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Trouble In Dreams, Footscray

Paul
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Trouble In Dreams, Footscray

MELBOURNE | Trouble In Dreams is a Footscray cocktail bar by Aaron Donato (Bar Josephine, Pie Thief) and Chad Parkhill (Eydie’s, Heartattack and Vine). It’s a low lit space, small and cosy with a speakeasy vibe. Dotted across the walls are artworks by local artist Jess Wilson. The theme of the artwork? “Boozy tarot surrealist”. It’s a vibe.

The focus Trouble In Dreams is on cocktails. It’s an impressive menu, featuring classics, house creations, and drinks inspired by cocktails from some of Aaron and Chad’s favourite cocktail bars around the world.

The list rotates regularly. On any given day you might see a drink like “Something Called a Pineapple”, which blends Plantation ‘‘’Stiggins’s Fancy’’’ pineapple rum, Amer Picon, cream sherry, mace, cinnamon, and aromatic bitters; or “Pisco Fig Smash”, a combination of pisco, fresh figs, yellow Chartreuse, lemon and lime juice, and orange bitters.

If you’re not feeling like a cocktail, there’s a tight list of mostly minimal intervention wines, all available by the glass thanks to the venue’s Coravin system. There’s also cheese, charcuterie, and a few other nibbles to satisfy any pangs of hunger you might have.

Trouble In Dreams

297 Barkly Street
Footscray
Victoria 3011
Australia

Telephone: 0431 711 442
E-mail: [email protected]
Website

Open
Wed – Sun: 5:00pm to 1:00am

Lickety Split, Footscray

Paul
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0
Lickety Split, Footscray

MELBOURNE | Lickety Split is a semi open-air bar from Jerome Borazio, of Laneway Festival, Back Alley Sally’s and many more of Melbourne’s iconic bars and events from years gone by. Located behind Back Alley Sally’s, Lickety Split is split into multiple connected sections. There’s a few covered and uncovered bars, and a bicycle repair shop.

The venue is dog and child friendly, and it a popular spot with local families looking for a chill vibe to enjoy themselves.

To drink, it’s a selection of Aussie beer and wine, and cocktails. For food, it’s pizzas from sister venue Slice Girls West, along with pasta, a few share plates and sides, and dessert.

Before you leave, be sure to check out adjoining Harry and Larry’s General Store. Their slogan “Not Too Fancy but Better Than You Think”, sums up what they do well. The kind of pantry and household items you expect to find at a general store, but with a quality, independent, local focus.

Lickety Split

30-40 Moreland Street
Footscray
Victoria 3011
Australia

Telephone: (03) 9041 6400
E-mail: [email protected]
Website

Open
Thu: 4:30pm to 10:00pm
Fri: 12:30pm to 10:00pm
Sat: 12:00pm to 10:00pm
Sun: 12:00pm to 9:00pm

Hong Dae, Melbourne CBD

Paul
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0
Hong Dae, Melbourne CBD

MELBOURNE | Whenever I’m invited to a venue, I do a bit of research to determine whether it’s a place that I’m interested, or indeed already on my list of places that I want to check. If it looks good, if I’d spend my own money there regardless, and if I have the capacity to squeeze it into my schedule, I’ll accept the invite.

Hong Dae is a place that I was invited to recently that there’s almost no information about online. Their social media is full of tasty looking Korean food, but searching for a menu, descriptions of more than a few dishes, and any kind of background info turns up blanks.

It’s easy to forget that for many small, family-run restaurants, this is the case. They don’t have the time to spend on PR and marketing, and maintaining a restaurant, and many of the owners don’t have a desire to have their name and story written about all over the place. There’s something to be said about anonymity, and letting the experience and food do the talking.

And so it is at Hong Dae, when I asked the owner, who I met on the night I dined, what he wanted people to know about his restaurant. The answer a simple one, that ticks a lot of boxes. Big servings, quality ingredients, a large variety of favourites and things you don’t see at other Korean restaurants in Melbourne, and reasonable prices. All topped off with great customer service.

