal little word.
Approximate cost: $8
Ascot Vale YMCA has many strong points,
- it's price, both the pool and the gym access are well priced and affordable.
- their creche, my toddler always enjoys his time there and the staff are of a very high standard.
- the friendly staff, the people you deal with on the floor and in the classes are really fantastic and go beyond my expectations.
But it also has one negative, the maintenance of equipment is below expectations, exercise machines can be out of order for many months, and feedback to management about machines that require attention seems to go unheeded.
Coffee equal to any in the area, and better than most.
The platter meals are well presented and a pleasurable way to eat - especially when sharing with a friend.
A very good and expanding range of specialty goods, and they are always receptive to requests.
The thing I really like is that I can trust their opinion on everything they stock, and I have not been disappointed by their recommendations (even when taken out of my comfort zone - I think Stephen really enjoys challenging peoples taste boundaries and experiences)
It is a small space and its popularity means that you have to expect there are times you will wait for service, but relax and survey the well stocked shelves, you patience will be rewarded by an excellent foodie experience.
Loved it. They have food I've not seen in Melbourne before, very authentic and worlds apart from the Mexican restaurants we are familiar with in Melbourne. The appearance is very casual, almost like a cafe, and the staff reflect that relaxed mood (in a positive sense) I whole heartedly recommend you pay them a visit. I notice they have opened a second store in Ascot Vale, a better business location (Maidstone is a bit tucked away) and they definitely deserve the better exposure.
Our family regular is the Lamb Biryani, before eating this dish I never understood why you would order a rice dish as a main meal, but add some Riata (yogurt) and this is mouthwateringly good. For a balanced Indian experience Indian star is the best pick in this area, for a cheaper meal with less frills there are others, but this is a good place to take someone for a quality experience. The dinning room is well presented.
I originally stopped in for a spot of lunch with some friends, but since then it has become my daily shopping stop, they are a split business offering incredibly fresh and yummy light meals and coffee, as well as grocery and fresh fruit and veg, they also stock a small but satisfactory range of biodynamic and organic meats. The staff are all helpful and lovely.
For a cheap lunch the $5 avocado on toast is satisfying and tasty, but their daily specials are way to tempting too.
Approximate cost: $5-$15
Helpful staff, great (sinful) food, the coffee is stand out –and I am really fussy– I've been a handful of times and plan to keep going back. On a side note - The menu's are very cute =D
The owner and principle stylist Jae is a real one in a million, he is sweet and gorgeous and completely genuine, and he does fantastic cuts and they always stay looking great as they grow out.
He has an eye for what will work for your face, I always give him free reign and I am never disappointed.
I've been going there for more years than I can count and like all his long term customers I consider Jae a friend, he makes you feel special and at home.