Knowing what to expect is the key to dining in a place like Vlado's. Just like Stefan's, the menu is set and so is the price. The only selection is the kind of steak (wagyu, rump, eyefillet or porterhouse) you would like and whether you wanted ice-cream or pancake for dessert. The service is similar. Spartan as some would call it. Other than that, it is what it is. And what it is all about of course, is the steak. It is still one of the very best steaks around. Cooked to perfection on the custom made charcoal grill, it is just beautiful. Come here for anything else you will leave disappointed.

Approximate cost: $90-100

We love our ribs and this place do them well. Slow cooked for 8 hours, it is succulent and juicy. And the onion rings are also crispy and nice. Not as enamoured about the burgers though. And be prepared to queue as they do not take bookings. Moreover, you place your orders at the front before getting a number and waiting for your table. On Friday night, this meant the queue spilling out of the restaurant during peak times. However, if you are ok with all that, then this place is going to be one of my go-to places for good ribs.

Hydronic heating was playing up. Hub-Air made an appointment, showed up on time, root caused the issue and even though he did not have the spare part with him, someone actually ran it over to our place so that the repairs could be done on the spot. Incredible service! Would highly recommend them to anyone for their hydronic heating.

It was busy here when we popped in for Sunday lunch at the restaurant. Without a booking, we were fortunate to get a table. (Two or three birthday parties as well) Atmosphere is great (it used to be an old shed) and the food is even better. We had the Calamari and Squid ink linguine. However, the service lets it down. Took a while just for the water to arrive and then at the end, there was a queue at the cashier to pay. (I think a few tables got impatient waiting for the bill and then for their cards to be picked up.)

The coal-fired BBQ (instead of gas) here is absolutely delightful. It infuses the meat with a that chargrilled flavour that just makes your mouth water. And the kimchi stew is also delicious. Even though it was full when we dined here on Saturday night, the service was good and attentative (considering that they cook the meat for you on the BBQ). Located in the suburb of Surrey Hills, this is quite a find. Ideal for when you are looking for a good Korean meal.

Had Yum cha there last week and despite a reasonable service, the variety on offer is definitely lagging behind some other establishments. Although a suburban restaurant, there are some that are already a notch above. It is still busy though (which speaks to a loyal clientelle) and pays to make a booking if you do not want to be turned away at the door.

Gelato here is unbelievably good. Right up there. And although I have not tried the gelato cakes, they look amazing. Something to add to the bucket list. Only drawback is how busy it is (which is a reflection of the quality) and as such the queues can be a put off at times. It was pouring rain the night we went and even then, there were people waiting! Key here is be patient and you will be rewarded.

Last week after dining here, I am reminded how much I love a good steak and this place certainly makes sure you don't forget again in a while. Boasting a variety of cuts that are presented on a board (thankfully they've cut it down to a more manageable size for their staff to carry around), it is almost an education in itself on what is available. We tried two different cuts of blade steak that was aged differently and the difference in texture and taste was incredible. The price however reflects that and you should expect to fork out a lot more for the choicest of wagyu cuts. Value of course depends on how much a steaklover are you. But if you've had enough of scotch fillet and just want to try something different, this is the place for you.

Approximate cost: $50

We've been to Omah's a couple of times in the past and last weekend, we decided to drop in again with some friends. For some reason, I always find the insulation here a bit lacking and depending where you are seated, it can get a bit drafty. However, that is more than made up by the curries we had as they were wonderfully done with beautiful flavours. (chicken curry, assam fish curry and kangkong belachan) They are also one of the few places we know that can do a mean crab dish in a variety of ways. Together with a nicely presented setting, it is a good place to get a curry fix.

Approximate cost: $30

Ice cream here is on the pricier side but you know what, it tastes wickedly good! From interesting flavours like rosewater and blood orange to the yummy salted caramel and dulche de leche, the artisan side shines through. Its almost every tub is lovingly handmade.

Approximate cost: $10