Hong Dae is named after a neighbourhood in Seoul, near Hongik University, which is known for its arts school. As you’d expect, this has resulted in the neighbourhood being a youthful, vibrant place, with plenty of street art, live music venues, and independent shops and stalls.

The food at Hong Dae, the restaurant, is a reflection of what you might expect to eat if you’re in Hong Dae the neighbourhood, out with friends, after a day of classes or a live music gig. It’s focused around platters, available in two sizes, with your choice of original, pork, chicken, or seafood.

I opted for the original, which gets you an eclectic selection of bites. There’s bossam (thinly sliced, boiled pork belly), spicy grilled chicken, fried chicken, fried squid, garlic bread, fries, chicken nuggets, takoyaki, kimchi, salad, grilled prawns, cheese kransky, spicy seafood soup, and dipping sauces. It’s a selection that seems confusing at first, but makes sense in context. Importantly, it’s all tasty.

Supplementing the platters are an assortment of things. I went for the kimchi jeon (pancake), the new-to-the-menu volcano mala pork belly soup, and bingsu. Why’s there malatang at a Korean restaurant? Again, it’s a matter of context. Sichuan-style malatang has become very popular in South Korea in recent years, and you can easily find it in trendy neighbourhoods like Hong Dae.

To drink, it’s Korean sodas, cocktails, and beers, and an assortment of soju. Try “Jinro Is Back”, a smoother, less alcoholic version of one of Korea’s most popular soju, Jinro Chamisul (which is also on the menu).

Hong Dae

100 Little Lonsdale Street
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia

Telephone: 0493 541 320
E-mail: n/a
Website

Open
Mon – Sun: 5:30pm to 1:30am

Colombo Social, Enmore

Paul
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0
Colombo Social, Enmore

SYDNEY | Colombo Social is a social enterprise restaurant in Enmore from Plate It Forward. The team serve up tasty traditional and contemporary Sri Lankan dishes and drinks, inspired by head chef Chamara Pathiranage’s Amma’s (mum’s) home cooking, and Australia’s bounty of fresh produce.

The restaurant provides front of house and kitchen roles to recently-arrived asylum seekers, giving them employment, practical experience and training. There’s a heart and passion at Colombo Social that’s evident from the warm service you receive as soon as you walk through the door.

The menu is broadly split into two sections. There’s the traditional dishes, and the contemporary ones which are more Sri Lankan spins on Australian favourites, versus Aussie spins on Sri Lankan favourites. I popped in for some snacks with friends, and we ordered a selection of share plates from the contemporary part of the menu.

Soft shell crab ‘tacos’, come in the form of taco-size roti topped with spiced deep fried soft shell crab, with papaya salsa, fried curry leaves, pol sambol, and spicy mayo. It’s fresh, zesty, and very tasty. Spicy beetroot and caramelised onion bahji, served with a cooling coconut yoghurt raita and a tangy date & lime pickle, are another delight.

Beef tartare, mixed with curry powder oil and celery mallung, served in an egg hopper, is another highlight. On the more traditional side of the menu, it’s things like chef Chamara’s mum’s dhal; rich, slow-cooked goat curry kottu, and aromatic village-style chicken red curry.

On the drinks menu, it’s Sir Lankan inspired cocktails like a smoky cinnamon infused arrack old fashioned, a condensed milk and nutmeg spiced espresso martini, and a gimlet infused with jackfruit and curry leaf. There’s also a small but diverse selection of spirits, beer, and wine, as well as numerous non-alcoholic options like mocktails and soda.

