The focus here is on fresh seasonal produce, so the menu will change regularly and be devised according to what is available. Simple, colourful and unintimidating is chef Brad Simpson’s vision for the food and the menu is designed with sharing in mind. The feel of the restaurant is very much that of an agrarian country kitchen, which is reflected in the type of food you can expect to see on the menu. The space is warm and inviting with spectacular views across the Eastern suburbs to the Dandenong ranges. There are gorgeous vignettes featuring earthenware pots, fresh loaves of sourdough, herbs and basketware. Table settings are uncomplicated and homely featuring rustic crockery and simple napery.

We were invited to select anything from the menu so we chose to order a number of dishes to share, starting with the crudo of local snapper, citrus, chilli, horseradish and the charred mixed zucchini, whipped goats curd, dukkah. We thoroughly enjoyed both dishes, the stand-out for me the snapper, which was absolutely delicious and paired beautifully with the delicate horseradish cream. We then chose the slow roasted lamb shoulder, almond skordalia, mint, zucchini pickle and three sides – an heirloom tomato and basil salad, steamed vegetables with salsa verde and some Acre sourdough. The lamb shoulder was cooked to falling off the bone perfection, the creamy skordalia and mint sauce a consummate foil for the richness of the meat. The tomatoes were among the sweetest and tastiest I have ever eaten. Our meal was nothing short of delightful.

To be perfectly honest I’m more of a cheese than dessert girl but needs must when dining with a sweet tooth so onward we went to the Desserts menu. The highlight, a chocolate fondant, because what’s not to love about a soft centred chocolate pudding served with salted caramel? We also tried the cannoli and a cherry souffle served with white chocolate sauce. If you’re someone who likes to finish your meal with a sugary something, I don’t think any of the desserts will disappoint.

The provenance of food is important here, so diners are invited to see and consider where their food comes from. With this in mind, plans are afoot to host workshops covering topics like fermenting, cheesemaking and pickling, so watch this space.

In the meantime, take your loved ones for a trip to the farm and enjoy everything on offer at this ground-breaking slice of country in the city. Friends, you won’t be disappointed.

Acre Eatery & Bar

Open Wed – Thurs 5.30 – 10pm, Fri 12 noon – 10pm, Sat 10am – 10pm, Sun 10am – 5pm

Acre Café

Open Mon – Fri 7am – 6pm, Sat/Sun 8am – 6pm

https://www.acrefarmeatery.com.au/about-us

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East & Co is a new venture for the owners of Lilydale’s much-loved Hutch & Co, which I have to confess I’ve never visited. Its reputation well and truly precedes it because I hear it is every bit as fabulous as it looks and by all accounts it is very popular with the locals.

East & Co is housed in an airy space with high ceilings, polished concrete floors and a modern industrial vibe. The side wall comprises a superb modern leadlight window, made up of small panels of alternating clear, textured and opaque glass. It is absolutely stunning. There’s a gorgeous marble counter, lots of black, white and grey with pops of natural leather, timber, metallics and striking ceiling greenery.

The day of my visit I was in need of some serious nourishment after a long morning of adulting of the highest order. Said adulting was so onerous I had skipped my usual breakfast smoothie and mid-morning coffee, so I was ever so slightly hangry. I was greeted by a friendly and accommodating staff member, who promptly seated me and brought a very large and very good flat white. My lunch date soon arrived and enjoyed an almond latte which she declared to be the best she’s ever had.

