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Seven Star Pocha, Melbourne CBD

Paul
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0
Seven Star Pocha, Melbourne CBD

MELBOURNE | Seven Star Pocha is a laneway Korean restaurant in Melbourne’s CBD that will transport you to the streets of Seoul. I recently visited for What’s On Melbourne to see what it was all about. “Pocha” is short for “Pojangmacha”, and translates to English as “covered wagon”. It refers to the small tented carts and stalls in Korea popular for serving quick, affordable, and delicious bites and drinks.

Seven Star Pocha aims to capture the spirit of a Pocha, and from its laneway location to its interior fitout you feel like you’ve been whisked out of Melbourne, into the heart of Seoul. The bustling restaurant has a no bookings policy, but tables turn over fast enough that you’re never waiting too long for a table.

A great fitout and bustling vibe is nothing without great food to go with it, and on that, Seven Star Pocha passes the test. The menu is diverse, with something for all tastes and budgets. Start with quick to the table favourites like teokbokki (cheesy Korean rice cake), spicy chicken feet, and Korean fried chicken with a variety of toppings (try the creamy onion option).

The food here is designed to share, and take-away containers are available if you over-order. Several varieties of army stew are available (go for the spam version), along with an assortment of other stews. Served bubbling on a hot-pot, they’re a great option for sharing with friends.

For fans of seafood, there’s and assortment of kimbap (A Korean dish similar to sushi) and hoe (raw dishes, not just seafood), similar to sashimi. Seafood is of the highest quality, and is super fresh. For something raw but not seafood, the yukhoe is a must.

Similar to beef tartare in the West, or Levantine kibbeh nayeh, the version at Seven Star Pocha is the classic one. Lean strips of sliced beef, seasoned with salt, sugar, sesame oil, pepper, and garlic, and generally served with Korean pear, raw egg yolk, and pine nuts.

To drink, it’s Korean beer, soju, makgeolli, and Korean sodas. Try the “Yogurt Soju”. It’s a blend of Yakult, soju, and Chilsung cider (a Korean soda similar to Sprite) that has a unique flavour that you can’t stop drinking.

Seven Star Pocha

Healeys Lane
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia

Telephone: (03) 9670 8889
E-mail: [email protected]
Website

Open
Sun – Tue: 5:00pm to 12:00am
Wed: 12:00am to 12:00pm; 5:00pm to 12:00am
Fri – Suat: 5:00pm to 1:00am

Food Factory @ UWS, Melbourne CBD

Paul
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0
Food Factory @ UWS, Melbourne CBD

MELBOURNE | Food Factory @ UWS is a Cantonese eatery from the team behind contemporary Cantonese stalwart Crystal Jade, that I recently visited for What’s On Melbourne. Food Factory takes are more casual approach to things, both with the space, and on the menu. It’s inspired by the classic cafe and street food dishes of Hong Kong, serving up no-nonsense versions of these dishes.

Look towards the window separating the kitchen from the dining space, and you’ll see assorted roast meats hanging from hooks, the fat glistening against the light. As you’d expect, these meats can be ordered solo or in a variety of dishes. Roast duck and crispy pork with rice and greens, char sui, and BBQ pork ribs are all on the menu.

There’s favourites like deep fried pork chop and rice, braised beef tendon and brisket on rice, and hearty soy mixed offal (brisket, tripes, lungs, bladder and tendons), with rice. It’s traditional, comforting, and delicious.

If rice isn’t what you’re feeling, there’s things like dry and soup prawn dumpling noodles; house made fish ball noodle soup; and chicken hot pot, served with soy marinated pieces of chicken, youtiao (Chinese doughnuts), greens and chilli.

For dessert, or even as a breakfast/brunch option, there’s a lot to choose from too. Gooey lava French toast; Hong Kong egg waffles; and pineapple buns with butter or ham, egg, and tomato.