Colombo Social

159 Enmore Road
Enmore
New South Wales 2042
Australia

Telephone: (02) 9020 6366
E-mail: n/a
Website

Open
Wed: 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Tue – Fri: 5:00pm to 11:00pm
Sat: 12:00pm to 3:00pm, 5:00pm to 11:00pm
Sun: 12:00pm to 3:00pm, 5:00pm to 10:00pm

Caretaker’s Cottage, Melbourne CBD

Paul
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0
Caretaker’s Cottage, Melbourne CBD

MELBOURNE | Caretaker’s Cottage is a Melbourne CBD bar with a name that’s a literal reference to it’s space – a heritage listed 1914 cottage that used to be home to Wesley Place church caretaker.

The tiny bar (or pub if you will), from trio Rob Libecans, Ryan Noreiks and Matt Stirling, makes the best of the cottage’s heritage features to create a cosy, welcoming vibe. Whether you’re enjoying a drink inside, or out the front of the bar, chilling casually on the grass, the atmosphere is more casual house party rather than CBD bar. It also helps that Rob, Ryan, and Matt are super friendly, and make every effort to help guests feel at home.

Behind the bar you’ll find taps pouring Guinness and a rotating selection of Aussie craft beers. There’s a small but quality canned craft beer selection too. There’s a tight, interesting selection of wines available, along with a few classic and house cocktails. Try the “Original Pirate Material”, which blends applejack, whisky, cherry liqueur and absinthe.

Music is albums spinning on vinyl. If you’re hungry, it’s pies from Falco Bakery, smoked-trout dip with crackers, and Welsh rarebit.

Caretaker’s Cottage

139-141 Little Lonsdale Street
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia

Telephone: n/a
E-mail: n/a
Website

Open
Tue – Sat: 4:00pm to 1:00am

Jin Bar, Melbourne CBD

Paul
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0
Jin Bar, Melbourne CBD

MELBOURNE | Jin Bar is a Melbourne bar, part of the recently opened Dorsett Melbourne hotel. I was invited in to take a look, as part of a night that I spent staying at the hotel.

Jīn is the standard Chinese word for “gold”, with the bar taking inspiration from Victoria’s 1850s goldrush era. The décor references this with warm, golden lighting, and touches of gold woven throughout the bar’s colour scheme. Deep blues, and natural materials complete the look.

On the menu, it’s a showcase of Victorian producers, brewers, and distillers. There’s the bar’s signature cocktails, along with a selection of classics. Try the ‘Not So Old Fashioned’, featuring whiskey along with fig and cinnamon bitters, smoked at your table with hickory.

Beers and wines are mostly Victorian, with full bottles and numerous options available by the glass.

To eat, it’s small bites like house marinated Mornington olives, and cheese and charcuterie plates. There’s also hot items like parmesan chips, arancini, and Black Angus beef burger.

Jin Bar

615 Little Lonsdale Street
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia

Telephone: (03) 9123 4888
E-mail: n/a
Website

Open
Wed – Thu: 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Fri – Sun: 3:00pm to 10:00pm

Dorsett Melbourne, Melbourne CBD

Paul
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0
Dorsett Melbourne, Melbourne CBD

I stayed at Dorsett Melbourne as a guest of Dorsett Hospitality International.

MELBOURNE | Dorsett Melbourne is a newly opened Melbourne hotel, located at the fast growing western end of Melbourne’s CBD, just across from Southern Cross station. It joins numerous new places to work, eat, and drink in the area.

Location

This part of Melbourne’s CBD is unrecognisable from a decade ago, and it’s a great location. Southern Cross railway station, which will be your first port of call in Melbourne if you’re catching the SkyBus from the airport, is just across the road. You’re also just a few minutes walk from three tram stops, giving you access to tram routes 30, 35, 86, and 96. The latter is considered one of the world’s great tram routes. It gets you to many of Melbourne’s best attractions.

You’re in amongst what’s become Melbourne’s unofficial Koreatown, with lots of fantastic food options, and just a few minutes walk from Marvel Stadium and the Queen Victoria Market.