Perusing the seasonal menu we were faced with lots of choice, not easy when you’re hangry but otherwise, very pleasing indeed. Then a dilemma – order an old fave or try something new? Several dishes spoke to me. Breakfast Quesadilla, Spring Avo, Mushrooms on Multigrain or Spring Nourish Bowl – all with the option of several sides to go with? However, hunger waits for no woman, so I hurriedly chose a Folded Omelette with roast pumpkin, caramelized onion, chorizo crumb and Buratta cheese. Optional extras include a side of hot smoked salmon or bacon if the heart desires. Mine didn’t so I ordered it straight up. My lunch date was counting her macros (yes really but who am I to judge?) so she kept it simple with poached eggs on sourdough and a side of bacon and cherry tomatoes. Both dishes were substantial – my omelette in particular was HUGE. It was really tasty and the flavour combo so good I wanted to finish it, but I just couldn’t. Unusual for me but it speaks to the generosity and value of East & Co. No tiny serves here and I say hurray to that.

I thoroughly enjoyed my lunch at East & Co and I see many breakfast and lunch dates here in my future. If you’re more of a coffee and cake kind of girl there’s a selection of sweets to choose from too. When I return, I’ll be trying the Spring Granola with strawberry labneh and the Croque Madame with truffle oil. Yum and Miam.

Service here is friendly, warm and genuine and the food and coffee are superb.

Welcome to our corner of the world East & Co, we’re very happy to have you.

East & Co is located at 182 – 184 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn

Open Mon to Fri 7am – 4pm, Sat and Sun 8am – 4pm

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Beautifully curated vignettes of earthen ware vessels and artworks are dotted around the space, there’s an olive-green banquette and eye-catching light fittings. The charcuterie counter is well stocked with all manner of deli meats and cheese, there are fresh take home meals in the fridge and shelves filled with olives, spices, fresh eggs and other gourmet offerings.

The menu is interesting and inventive, drawing on the European heritage of its owners and featuring ingredients such as broad beans, provolone, nduja and heirloom vegetables. I dined with a friend at lunchtime and we both chose lighter options from The Day Food menu. I chose the falafel with roast beetroot muhammara, grains, raw vegetable salad and pickled currant. For the uninitiated like me, muhammara is a traditional Middle Eastern dip made with roasted red capsicum. This beetroot version was so delicious, I could’ve happily eaten it on its own. The falafel were crunchy on the outside and fluffy inside, some of the best I’ve ever eaten, the accompanying grains also very tasty. Topped with a raw vegetable salad of heirloom carrots, radish and baby cucumbers which added freshness and crunch, I was one very satisfied customer. The dish was delicious. My friend decided on the roasted cauliflower, carrot and chickpea salad topped with hazelnut and pomegranate seeds. A substantial dish, she also declared it to be delish.

My coffee was excellent and there are freshly baked pastries and cakes made daily on the premises available, if you need to satisfy a sweet tooth. Via Porta is now licensed if you would like a cheeky glass of something with your meal.

If you haven’t already, get yourself down to Via Porta stat and soak up the heady European atmosphere. You will not be disappointed.

Via Porta is located at 677 Whitehorse Road, Mont Albert

Ph 82564866

Open Mon – Sat 7am – 5pm and Sun 8am – 3pm

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I’ve now dined at DTRH three times and each time has been equally impressive. The menu is extensive and on a recent visit our party of three all struggled to make a choice (hashtag FOMO) between the many breakfast and lunch offerings. We eventually settled on the Brisky Business, Supercharged Salad with the addition of a protein (in this case beef brisket) and the Croque Monsieur because who can resist a classic? The Brisky Business was in fact THE business – basically a burger of sorts with a slab of beef brisket sandwiched in a Turkish roll with slaw, cheese, gherkin and a side of chips. The brisket itself was beautifully cooked, resulting in a juicy, tender meat. The salad was apparently every bit as tasty as it looked, my friend singing its praises. The dish comprised a generous portion of flaky brisket sitting atop a winning combo of ancient grains and cruciferous veggies with a merlot dressing. The Croque Monsieur, or ‘toastie’, for the Ozwegians among us, was luminously golden with melted cheese and béchamel sauce. Tres bon, merci.

All of the portion sizes were generous and the prices reflect good value for money. There is a fun kids menu for the mini’s featuring Coco Pops, egg and soldiers and some other favourites.

