If you can't be bothered to pull out the frypan, mix up the batter and fire up the stove for a few pancakes, there is a solution! Head down to the Pancake parlour and they will do it all for you.

The pancakes are light and fluffy, and we get the ice cream, and dribble the maple syrup over the top and away we go!

Of course, there's lots of other things to try and my other favorite here is the Crepe escape - two crepes with ham, cheese and pineapple on top with a small side salad.

Pricing isn't particularly cheap here but if you want something at 2am after a night out then no complaints here!

From time to time there will also be buy one get one free vouchers on the back of the supermarket docket for a small stack of pancakes which makes the place good value!

Approximate cost: $15

For good to very good Italian Fare head to this restaurant. Prices are reasonable and the serves of Pasta are a good size. The pizzas are known for their thin crispy crust and a good amount of toppings but not too much that it overloads the pizza. My favorites are the salmon pizza, the ravioli with sage butter. Friends have enjoyed the capricossa pizza and diavola pasta (you need to ask for this one as it's not on the menu but still available). Service can be slow depending on how busy the kitchen is and sometimes the queue is long. No bookings so if you're going on a Friday or Saturday night or other busy time like public holidays allow waiting time of between 15 to 45 minutes (have someone queue up in advance for you!)

Approximate cost: $20

This place has revamped the menu a bit so that there are some new menu items (such as a roast chicken offering). It's a great place to load up on carbs after an intensive round at the gym or swim at the pool. One of the better offerings now is to provide a low GI Sweet Potato option instead of a regular potato. This will control the hunger pangs after that workout in the gym or the pool!

Approximate cost: $10

Part of the Groove Train chain of restaurants, there is a great range of food ranging from Pastas, Pizzas to steaks and even some Asian Fare. Serving sizes are generous and I guarantee enough to make most people full! My favorite here is the Club sandwich with fries/chips. Great for when you want to indulge a bit for lunch but not break the bank.

Approximate cost: $15

Nestled next door to Melbourne's GPO is a sidewalk style restaurant called Ca De Vin. I've been here a few times and my favorite is the salmon Pizza. The price and quality are good with good service. It's a great place to catch a quick bite or to sit back and relax, watching people go by.

Approximate cost: $20

A New York Style Bar and Grill, this restaurant offers great steaks and seafood.

A large range of steaks are on offer with different cuts and sauces to mix and match to your preference and a full range of sauces are also on offer (about six different types of mustard, tomato sauce, ketchup etc).

Apart from that there's a good range of other meats and seafood to enjoy from duck, kangaroo and ribs to fish, seafood platters and crayfish.

All items are freshly cooked (the steak did take some time because I like medium to well done) however everything comes out at the same time so you don't have some people eating whilst others are waiting.

The decor of the place is as if you were in New York at a high class grill. There is music/entertainment on Saturday evenings if you like to hear someone sing whilst you have dinner too!

Approximate cost: $60

This restaurant provides a great selection that showcases Australian produce. The menu changes from time to time depending on availability. My favorites at this restaurant are the steaks which come from different farms around Australia. Match this with the hand cut chips and a serve of salad and Steak and veg isn't just steak and veg anymore!!

If you prefer seafood, the Moreton Bay Bugs or Whiting (when available are a great choice) as is the Crayfish (although a bit pricey).

Service is always friendly and helpful, and during Summer sit outside and enjoy the passing crowds walking along the Yarra.

This restaurant is part of a group that accepts the Entertainment card so you can almost halve the cost of the meal and enjoy some really fine dining.

Approximate cost: $50

Okay, so Melbourne lacks an Adriano Zumbo cake shop... or does it?

Enter Lux Bite - a cake shop with an exquisite range of high quality cakes, macaroons, coffees, teas, croissants and the list goes on.

I got some cakes and macaroons from there and I can guarantee you that it gives Adriano Zumbo's macaroons a run for their money. With flavors such as Kaya (Coconut Jam), Pandan, Green Tea and Pistachio and Bamboo oolong tea you won't see these in Sydney! For me however it was the cakes that are the star attraction. The Epic Chocolate Craving and Caramel Cravings are the two I really liked - dense and thick strong chocolate and caramel flavors shone through and was a small piece of heaven! Contrast that with the Stoned Meringue Monster with its light and fluffy centre and melt in the mouth meringue exterior and you have the difference between heaven and... well, you get the idea!

Prices are much higher than my other favourite - Brunettti's but it does offer something different. Macaroons run around $3 per piece depending on how many you want and cakes run between $8 to $10.

Approximate cost: $10

We purchased our Subaru from this dealer and they have looked after it ever since.

Sadly they are no longer able to sell new Subarus. However the servicing department remains and the manager has been there for over 15 years, is very knowledgeable about these cars. Subarus are not something you would trust to your regular mechanic - you need someone who understands how boxer engines work - they're not your normal engine!

They also are the largest Subaru Spare parts retailer/wholesaler in Australia - so if you need a part, check with them first!

Average servicing cost for my trusty old Subaru runs around $200.

Most Subaru owners tend to be pretty loyal to the brand, and the cars are made to last!

Approximate cost: $200

The little brother of the high class dining restaurant Ocha in Kew, this restaurant provides a more casual and relaxed dining atmosphere. The menu is very similar to the Ocha, with a more limited menu. Start with some entrees such as Karraage - fried chicken pieces, Gyoza (Japanese pan fried dim sum) or some sushi a la carte. Then try one of the meals which comes with a main and soup. Follow it up by some ice cream or other dessert! Some notable dishes include the Salmon Tartare (shredded salmon with nori strips, avocado and wasabi on the side on rice), Unagi (grilled eel) on rice and Crunch prawn balls with green tea.

Service is good - orders are accurately taken and come out in a relatively short time. It's made so you pay for the meal, then help yourself to the cutlery and bowls and wait for the dishes to be served by the waitress.

Approximate cost: $18