Tag Archives: good food

Soup at My Friend’s Place

I am battling a cold and feeling worse than death warmed up on this Saturday morning.

It is a winters day, my chest is sore, and I am after a good old fashion serve of Melbourne’s best. My friend suggests a place not far from her place called “Friends of Mine” . Which I think at first, she literally means – it’s her friends place.

Turns out it is a very popular corner eats place.

I order soup of the day which is perfect for my aching body. It is  a potato soup – something I wouldn’t normally eat – but is therapeutic in it’s warmth alone.

What bedazzles me about Melbourne is that it really is an all weather city.  It is a cold brisk winter’s day with the sun peaking through the frosty leaves. I find a spot in the sun which is remarkably warm, but even if I wasn’t there was the option of a courtesy blanket.

I top it off with a peppermint tea and wander up into Richmond past all the ritzy car yards.  Get to My Friends Place if you are in town after a sleep in coffee or soup!

Albert Creek Winery

Listening to the sound of the gurgling creek beside my table, gazing over the vineyard feeling that yummy mummy bliss.

This Saturday lunch, I have taken myself and the kids to Albert Creek Winery. 

The kids have taken themselves off to explore and I am happily reading up about this lovely property.

The sparkling white is a delight!

Months ago I purchased one of those 50% off on-line deals for lunch here. The expiry date for the voucher long came and went but the winery still obliged and honoured the voucher. Feeling very grateful and happy today is lovely.

They normally have a lunch time special; 2 courses for $35 or 3 courses for $45. Accompanying the specials menu (yummy soup, pork belly, and calamari for entree today, Chicken rolled in proscioto/parmesan , barramundi or vegetarian rissotto) and delicious desserts.

L’osteria Campo De Fiori

I am wooed into the this restaurant perched on the corner of Piazza Campo De Fiori by Zac.

Located on the edge of Campo de Fiori there is plenty to watch and day dream at.

There are a steady stream of restaurant guests, coming, refuelling and marching back into the hustle and bustle of central Roma.

There is a really great vibe around these markets. They are more a tourist market but serving a lot of fresh food produce, flowers and wines.

The piazza is very typical of Roman courtyards. The action is in the middle, with a circumference of shops, typically cucinas and restaurants.

The cobble stoned pavement gives an uneven edge that reminds you with each step of the hundreds of years of people walking the same steps as you. I love it. Tactile and real.

I chose to sit for awhile, film the chefs out the back and paint.

The guys in the kitchen are awesome and treat me to the insider passions of an Italian restaurant.

Even better they make me a dish that isn’t on the menu.

It is a seafood extravaganza, including a whole fish which is served to my table sealed in foil.  The pasta, being central Roma, is amazing and melts in my mouth.

I have a wonderful couple of hours at this restaurant. The location is good, the pricing similar to anywhere else in central room and the seafood delicious.

Neuchamel Restaurant Baar

Baar is a little township beside Zug and is where my friend lives.

Access to most places is 30 minutes via car or train.

Across from the train station is a funky restaurant and bar. I discover it early in the day after missing my train and Fabion, the girl behind the bar makes me feel instantly at home.

I return later that night to have a drink with my friend and we decide to dine there. It is booked out and you can see it is very popular with locals. A warm buzzy vibe make the place conducive for animated conversations.

Like most place in Switzerland smart casual is appreciated but not essential.

Fabion recommends the Swiss reisling for a sweet white wine and it is delicious. Not too sweet but a nice crisp wine. We are served an appertif of red cabbage and apple strauss which is enough to carry our tummies over until our main meal is served.

I have cordon blue, which I haven’t had for over 20 years (mainly because I try to be dairy and gluten free) but this is the home of cordon blue. It is amazing. The cheese endlessly oozes out of the yummy parcel.

This is another Swiss restaurant I highly recommend.