To round things off, the drinks list is filled with more classic options. Hong Kong style milk tea, traditional and with assorted flavours like durian and chrysanthemum are on offer, along with things like Milo Dinosaur, cheesy jasmine tea, and Hong Kong style coffee.

Food Factory @ UWS

409-411/33 Rose Lane
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia

Telephone: (03) 9133 5717
E-mail: n/a
Website

Open
Mon, Wed – Fri: 11:00am to 3:00pm; 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Sat – Sun: 12:00pm to 9:30pm

Kenangan, Melbourne CBD

Paul
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0
Kenangan, Melbourne CBD

MELBOURNE | Kenangan is an Indonesian restaurant at Queen Victoria Market. By day the space is home to katsu cafe Meet Sando. It’s during the evenings when owner and head chef Nicholas Liu switches the concept to deep dive into the home-style dishes of his Indonesia heritage. I first discovered the restaurant during lockdown, and visited again recently for What’s On Melbourne.

Rather than focusing on a specific region of Indonesia, the menu at Kenangan draws inspiration from the popular comfort dishes of the entire country. Five different types of sambal are available, for example, including the lesser known (in Australia, that is) sambal balado that’s found in West Sumatra’s Padang cuisine.

A great starting point if you want to try a bit of everything is the Balinese style nasi campur. This dish gets you Balinese mixed rice with shredded Plecing chicken, urap (Balinese side salad), Sambal Matah, an omlette, and crispy chicken skin. It’s an exciting medley of textures and flavours, with vibrant sweet, sour, salty, savoury, and umami notes.

Satay is another highlight here, with the sweet peanut grilled chicken sate ayam, chilli sate grilled chicken plecing, and minced chicken sate lilit providing a great trio that shows why the familiar peanut satay is great, while highlighting how satay is about much more than that.

There’s quality versions of popular dishes like beef rendang and nasi goreng, along with lesser known things like Soto Madura, a yellow beef and tripe soup served with vegetables and a side of chillies; and the wonderful Iga Bakar Kecap. The latter is a fall off the bone tender grilled beef rib with a sweet soy sauce glaze. It’s served with steamed rice, a side salad, and your choice of sambal.

To drink, it’s Indonesian drinks like es kelapa (iced coconut drink with coconut chunks), es cincau (iced grass jelly drink), and soda gemibra (a tasty mixture of carbonated water, condensed milk, syrup and ice).

Kenangan

507 Elizabeth Street
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia

Telephone: (03) 9328 3213
E-mail: n/a
Website

Open
Tue – Sat: 5:00pm to 9:00pm

Flying Jetstar Economy Class From Singapore To Melbourne

Paul
-
0
Flying Jetstar Economy Class From Singapore To Melbourne

TRAVEL | Jetstar operates daily flights between Singapore and Melbourne. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (“Dreamliner”) is currently used on the route, and travellers can choose between Economy and Business Class.

Check In

Online check-in is not available for international Jetstar flights to or from Australia. Unfortunately the only option is to line up at the check in counter and wait for a staff member to check you in, even if you only have carry on luggage. The process at the counter itself is straight forward, but with everyone on the flight having to join the one line, many of whom have bags to check in, it can take a while to move through.

Luggage

When flying international with Jetstar Economy, your checked luggage allowance will depend on your fare. On the basic Economy Starter fare you can purchase between 15-40kg of checked luggage allowance in 5kg increments. A Plus bundle gets you 20kg with the option to purchase up to 20kg more, and the Max bundle gets you 30kg with an option to purchase up to 10kg more. For carry-on it’s one main plus one small bag up to 7kg total, with an option to purchase and additional 7kg.

Service

I had no complaints about the service of the staff at all stages of my flight experience. Staff were friendly and helpful, but not overbearing.

Cabin

The Jetstar Economy cabin on the Dreamliner that flies from Singapore to Melbourne features 314 seats, in a 3-3-3 layout. There are enough flight attendants around so getting the attention of someone should you need assistance isn’t an issue. Colour wise it’s orange, and varying tones of grey, in line with Jetstar’s branding. When it comes to cleanliness, everything nice and clean.

