Mr. Miyagi

JAPANESE FOOD. I have never come across anyone who did not enjoy eating Japanese food, and if they didn't... Mr. Miyagi is the place with the power of persuasion. Located on the bustling Chapel Street, Mr. Miyagi is ALWAYS BUSY. What's worse is that it's a 'no bookings/reservations' establishment (unless you're in a group of 6 or more, where you can book a booth in the back). So you have to wait and wait and wait, but I can guarantee that the wait is worth it. To my understanding, the menu has changed a little since my visit in November, but the dishes I tried below are still on there, so be sure to pay a visit. 

After seeing on Instagram the vibrant colours of the food and interesting looking cocktails, I went to Mr. Miyagi to celebrate a close girlfriends birthday. We went on a Wednesday night and waited just less than an hour. The front of house staff were not on their game and were not attentive during the whole waiting/seating process. We got comfortable on the seats at the bar (one of my favourite places to sit because you get to watch the magic happen) and my sour first impressions were overturned by the back of house and waiting staff - genuinely friendly, chatty and attentive. The venue itself is dark yet inviting, played catchy RNB tunes, was nicely decorated (with an Astroboy figurine on the bar) and had a wall full of wine bottles towards the back.

For starters we had the following cocktails - Hello Kitty Sour ($16.00) and Geisha's Blush ($14.00). I would recommend the Hello Kitty Sour for people who have a sweet tooth like me, it's a refreshing lychee flavour with citrus and egg white. The Geisha's Blush is a more acquired taste, as sake is not for everyone's tastebuds. The sake is mixed with cherry, lemon and orange blossom. One of the bar staff even gave us shots of Mandarin sake to try, it was delicious and really enhanced our eating experience as well. But let's get down to the food business. 

Nori Taco - $12.00 each ***A MUST ORDER DISH***

The Nori Taco is one of the highest Instagrammed taco that I have seen thus far... and for good reason. Whoever made up this creation is a culinary genius. They paired sushi rice, grilled Salmon belly, Jap mayo and then added a Mexican taco touch. It's crunchy on the outside, delectable all around and was the perfect size - not too small and not too big. I would have eaten 5 of these alone if I could.

Nigiri and Sashimi Combo (Small / 12 Piece) - $35.00

When we were seated at the bar, we watched all the gorgeous combo platters being made. Can we just take a moment to appreciate the presentation and colours on this dish? You can tell the care that was put into it. The combo was a mixture of salmon, kingfish and tuna. If you asked me which one is my favourite, I couldn't tell you as they were all equally fresh and delicious. 

Kingfish Ceviche - $18.00

This was not your usual kingfish ceviche dish as it's presented more like a salad, rather than individual Kingfish slices. It was super refreshing and had a different flavour and texture with every bite - with ingredients like grapefruit, cucumber, coconut panna cotta, red sorrel and ginger dressing. 

Miyagi Fried Chicken (MFC) - $14.00 for 6 pieces

Sorry for the terrible photo, it does not do justice to how delicious this was. I am a sucker for fried chicken and the way it tasted with the kewpie mayo was on point. With MFC you can either order 6 or 10 pieces, but be sure to save your stomach so that you get to try all the dishes Mr. Miyagi has to offer. 

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Mr. Miyagi

Address: 99 Chapel Street, Windsor VIC 3181

Contact: 03 9529 5999

Hours: Tues - Sun, 5pm to 11pm (CLOSED MONDAYS)

Price: $$$$

Website: http://www.mrmiyagi.com.au/

 

HOW DO I GET THERE?

1090 Burger

Melbourne has had an influx of food trucks over the past year, with 1090 Burger joining the party in December 2014. 1090 Burger started grilling 'In-And-Out' style burgers on Ruckers Hill, Northcote. I paid a visit to the infamous hill 5 weeks ago, and to my horror, the truck was not there!!! However, they have overturned my disappointment by blessing Swan Street, Richmond with a PERMANENT burger store. Talk about convenience! I'm really glad to see them expanding their brand, with Richmond being a central location.

Now... enough chitchat about the location... let's talk about what they serve at 1090. I ordered the classic "1090 Burger" and inhaled it within five minutes because it was simply delicious. Unfortunately the bun came out a bit cold but I was too distracted by the cheese melted on a succulent beef patty to really care too much about a cold bun. Salivating yet?

1090 Double - $12.50 AUD

This burger is so aesthetically pleasing and I can guarantee you that it tastes how it looks. This burger deserves a strong 8/10 rating which is generous for me considering how many burgers I have eaten this whole year. I would have given it a 10/10 had I ordered bacon with it. For all my VEGO friends... 1090 accommodate to you too with the Vegie Burger. 

I ordered the 1090 Burger (pictured below) and was happy with the price ($9.00AUD) which is cheap considering how fresh the produce is. Would you just at how juicy the cheese is??!!! The fries were fresh even though we got to the store at 8pm, and came with mayo or ketchup at no extra charge. Next time I'm going to try the onion rings for sure and I would recommend that you pay a visit if you haven't already!!! 

