Gin Palace: Cocktails, Melbourne CBD (24 April 2010)

10 Russell Place, Melbourne VIC 3000
http://www.ginpalace.com.au

For the gin lover

If you're a lover of having cocktails in dimly lit and atmospheric decor abound with rich colours then the Gin Palace just might be your kind of drinking hole which seems to draw me back each time I visit Melbourne. It's probably because I'm a Gin & Tonic sort of guy and remembered this was one of the first places I noticed where they spent the time to rim the glass with lime for my Gin & Tonic which provided extra zing to the lips and palate. I'm a little hazy on the finer details of the drinks I ordered this time round and the prices but I do remember they always seem to take great pride in preparing their cocktails and making sure their customers are well catered for in their preference to how they like their drinks made.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:

PROS: Nice decor and romantic lighting, Wide variety of gins, Good selection of cocktails, Passionate and knowledgeable bar staff

CONS: Not the cheapest place around town

MUST TRY: Gin & Tonic, Revisiting on my next Melbourne trip

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Gin & Tonic

SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Scorpian cocktail: Barcadi Rum, Cognas, Fresh Lemon and Orange Juice, Almond Syrup & Home Made Grenadine ($20)

Classic vodka martini with olive

Classic vodka martini with a lemon twist

Martinis menu

Classic cocktails

Lush cushion decor

Table candle lights

Seating and decor

Well stocked bar

Cushion logo

Male toilet sign

Female toilet sign

Mens toilet decor

Street entrance


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Brother Baba Budan: Coffee, CBD Melbourne (30 April 2010)

359 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
http://brotherbababudan.com.au

Melbourne's Best Coffee?

Many locals seem to regard Brother Baba Budan as Melbourne's best coffee and to date I'd probably be happy to support that claim. The baristas certainly seem to know how to make a good coffee and the Flat white ($3.50) was smooth, creamy, flavoursome and not bitter as hoped. I love the wooden chairs hanging somewhat precariously from the ceiling which certainly gives this small cafe a very quirky, homely and creative atmosphere. There's very limited seating so prepare to rub shoulders if staying inside and the staff seem knowledgeable and friendly. They seem to be big supporters of the Seven Seeds coffee beans. I noticed a very Indie/Uni student vibe from the customers coming and going so I'm thinking the prices must be fairly reasonable as well. I enjoyed the coffee more than the one I had at St. ALi.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:

PROS: Possibly Melbourne's best coffee, Friendly and knowledgeable staff, Focused on single origin beans

CONS: Limited seating, Crowded and slightly chaotic when busy

MUST TRY: Coffee of the day

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Flat white ($3.50)

SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Seven Seeds Speciality Coffee menu

The lonesome door plant

Coffee beans for sale

Seven Seeds Milk Jug

It wouldn't be Melbourne without lane way graffiti

Cosy and popular

Who needs signage when you make such good coffee

Love the hanging bicycles

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Pellegrini's Bar Espresso: Italian, CBD Melbourne (24 April 2010)

66 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

No frills Italian hangout

This long standing Melbourne institution serves up Italian comfort food with no frills — a bit slap-n-dash for one of a better word. Either eat at the bar and watch the staff serving up dishes, making coffees and cleaning plates at the same time or sit at the back where you can see the nonnas cooking up the daily specials in the busy hot kitchen. It might not be the best food or service but it certainly has some down-to-earth atmosphere which makes you feel like you're in a little bar or someone's home in Italy — with a bit of imagination. Basic desserts are also available if you have room after your decently sized pasta. If you're a fan of the model Christy Turlington then check out the photo on the old looking wall of memorabilia.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW:

PROS: Decently sized portions, Efficient service (when they notice you), Interesting retro decor, Down-to-earth service

CONS: Can be hard to get a seat during busy times, Noisy and chaotic, Food is pretty basic

MUST TRY: Granita for a refreshing drink

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Lasagne (Pastas seem to be around $13-$15)

Complimentary bread and butter

Granita

SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Espresso

Menu board

Christy Turlington (top left) apparently once did a photo shoot at Pellegrini's

Sitting at the bar is the most interesting spot to people watch


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