Seat

The leather seat has dimensions of about 76cm x 43cm, on the smaller end of the scale but in line with what you find on most low cost airlines flying this sort of distance. Like any economy seat, it doesn’t recline that far back. There’s an adjustable cushioned headrest which is handy when you want to get some sleep, and not often found on low cost carriers.

There are small armrests, and a leather pocket sleeve at the back of the seat in front to place a few things. There’s not much space to get work done with the tray down if you’ve got a laptop, but for a tablet sized device it’s possible to get some productive stuff done.

There’s a USB port for charging devices, and a power outlet (two for each bank of three seats) but do be aware that the power provided is at USA power standards of 110V AC 60 cycles (Hz), not Australian power standards of 220V AC 50 cycles (Hz).

I opted to upgrade to an exit row seat, which gets you a considerable increase in legroom, plus room to stand and stretch without bothering anyone, for AUD$38. With this flight being the red-eye, leaving Singapore at night and arriving in Melbourne the next morning, the extra space makes a big difference when it comes to getting in some comfy sleep.

Entertainment

Unlike a lot of low cost carriers, Jetstar’s Economy seats do have seat back screens (22.9cm), however to make use of the entertainment you’ll have to pay AUD$10 to access it. Entertainment is also included with some of the fare bundles that you can pre-purchase before your flight.

There’s a general selection of the latest movies and TV shows from the USA, Japan and elsewhere, plus music and a few radio stations and podcasts. The radio stations are free and don’t require the entertainment bundle. I opted to load my iPad with a few games and movies rather than pay for entertainment so can’t speak to the quality of the headphones that come with the entertainment bundle.

Food

Food isn’t included with Jetstar’s base Starter fares, but you can pre-purchase a meal, or choose from the on-board menu. If you add one of the bundles to your fare you’ll generally get a meal or meal voucher included. Food options include things like salads and sandwiches, noodle bowls and a variety of snacks and drinks – alcoholic and non-alcoholic. If you choose to pre-purchase the options are similar to what you find in Qantas economy.

Having flown Jetstar internationally several times over the years, I find that the chicken wrap is the best way to go versus any of the cooked options on offer.

Amenities

No amenities are included with the base Starter fare but you can pre-purchase an ‘international chill kit’ for $25. It includes an eye mask, earplugs, inflatable pillow, socks, lip balm, hand cream, wet-wipe, pen, and blanket.

Verdict

Overall I enjoyed my Jetstar flight from Singapore to Melbourne. When I purchase a seat on a low cost carrier the main thing I’m looking for is a good flight price, friendly service and a comfortable seat. All of the other extras I can live without. As far as international low cost Economy cabin flights go, Jetstar’s 788 offering delivers on all these metrics.

Alien & Coco, Melbourne CBD

Paul
-
0
Alien & Coco, Melbourne CBD

MELBOURNE | Alien & Coco is a hole in the wall Korean-inspired cafe hidden down a Melbourne city laneway. I recently visited for What’s On Melbourne to find out more.

The venue was started by TikTok sensation Rustam Raziev, who went viral for his selfless acts of kindness, offering to pay for the groceries of others, and just generally help people out. Korean is one of Rustam’s favourite cuisines, so when he decided to open his own venue, he wanted it to be Korean influenced.

The menu is small. A selection of sandwiches, desserts, and quality coffee. The tuna melt, sizzling beef bulgogi cheese steak, and kimchi cheese toastie are already crowd favourites.

To drink, there’s traditional and alternative lattes, along with a few juices and other Korean drinks. Try the unique jolly pong (a popular puffed Korean wheat cereal) topped latte for something different.