Also, I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who has inspired and encouraged me to start blogging about my eating experiences (again). I can't believe I haven't written a post since September 2014......... how time flies!!! I'll definitely start logging my heavy camera around again and continue to stop my friends and family from eating their food so I can take heaps of photos to share with you all! Stay tuned for more food posts, I'll endeavour to post a new one every week! Love ya, loyal readers xx

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1090 Burger
Address: Ruckers Hill, Northcote OR 181A Swan Street, Richmond
Contact: (03) 8529 3485
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am to 9pm (closed Sundays)
Price: $
Website: https://www.facebook.com/1090BURGER

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Cafe Cui

Eloquent words from the Hungry Cookie about eating in Footscray - "Upgrades to Footscray station, newsworthy Jam doughnuts and a prevalence of trendy cafes and gastropubs (Station Hotel!) means Footscray is steadily losing its ‘dodgy’ reputation. Who knows? Maybe some of our ‘precious’ east-sider friends will venture to the west for a taste *wink." 

Seddon and Yarraville are the main go-to spots for cafe style food in the Western suburbs, but Cafe Cui has proved itself to be a strong competitor. Located just seconds from the train and tram stop, the cafe is attractive to train and tram commuters with the exterior - inviting open windows and light brown timber, and the interior - small, modern and comfortable. The service is a bit slow which I was a bit annoyed about because it wasn't busy. The menu has so much variety, perfect for any cravings.

Cafe Cui's Mighty Breakfast (sourdough toast, veggies, eggs cooked your way, bacon and chipolata sausage) - $15.00

$15 for a big breakfast? What a bargain!!! Popular cafes in the CBD are charging at least $19 for the same thing. The portions are so generous as well, as you can tell from the photo above. The mushrooms were cut two large and the tomato was undercooked but for $15 I guess you can't really complain. The chipolata sausage was delicious and the eggs were poached well. 

The Lover-Lover Lobster Roll (lobster pieces in a sweet brioche roll, housemade mayo served with shoestring fries) - $19.00

The first time I had a lobster roll was Valentine's Day at Golden Fields. It was an unforgettable moment and we consequently had to order more. Golden Fields is no longer operating and has been replaced with Supernormal (I still haven't tried that place out yet) BUT NOW I am so happy a cafe in Footscray is serving it, with generous pieces of lobster too! I love the presentation with the chopping board, and personalised paper to serve the chips with. 10/10 rating from me.

I'm slowly getting better at these birds eye view photos! Practice makes perfect. I didn't order a coffee but they do Ca Phe Sua Da (Vietnamese Iced Coffee which is coffee with condensed milk). I smiled when I saw it on the menu, judging on the prominent Vietnamese location. Pay a visit to Cafe Cui if you haven't already because I made an effort from the Northern suburbs and wasn't disappointed at all.

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Cafe Cui
Address: 58 Leeds Street Footscray 3011 (Across from Footscray Station)
Contact: 9687 6967
Hours: Weekdays 6am - 4:30pm, Sat 7am - 4:30pm, Sun 8am - 4:30pm
Price: $$$
Website: http://cafecui.com.au/

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Operator 25

Finally got to try Operator 25 some time in July after seeing so many wonderful images on Instagram. My verdict? Amazing. You walk in and feel a sense of home and the waiters are friendly and super efficient. Nothing attracts my attention more about an eatery than excellent service and Operator 25 ticked all the boxes. I strongly recommend this place to any brunch or coffee lover!!!

Freshly squeezed OJ - $6.00

The perfect hangover cure, a coffee and a fresh juice. 

OFF TOPIC: I think it's time to upgrade my phone... my iPhone 4s is starting to shit me. I'm not interested in the iPhone6... tossing between the LG G3 or Samsung Note 4!! Any suggestions??? :)

Coffee (latte/cappuccino etc) $3.80

Being a coffee snob, I was very impressed with the coffees at Operator 25. I ordered a latte and it was simply perfect. The froth art looks so pretty too.

Terrible birds eye view shot because I was hungover and super hungry to eat... rushed jobs are the worst and I was sitting on the round communal table so the angle was bad :( 

** WORLD CUP SPECIAL IN JULY 2014 ONLY **

Escondidinho - Brazilian style Shepherd's pie with Carne-do-sol (Jerky), Smoked bacon and Black Eyed Beans topped with Cassava Puree, served with Lime & Tomato Salsa - $18.00 

Shepherd's Pie when executed correctly is delicious and fluffy. I absolutely loved this item on their special World Cup Menu (only available in July 2014) and considering it is a Brazilian dish, it was MOUTH WATERINGGGLLYY GOOD. The portion wasn't too large and sickening and the chunks of jerky were seasoned so nicely. Wish I could have this again :(

Dutch Chocolate Hot Cakes, Poached Pear, Vanilla Mascarpone, Milk Crumbs and Maple Syrup - $16.00 (+ bacon $4.00)

I'm unfortunately a sweet tooth so I had to order the hotcake with poached pear. The hot cakes were light and fluffy. The dish entirely was surprisingly not too heavy... even when I ordered bacon on the side (because I was hungover and bacon cures EVERYTHING). The waitress laughed and gave me a strange look when I ordered bacon... I do what I want :) 

Loved the presentation, loved the plate it came on and loved the beaker with maple syrup (how creative!). A must order item from Operator 25! 

Bowl of Fries - $5.00

We probably could have gone without ordering this. but I got greedy and felt like I needed a carb hit! Fries are always a winner, especially fresh chunky ones. Next time I have to order the sweet potato fries (which apparently Macca's now serve on the menu which I need to try) because it sounds delish.

Code Black Coffee Roasters! Hello barista :)

"It brew my mind" - lovely wall art.

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Operator 25

Address: 25 Wills Street Melbourne 3000 (Melb CBD)
Contact: 9670 3278
Hours: Weekdays 7am - 4pm, Weekends 9am - 4pm 

Price: $$

Website: http://www.operator25.com.au/

HOW DO I GET THERE?