The space is light and bright, fitted with polished concrete flooring and geometric blonde wood panelling, lending a bit of a scandi vibe. Service is warm and efficient, coffee is very good and there is a small wine, beer and cocktail list if a cheeky something is on the cards.

Next time I venture DTRH I’m trying one of their Bronuts, with a variety of flavours freshly baked each day on the premises. For the uninitiated, a bronut is a brioche donut which frankly sounds like a match made in heaven to me. I’ve also earmarked Beyond the Rabbit Hole, TFC sliders, Maxijohn and Saffron Ricotta Gnocci for my next visit (or three).

Down the Rabbit Hole is open Mon- Fri from 7am – 4pm and Sat from 7.30am – 4pm. For the very early birds there is also a takeaway window open mornings from 6am.

In the very middle of the court was a table, with a large dish of tarts upon it: they looked so good, that it made Alice quite hungry to look at them–‘I wish they’d get the trial done,’ she thought, ‘and hand round the refreshments!’ – Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

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The Advocate is an opulent space reminiscent of a London wine bar. Lavish finishes include banquette seating, black velvet bar stools/chairs, crystal glassware, mirrors, candles and plenty of ambient lighting. Soft furnishings, including carpet, help to create a cosy, intimate setting conducive to enjoying delicious food, fabulous cocktails and great conversation.

WoW started with a round of drinks from the cocktail menu, ordering the Blueberry Cosmopolitan, Hemingway Daiquiri and Winter Apple cocktails. Served in elegant crystal glasses they were both pretty and tasty in equal measure. WoW also has it on good authority (thanks Jodie for the hot tip!) that The Garden Party Mule, served in a gorgeous copper tankard, is also worth a try. To follow our cocktails we ordered a bottle of the Indented Head chardonnay which was an excellent pairing for our food selections and definitely worth considering if you are a chardonnay lover. As you would expect at a venue providing an English experience, there is also a wide selection of beers, ciders, whiskeys and gins on the offer.

We ordered a variety of small, large and side dishes from across the menu to share among our group of three. Starting with the chorizo croquettes, pork belly, Brussels sprouts, broccolini with salted ricotta and baked brie with truffle honey and caramelised figs; we finished with a selection of cheeses and a decadent chocolate and salted caramel dessert with Pedro Ximenes and honeycomb. All of the food was absolutely delicious and we enjoyed everything we ordered. The standout dish for me was without doubt, the baked brie. The combination of flavours was sublime and the subtle aroma of the truffle infused honey was perfection on a plate. A little more bread with which to eat said cheese was the only thing I would have changed. When I next visit The Advocate I plan to try the gnocci with wild mushroom and sorrel, chicken ballotine and the goats curd with olive sourdough. The baked ricotta with raspberry, rhubarb and pistachio has also piqued my interest.

Overall, we had a really wonderful night at The Advocate. The service was warm and friendly and the atmosphere sophisticated yet festive. It is always fabulous to have a new option for dinner with the girls, a date night with your partner or a cheeky afternoon drink with friends. I think you’ll enjoy The Advocate, make sure you check it out.

You can find The Advocate at 431B Whitehorse Road Balwyn. Open Tues 5pm until late and Wed – Sun 12pm until late.

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So you may wonder, who is Mr Robertson in this scenario? Owner, chef, relative, resident coffee machine? It turns out the name pays homage to the former Daniel Robertson brickworks site in Station Street, the chimney of which is protected by a heritage overlay and remains standing at the site opposite the café.