Alien & Coco

4/111 Hardware Street
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia

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

Open
Mon – Fri: 7:30am to 3:00pm
Sat – Sun: 8:00am to 3:00pm

Flying Jetstar Economy Class From Melbourne To Singapore

Paul
-
0
Flying Jetstar Economy Class From Melbourne To Singapore

TRAVEL | Jetstar operates daily flights between Melbourne and Singapore. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (“Dreamliner”) is currently used on the route, and travellers can choose between Economy and Business Class.

Check In

Online check-in is not available for international Jetstar flights to or from Australia. Unfortunately the only option is to line up at the check in counter and wait for a staff member to check you in, even if you only have carry on luggage. The process at the counter itself is straight forward, but with everyone on the flight having to join the one line, many of whom have bags to check in, it can take a while to move through.

Luggage

When flying international with Jetstar Economy, your checked luggage allowance will depend on your fare. On the basic Economy Starter fare you can purchase between 15-40kg of checked luggage allowance in 5kg increments. A Plus bundle gets you 20kg with the option to purchase up to 20kg more, and the Max bundle gets you 30kg with an option to purchase up to 10kg more. For carry-on it’s one main plus one small bag up to 7kg total, with an option to purchase and additional 7kg.

Service

I had no complaints about the service of the staff at all stages of my flight experience. Staff were friendly and helpful, but not overbearing.

Cabin

The Jetstar Economy cabin on the Dreamliner that flies from Melbourne to Singapore features 314 seats, in a 3-3-3 layout. There are enough flight attendants around so getting the attention of someone should you need assistance isn’t an issue. Colour wise it’s orange, and varying tones of grey, in line with Jetstar’s branding. When it comes to cleanliness, everything nice and clean.

Seat

The leather seat has dimensions of about 76cm x 43cm, on the smaller end of the scale but in line with what you find on most low cost airlines flying this sort of distance. Like any economy seat, it doesn’t recline that far back. There’s an adjustable cushioned headrest which is handy when you want to get some sleep, and not often found on low cost carriers.

There are small armrests, and a leather pocket sleeve at the back of the seat in front to place a few things. There’s not much space to get work done with the tray down if you’ve got a laptop, but for a tablet sized device it’s possible to get some productive stuff done.

There’s a USB port for charging devices, and a power outlet (two for each bank of three seats) but do be aware that the power provided is at USA power standards of 110V AC 60 cycles (Hz), not Australian power standards of 220V AC 50 cycles (Hz).

I opted to upgrade to an exit row seat, which gets you a considerable increase in legroom, plus room to stand and stretch without bothering anyone, for AUD$38.

Entertainment

Unlike a lot of low cost carriers, Jetstar’s Economy seats do have seat back screens (22.9cm), however to make use of the entertainment you’ll have to pay AUD$10 to access it. Entertainment is also included with some of the fare bundles that you can pre-purchase before your flight.

There’s a general selection of the latest movies and TV shows from the USA, Japan and elsewhere, plus music and a few radio stations and podcasts. The radio stations are free and don’t require the entertainment bundle. I opted to load my iPad with a few games and movies rather than pay for entertainment so can’t speak to the quality of the headphones that come with the entertainment bundle.

Food

Food isn’t included with Jetstar’s base Starter fares, but you can pre-purchase a meal, or choose from the on-board menu. If you add one of the bundles to your fare you’ll generally get a meal or meal voucher included. Food options include things like salads and sandwiches, noodle bowls and a variety of snacks and drinks – alcoholic and non-alcoholic. If you choose to pre-purchase the options are similar to what you find in Qantas economy.

Having flown Jetstar internationally several times over the years, I find that the chicken wrap is the best way to go versus any of the cooked options on offer.

Amenities

No amenities are included with the base Starter fare but you can pre-purchase an ‘international chill kit’ for $25. It includes an eye mask, earplugs, inflatable pillow, socks, lip balm, hand cream, wet-wipe, pen, and blanket.