Rooms

The hotel has 316 room and suites. There are nine different types of room available, ranging from the 26 square metre Deluxe Diva Room, to the 93 square metre Balcony Suite. Dorsett Melbourne is a pet-friendly hotel, and offers a number of dedicated pet-friendly rooms.

All of the rooms come with a firm, comfortable king size bed or two double beds, and soft pillows. There’s a small working desk, large flat screen smart TVs with Chromecast, a mini fridge, Lavazza pod coffee maker, and tea kettle.

There’s free Wi-Fi in all rooms (and throughout the hotel), a hair dryer, and iron with ironing board. In the bathroom, you’ll find chic marble finishes, a regular and rain shower, and a bathtub in larger rooms. Toiletries are from ELEMIS.

Amenities

Dorsett Melbourne features a gym on the fifth level, kitted out with the latest TechnoGym equipment, weights, virtual personal trainers, and a sauna. It’s open daily from 6:00am until 10:00pm. There’s also a heated pool, open during the same time.

The hotel’s club lounge will be opening in June, and will give guests who have access, canapés and drinks during happy hour, and a number of other services.

If you’re looking to hold a business meeting or private function at the hotel, there are five meeting and event spaces. Each room can be configured in a variety of ways to suit your needs.

Eat & Drink

The hotel is home to two food and drink venues, Jin Bar, across from the lobby, and restaurant and breakfast space, Port Bistro.

Jin Bar draws inspiration from Victoria’s 1850s goldrush era, and is a great options for drinks and snacks. For breakfast, and a more substantial meal, Port Bistro offers a selection of classic dishes like burgers, steak, and fish ‘n’ chips, made using quality local produce.

Dorsett Melbourne

615 Little Lonsdale Street
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia

Telephone: (03) 9123 4888
E-mail: [email protected]
Website

Good Measure, Carlton

Paul
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0
Good Measure, Carlton

MELBOURNE | Good Measure is a Carlton café by day, bar by night, opened by friends Max Allison, Brandon Jo and Mitchell Miller, at the end of 2021. The trio, inspired by the neighbourhood bars of Japan, have worked at some of Melbourne’s top cafes and bars, and they’ve created a space that fits the brief wonderfully.

It’s bustling when I visit, filled with students from nearby RMIT and University of Melbourne, and people enjoying their start to the weekend. Service is friendly, and there’s a relaxed, neighbourhood vibe about the space. It’s simply fit-out. Warm lighting, lots of wood and WDF, and vintage furniture. To the side, there’s two record players spinning vinyl.

On the menu it’s filter and espresso coffee using Code Black beans. All of the classics, plus the Mont Blanc, which is easily the thing I see coming out more than anything else. It’s a coffee drink popular in South Korea, inspired by Austria’s Einspanner. Hot or cold filter coffee, slightly sweetened with dark brown sugar, topped with a thick, light layer of cream, and a sprinkle of nutmeg and orange rind. It’s well worth ordering, even if you’re not usually one to go for flavoured coffees.

To eat, it’s a selection of toasties made with Falco bread. Flavours like pastrami, egg and ramen, and chicken salad. There’s also a selection of cakes and pastries like cinnamon babka and matcha Basque cheesecake. A board displays all of the local artisans which provide the produce on offer.

At night, Good Measure switches into bar mode. The 21 features all of the drinks, helping to minimise waste. There’s a selection of local craft beer, Guinness, sake, house-made lemonade and a rotating selection of batched cocktails. Cocktails are spins on the classics like a matcha milk punch and Cherry Ripe old fashioned. To eat, it’s snack things like cheese, charcuterie, and pickles.

