February 2020 

We love chocolate and have been to every chocolate cafe in Melbourne (except Godiva, that's later this month). And so can tell you Koko does the best creamy, Lindt the most chocolaty (for eat in you can DIY the ratio), Mork is best for dark chocolate lovers and those who like to line up. I don't recall what Chokolait was like to compare. We'll be back to edit Godiva too.


First visit to this location at Westfield Doncaster, high ceilings, nice and airy with mini chandeliers esque lights. I do like that brown wallpaper and the wall design.


Behind the shop there's lots of cafe tables and a couple couches. We settled in the corner, not the most insta worthy spot but meh. It doesn't have the same cool Victorian feels of the royal arcade, if you're lucky enough to get a seat up there. 




But here the hot chocolate (54%) is just as smooth and creamy. Absolutely perfect. Jas had the original and three chocolates (chosen for him).

In the late afternoon the pastries and sandwich cabinet was looking bare, though there were so many chocolates to choose from! My pick was expensive but perfect, arnotts royal but high quality, just a couple nibbles. 


Chocolate Cherry Royale $4 - Sour cherry jam and marshmallow on a crisp buttery cookie coated in milk chocolate w raspberry dust. 

Service was very friendly and there was table service (think in the city you need to order first, if you're lucky enough to get a table). 

Damage $17.5 with one free drink. Pop this on your date ideas under $15pp.





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January 2020 



Seeking dumplings we stopped by Dumpling King in the food court, reminiscent of that upstairs food court at Chadstone before the renovations. Is there a second food court? 



Prawn dumplings, just fine. Pan fried triangle chicken dumplings, how is it oily on the inside?? One bite had me thinking of salad. 




Damage $28, things pictured and a soda. Tastes like regret. Don't do it.

Next time we're going to check out Dumpling Alley.

 

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January 2020 



We can't believe Wendy's is still around with their hot dogs and ice cream from the 90s. The local one vanished years ago, but I recall bulk buying a 5kg box of something that was pink and cream, and so when we met the owner we just had to stop by.

Located in a small mall the day we visited the glass was frosty so we could barely see, but the boy with braces was great and listed each one. 




I had the raspberry swirl while jas had the rainbow and licorice. $11 for 3 scoops seems pretty standard. Though they'd be dead if they were up against any of the inner city ice cream parlours, so I guess location is key. 



A trip back to the 90s, though not something we'd be back for. Service was very good. I'd rank it as below Baskin Robbins though above Dairy Bell, and on par with Scoop't.



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January 2020



Roll'd is fusion Vietnamese food, we've been here a couple times and don't recommend the pho, or most of the summer rice paper rolls sadly - they have way too much vermicelli for the price at $4 each. Though the low carb ones are perfect, if you're after a salad but wrapped up and easy to eat on the go. The sauce range is nice too, hoisin being my favourite and the lime one being his. I can't tell the difference between the fish and tofu as there isn't much flavour, and the sauce packets are a bit small for the size of the roll. 

Did I pay full price? Yes this time, as I really need to get a healthy dinner. It was at the end of the day so I got 4 for the price of 3. But normally if you order through the app it's a little cheaper. Though you can get 30% off with $15 spend via eatclub and they're also on that 'take me home' mid-afternoon food app.


If you get a chance check out Ba'get on Russell, that's my go to for Vietnamese in the city. Their rolls are made to order, and I've had most of the menu, so can vouch everything is good. Sadly it's a lunch spot, so we haven't been since their Elizabeth St location closed.

 

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January 2020 


Summer days call for iced tea, and within a block or two of the office there are at least four options. Chatime was our pick today as we had an offer from their lunar new year promotion for a fruity tea.

Playing it safe we picked the first thing on the menu. Peach tea, half ice and sugar. Tastes just like lipton but sweeter even with less sugar than standard! I do like it. 

Service was very friendly and they have a row of seats and mini round tables if you'd like to dine in. It may be an open wall cafe, but it's nice and cool though admittedly a little sticky in there.


 

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2019 - 2020. This post is a little late, so covers reviews back when this place was authentic and good (2019) till now (2020) under new management it is no longer Japanese but Chinese. What a shame, it used to be really good.

March 2019

Their signature dish is a cabbage pancake, okonomiyaki, with these two amazing sauces.






It's a small eatery, a friendly place, good for a quick meal or takeaway. Great for 1-2 people though for groups you might prefer to get takeaway. Bring your bag hooks as space is limited.







This is the okonomiyaki/omelette they do, and its got squid and so yummy! I'm asking for more sauce next time. By the way you can choose which meat it comes with, but squid is default. So thin and perfect this dish is amazing, I've tried a lot of these over the years and this is one of the best. It's an entree, one to share or a snack for one. Jas had it the next night. 

The Next Night

Takeaway tonight as we're on our way to a show. The omirice was kinda like fried rice wrapped within a beautiful omelette that's so perfect with jap curry sauce. I'd get this again too, it's very filling and only $11!

April 2019

Teriyaki Salmon Bento $16. Nope, wasn't teriyaki also tiny serving. Half deep fried, prawn, spring roll and chicken. Needs kewpie mayo. Average, wont get again.

P.S. If you're after teriyaki salmon nearby check out 'Yuzu' in Degraves (but not on a Sunday) they have a great $14 rice dish we often get.

Back Again - August

Suyuki beef bowl $9.50, a large serving, though didn't lack in quality or flavour at all. Not too salty, but just right. Would get again. Yes I do eat on the train/tram a lot, while going from one meeting to another.






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Wagaya is amazing, $10 bentos have been the norm here for many many years, 7 days a week too! It's a hidden gem as either you're a very keen explorer or someone would have told you about this place for you to find it. We first came across it in 2015 been invited for a review of their dinner service. They have an extensive fun non-alcohol menu!




We soon came back for lunch, where we sat outside on the balcony overlooking China town (well maybe for tall people) it's so lovely and dark inside with booth seating. Yes please, I do want to be alone during my lunch break.



We had the teriyaki chicken with curry and rice. It was slightly sweet, low on flavour but still more than Akochin, though the chicken was more tender at Akochin (where we ate recently). The curry was little spicy, full of flavour! Lots of curry in proportion to the chicken. (26/1/18)




I'm still absolutely amazing this place has never changed since our discovery in 2015, not even in price. This lunchtime bento is available on weekends too and crazy as it seems there's no extra charge on public holidays!




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