Verdict

Overall I enjoyed my Jetstar flight from Melbourne to Singapore. When I purchase a seat on a low cost carrier the main thing I’m looking for is a good flight price, friendly service and a comfortable seat. All of the other extras I can live without. As far as international low cost Economy cabin flights go, Jetstar’s 788 offering delivers on all these metrics.

Beku Gelato, Carlton

Paul
-
0
Beku Gelato, Carlton

MELBOURNE | Beku Gelato is one of my favourite spots for Gelato in Melbourne. I was saddened when I learned that the original Brunswick spot was closing down, but that feeling didn’t last for long when I discovered that it was reopening up the road in Carlton. I recently visited the new location for What’s On Melbourne.

Beku is owned by Agusta Triwahyu, a qualified engineer who gave up her career to move to Rome and learn how to make gelato. Agusta’s gelato draws upon her Indonesian heritage to create gelato with a twist. There’s classic flavours on the menu (try the chocolate, and Turkish delight), but the main reason to come to Beku is for the Indonesian inspired creations.

There’s a core range of flavours and a few rotating tubs so you never know exactly what you might find. Only the best quality, real fruits and ingredients are used, and it shows. The teh tarik flavour is a favourite of mine, and a must try. Other great choices include things like cendol, calamansi gelato, and coconut sorbet with generous chunks of jackfruit.

Durian is one of the signature flavours that you must try. It’s a divisive fruit, beloved by many and reviled by others. If you’re on the fence, I encourage you to try it here. Durian is infused into the gelato in a way that draws out its sweet and fragrant aspects, in a quite mild yet definitely noticeable way. You might just be converted.

Along with gelato, there’s drinks like teh tarik, the tamarind turmeric kunyit asam, and kopsugren (cold drip coffee with fresh milk and coconut sugar).

Beku Gelato

150 Lygon Street
Carlton
Victoria 3053
Australia

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

Open
Mon – Thu: 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Fri – Sat: 12:30pm to 11:00pm
Sun: 12:30pm to 10:00pm

Running With Thieves, South Fremantle

Paul
-
0
Running With Thieves, South Fremantle

PERTH | Running With Thieves is a South Fremantle craft brewery and distillery that’s fast become a reason in its own right to visit this part of town, just outside of Fremantle’s city centre.

Brooklyn Whelan had the idea to create an apparel label while on a flight back from Tokyo a few years back. He teamed up with his mates Scott Douglas (who built Black Brewing in Margaret River) and designer Pablo Frenkel, and soon the idea grew into not just apparel, but beer and spirits.

The former wool store has high ceilings and open windows facing the Indian Ocean, making the most of the Fremantle Doctor in the evening. It’s a very spacious venue. Long wooden high tables, big screens for when the footy is on, a 30 metre long bar, and capacity for 300 punters. Behind the bar you can see the brewing and distilling equipment on full display, and to the side, rows of stacked oak barrels holding whiskey that’s being aged.

Across the bar’s taps you’ll find Running With Theives’ 10 core range beers, plus a rotating selection of seasonal and limited brews. There are four set tasting paddles, but the bar staff are happy for you to have a try of anything. If you ask nicely, they’ll happily swap out something on one of the set paddles with something else of your choice.

Try their 6.2% ABV West Coast IPA, and the 5.6% ABV Hazy Pale. The former is dank with notes of grapefruit, orange, passionfruit, and pine. The latter is smooth, with flavours of orange, peach, mandarin, and mango.

On the spirits side, it’s house gin and vodkas, the former of which you can enjoy a tasting paddle. The spirits are also used, along with other local spirits, in a selection of tasty cocktails, classic and house creations. There’s also seltzer and seltzer cocktails, and a mostly Western Australian wine list.

The food menu is broadly Asian inspired, with a definite Japanese influence. It’s all food that’s designed to share and go well with beer, and uses locally sourced produce where possible. Think char sui pork belly bao, prawn and garlic chive potsticker dumplings, and Japanese fried chicken tenders.