Anyhow, I digress. Back to the new Mr Robertson. The menu is comprehensive and includes a good choice of breakfast and lunch offerings including a well-priced, albeit short, kids’ menu. Expect to find plenty of savoury options – potato rosti, baked eggs, a selection of omelettes, zucchini and cauliflower fritters as well as pancakes with or without a side of bacon and home-made granola. There’s also a wide selection of breakfast sides you can add to your meal if you so choose. Did someone say haloumi? Lunch offerings fall into three main categories – pizzas, salads and burgers, as well as chicken parma, a steak sandwich and crispy Atlantic salmon. At the counter a tempting selection of fresh muffins, tarts and pastries will please those looking for a lighter option or the perfect pairing for a coffee.

Today we ate from the breakfast menu. I chose the potato rosti with bacon, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce and my breakfast buddy chose the fritters served with bacon and avocado. My rosti were delicious and crunchy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside, the eggs were cooked perfectly and the bacon, well….BACON – need I say more? The fritters were also enjoyed and both dishes were beautifully presented and the serves hearty. My flat white was excellent and there is cold drip coffee and a selection of teas available if that is your thing. The staff were warm, friendly and responsive and prices are on the money (pardon the pun).

It was great to finally meet you Mr Robertson, I will definitely see you again soon.

Mr Roberston is located at Shop G01, 31-39 Norcal Road Nunawading

Ph 88713722

Open 7 days a week and available for functions.

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Anyway, I digress and progress is progress friends. Long gone are the Twisties, Mylk Bar’s new incarnation is as a café with a heavy emphasis on healthy and nourishing meals in a bowl. A lot like a Poke Bowl (pronounced POH-keh for those like me who’ve been referring to it as a POKE bowl) the Norish Bowls are a savoury option featuring various and delicious proteins, veggies and grains in a bowl with a drizzle sauce to bring it all together. The fruit based Smoothie Bowls will satisfy those with a sweet tooth.

If your preference is for traditional café fare, there is a small breakfast selection, including a Breakfast Bowl with all the trimmings and a pint-sized menu for the kiddos. If you are lunching, a choice of rolls and sandwiches are available – hello lobster roll. The coffee is consistently great and there are some pastries on offer too. To remind you of the good old days, in a slight nod to the past you’ll discover a curated range of nostalgic lollies in the sweets cabinet.

I dined with a girlfriend and we both chose a Norish Bowl. I chose the Peking Duck, said friend chose the Bad Boy. I’m happy to report my bowl of deliciousness was an absolute delight. Tender slices of duck, chewy sushi rice and bok choy generously sprinkled with puffed rice and hoi sin masterstock to drizzle. One word – yum. Meanwhile the Bad Boy was a contemporary take on the classic British fry-up. Handmade sausage, pickle, house baked beans and bacon crumble with yakisoba sauce. Apparently also yum and probably a bit more substantial than the duck bowl. Other options include Vegan, Thai Thai (chicken, Asian slaw and toasted peanuts), Cured Salmon or Mexican bowls. I’m planning on several return visits so I can eat my way through the Norish Bowl menu.

Mylk Bar is definitely one to add to ‘the list’ and is open daily from 7am – 4pm.

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The space is part café and part food store with a small selection of homewares and packaged gourmet foods available to purchase. The beautifully curated display makes for a colourful and aesthetically pleasing feast for the senses whilst you peruse the menu.

The food reflects the décor and is classic, reliable restaurant fare. There’s not a whiff of molecular gastronomy or tricked up food here, it’s simple and tasty. Offerings include smashed avocado, eggs Benedict, Dr Marty’s crumpets, salt and pepper calamari and a Southern fried chicken burger. There are focaccias, toasties, bagels, specials and kids’ meals available and on Friday and Saturday evenings tapas is on the menu.

On a recent lunch date with friends we chose between us the sweet corn, zucchini and dill fritters, cauliflower and cheese croquettes and the toasted brioche bun with fried egg, bacon and cheese. The Boulevard is a licensed venue so if you’ve got something to celebrate (or not) you can savour your meal with a cheeky glass of something from the drinks menu. A French rose was the perfect pairing for my croquettes, which I heartily enjoyed. Rounded off by an excellent coffee for the road, I left completely satisfied.