Good Measure

193 Lygon Street
Carlton
Victoria 3053
Australia

Telephone: n/a
E-mail: n/a
Website

Open
Mon – Wed: 7:30am to 3:30pm
Thu: 7:30am to 3:30pm; 5:00pm to 11:00pm
Fri – Sat: 7:30am to 3:30pm; 5:00pm to 1:00am
Sun: 7:30am to 3:30pm; 5:00pm to 11:00pm

Liminal, Melbourne CBD

Paul
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0
Liminal, Melbourne CBD

MELBOURNE | Liminal is a CBD café, located in the atrium of 161 Collins Street. It’s a multi-function space, serving as a relaxing spot for a sit down breakfast or lunch, grab-and-go takeaway venue, and cheese and wine shop. I last visited before the pandemic, and was recently invited in for a revisit.

It’s by Mulberry Group, founders of trend-setting cafes Top Paddock, The Kettle Black, and Higher Ground, and current owners of places like Lilac Wine, Hazel, and Dessous. With a pedigree like that, it’s not surprising that Liminal excels at what it sets out to acheive.

The space is warm and welcoming. An open kitchen and grab-and-go counter extends down one side, opening up to the building’s lobby on the other. Warm lighting, natural tones, and a mixture of stools, seats and tables, and plush leather armchairs, help with the multi-function nature of the space.

The menu is about quality over quantity. There’s selection of around eight sandwiches on offer at any given time, available throughout the day. In the morning, there’s around 10 dishes to choose from, switching over to around 6 more lunch focused choices after 11:00am. Coffee, filter and espresso-based, is fantastic.

For breakfast, it’s things like house made crumpets with salmon, pickled egg, and herb crème fraîche; Spanish sardines on toast with anchovy garlic butter, burnt tomato vinegar, and fresh tomatoes; and an egg and bacon roll. Lunch options include items like the signature hot chicken roll – a soft bun filled with rotisserie chicken, gravy, fried chicken skins, and a side of extra gravy; and a roast beetroot and pumpkin salad with mint, couscous, pickled baby beets, feta, and balsamic candied walnuts.

On the sandwich front, it’s hard to go past one of the most popular items on the menu, the Liminal Reuben on rye. There’s also a garlic and thyme mushroom toastie; and a chicken and avocado bagel.

At the grab-and-go counter you’ll find the full range of sandwiches, along with things like youghurt, fruit, and salad bowls. A tempting selection of sweet and savoury baked treats rounds things off, along with the retail fridges at the end. Inside the fridges, you’ll find about 200 bottles of wine to take home, as well as a quality assortment of cheese.

Liminal

161 Collins Street
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia

Telephone: (03) 9639 8264
E-mail: [email protected]
Website

Open
Mon – Fri: 8:00am to 2:00pm

El Sabor, North Melbourne

Paul
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0
El Sabor, North Melbourne

MELBOURNE | I recently visited North Melbourne Mexican restaurant El Sabor for What’s On Melbourne. It’s been around since 2013, with current owners Caesar Duran and Javier Calzada owning it since 2016.

Cesar and Javier hail from Mexico City, and were making tortillas in Melbourne when the opportunity to purchase the restaurant arose. They started their tortilla business as a result of not being able to find proper tortillas like they could back home, so expanding to a restaurant of their own, where they could sell the food that they grew up with an enjoyed, made sense.

It’s a small, restaurant, with a cosy local’s vibe and colourful décor. A long bar with stools on one side, booths on the other, and some outdoor tables. On the menu, you’ll find an assortment of favourites, using fresh local ingredients, and imported Mexican products where a suitable local equivalent isn’t available.

There favourites like tacos, burritos, and corn chips with dips, as well as things like slow cooked pork carnitas, beef sopes, flautas, and rich mole covered enchiladas. To drink, it’s Mexican and Australian beers, local wines, and a decent selection of tequila and mezcal. The classic margarita is a great option on the cocktail list, as is the mango twist on it.

El Sabor

500 Victoria Street
North Melbourne
Victoria 3051
Australia

Telephone: (03) 9329 9477
E-mail: [email protected]
Website

Open
Mon – Fri: 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Sat – Sun: 12:00pm to 9:00pm

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