If you’re interested in a brewery and distillery tour, you can book online. They’re held regularly each week. If you want merch or some beer, spirits, or bottled cocktails for home, there’s a dedicated retail section to the side.

Running With Thieves

218 Marine Terrace
South Fremantle
Western Australia 6162
Australia

Telephone: n/a
E-mail: [email protected]
Website

Open
Tue – Thu: 11:30am to 9:00pm
Fri – Sat: 11:00am to 10:00pm
Sun: 11:00am to 9:00pm

Nico’s Sandwich Deli, Melbourne CBD

Paul
-
0
Nico’s Sandwich Deli, Melbourne CBD

MELBOURNE | I recently visited Nico’s Sandwich Deli, one of the city’s best sandwich shops, for What’s On Melbourne. I’ve told you about their Fitzroy and Brunswick East locations before, but this is the first time I’ve visited the CBD location.

Some of the best sandwiches in town, made fresh to order, using the best quality local ingredients. It’s that simple. The place is tiny, barely a few square meters down a laneway, with a few tables and stools out front. The small size means the menu is a bit more limited than at the other two locations, but there’s still a lot of variety, and all of the classics are there. It gets busy with lines during lunch, but service is cheerful and efficient, and you don’t have to wait long for your sandwich.

If you want a melt, try the ‘Ox Tail’. Sherry and red wine braised ox tail, beef cheek, American mustard, Taleggio Swiss cheese, pickled fennel, sesame, Koji chimichurri on toasted sourdough. It’s so good. For something lighter, grab a ‘Nico’s Deli’. Hot sopressa, prosciutto, mortadella, smoked ham, cucumber, butter lettuce, fresh tomato, red onion, sesame silken tofu dressing, sprouts, farm aged cheddar, dill pickles, Kewpie, Koji chimichurri on fresh sourdough. It’s ace.

Nico’s Sandwich Deli (CBD)

Healeys Lane
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia

Telephone: (03) 9670 4517
E-mail: n/a
Website

Open
Mon – Fri: 7:00am to 2:00pm

Basement Cafe, Melbourne CBD (Closed)

Paul
-
0
Basement Cafe, Melbourne CBD (Closed)

*Basement Café is now called CEREE, and has moved to Spring Street.

MELBOURNE | I recently visited small CBD café Basement Cafe for What’s On Melbourne. The cafe has been popular with local residents and workers for many years, known for its casual ambience, eclectic music, and quality, reliable, classic Australian brunch dishes. When current owners, brothers Elbert and Abi Estanpador took over, just before the pandemic, they didn’t change things up too much. It held them in good stead through the pandemic, selling familiar take away options to the construction workers who were still allowed to work in the city during lockdown.

As restrictions eased, the brothers started to change things up. They kept the tried and true favourites on the menu, but leaned into their heritage and introduced some Filipino breakfast options. They were a hit. Not just with Filipino customers, but others too. Today, the menu at Basement Cafe consists of a mixture of Filipino and classic Australian options for breakfast and lunch, with the Filipino section expanding beyond the initial few breakfast dishes.

The main attraction is their ‘silog’ meals. Essentially garlic rice, a meat of your choice, a fried egg, atsara (sweet pickled papaya), cucumber, and tomato. The longsilog, featuring longganisa (sweet sausage), is a highlight.

Other dishes include things like Filipino spaghetti, pancit palabok, menudo, and pancit guisado. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, there’s options like taho, halo-halo, leche flan, and ube muffins. The silog breakfasts are a regular feature and the other dishes rotate through the menu as specials. Whatever is on offer when you visit, you won’t be disappointed.

Oh, the coffee is great too, and they’re licensed if you feel like an alcoholic drink.

Basement Cafe

43/350 LaTrobe Street
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia

Telephone: (03) 9329 8000
E-mail: [email protected]
Website

Open
Mon – Fri: 6:00am to 4:00pm
Sat – Sun: 8:30am to 3:00pm

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