The Boulevard Food Store is open Mon – Thurs 7.30am – 5pm, Fri 7.30am – 8pm, Sat 8am – 8pm and Sun 8am – 5.30pm.

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Open daily from 7.30am – 4pm, there are indoor or outdoor dining options, depending on how close to the action you prefer to be. On our recent visit we had pole position next to the window and enjoyed watching golfers teeing off whilst we ate. Nothing like living vicariously. The menu features plenty of options for breakfast, lunch and in between, both freshly cooked, as well as a selection of wraps, paninis, toasties and sweet offerings ‘from the cabinet’.

If you’re after something a little stronger than a coffee, which is excellent by the way, you’ll be delighted to know there’s a good choice of craft beers, wine and bubbles available. Only fitting really, it is a golf course after all.

I must confess I had a touch of food envy the day of our visit. I was eyeing off the birthday girl’s vego choice – The Well Nourished Fox. It looked colourful, nourishing and did I mention haloumi? Two of us chose the tasty and very generous Fox in the Veggie Patch while our other (apparently ravenous) friend decided on Bigger than a Fox, almost Wolfish. And wolfish it was. I’m talking the whole shebang. If you like your brunch a little on the sweeter side, give Sticky Paws a go. Candied orange waffles, chocolate sauce, nutella marscapone and jaffa crumble. Or for those who like their brunch a little healthier try a Breakfast Salad, For Fox Sake.

Either way, by all accounts everything we ate was delicious, serves were generous and prices are really reasonable. Teamed with a glass of sparkling, a bunch of good friends and a killer view, Mister Fox is well worth a visit for your next catch up.

http://mister-fox.com.au/

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The day we visited we ate from the festive lunch menu, where for $42 per person you can select two courses from the menu, comprising four entrees, four mains and four desserts. This price also includes a glass of house red or white and a coffee or tea. If the mood takes you, treat yourself to a rather indulgent three courses for an extra $10.50 per person.

My lunch guest and I decided to order an entrée and a dessert to share in addition to our main courses. In terms of entrees we didn’t hesitate to choose the heirloom tomato and goats cheese tart with roast pepper sauce and rocket salad. The pastry was crisp and puffy and the filling tasty. The roast pepper sauce was the highlight for me, in fact I would’ve loved a bit more on the plate!

My vegetarian, non-fish eating friend chose the only main option available to her, a risotto with pumpkin and sweet potato, cherry tomatoes, peas, parmesan and rocket salad. As risottos go, it was well seasoned, creamy and a VERY generous serve – so large in fact that she was unable to finish it. Said friend, who is a more than capable maker of risotto and excellent cook, thought it was a tasty dish, although did question if the addition of both pumpkin and sweet potato was necessary.

As for me, given it was the festive season and I’m a bit of a sucker for a traditional Christmas roast, I decided to order the stuffed roast turkey with “all the trimmings”. Read ham, roast potatoes, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts and the most delicious, rich and flavoursome gravy I could’ve asked for. I enjoyed everything on the plate.

When ordering dessert we couldn’t go past the classic lemon tart with honey whipped ricotta and berry coulis. We were also kindly offered a vanilla panna cotta to try. I enjoyed the lemon tart, but the highlight for me was the panna cotta. The texture was fabulous – creamy and light and the vanilla flavour was subtle and unobtrusive.

Other items on the menu that caught my eye were the smoked salmon remoulade, Black Angus porterhouse and a Gianduja chocolate cake. Obviously the menu is seasonal so expect to see some different but no doubt equally appetizing options when you visit.

The wait staff were delightful and we felt unhurried and relaxed. It’s not always easy to achieve attentive and friendly without being obtrusive, but they certainly nailed the brief.

Thank you for having us Oliver’s, we will definitely be back. Next time I’m bringing my mum.

https://canterburyinternational.com.au/dining/olivers-restaurant/

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