DRINK > The Central Club Hotel (North Melbourne)

The Central Club Hotel sits on Victoria Street in North Melbourne, it is right on the city fringe close to Elizabeth Street, across the road from the Queen Victoria Markets and a stones throw to Carlton. The convenience of the location makes this a popular venue but it is the combination a smart refreshed fit-out,…

ByJames CampbellDecember 18, 20230Comments

EAT EAT > MELBOURNE

EAT > Reine & La Rue, Melbourne 18/20

With so many new restaurants opening in Melbourne in 2023 it might be easy to miss one. Especially one that is hidden behind the grand old ANZ bank but missing out on Reine & La Rue would be a mistake as this is amongst the best restaurants to open in Melbourne over the five years.…

BySimonDecember 12, 20230Comments

DRINK > WINE DRINK > WINE > Chardonnay

WINE > A. Rodda Willow Lake Chardonnay 2021 (92/100)

The Willow Lake Vineyard Chardonnay from A.Rodda is consistently amongst the top chardonnay's in the country and the 2021 release is another excellent release. Some people maybe asking why are you reviewing the 2021 not the 2022 release, well that is because that is the one I am drinking right now. 2021 was an important…

ByCrispyDecember 11, 20230Comments

DRINK > MELBOURNE

DRINK > Apollo Inn

Apollo Inn opened in the heart of Melbourne's Flinders lane restaurant precinct in 2023, it was ostensibly a good place to have a quick cocktail while waiting for a table at Gimlet or one of the other nearby restaurants. But it was so popular that the queues to get in for a drink at this…

ByJames CampbellDecember 7, 20230Comments

DRINK > WINE DRINK > WINE > Pinot Noir

WINE > Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 (97/100 points)

I have to admit a little bias, this wine is one of my absolute 'go to' favourites and has been for about the last 5 years. Giant Steps make a number of single vineyard pinot noir releases but for me it has always been the AppleJack Vineyard that delivered a perfect palate of fruit,…

ByCrispyOctober 16, 20230Comments

DRINK > WINE DRINK > WINE > Pinot Noir

WINE > D.M.L Reserve Mornington Peninsula Noir 2021 (94/100 Points)

DML VIN is a relative newcomer to making Australian Pinot Noir with the first vintage released in 2019 but they are already creating some really special wine and it is no surprise that both critics and pinot fans are taking notice and buying. The back story to DML VIN is that AF Premiership player Jordon…

ByCrispyOctober 13, 20230Comments

DRINK > WINE DRINK > WINE > Pinot Noir

WINE > Bass Phillip “Crown Prince” 2016 (95/100 points)

The "Crown Prince" is considered an entry level wine to the world of Bass Phillip Wines it is often poured by the glass at restaurants and some people don't like that it can be quite cloudy. But I love it and having just acquired some more of the 2016 release I thought it definitely…

ByCrispyOctober 13, 20230Comments

EAT EAT > MELBOURNE

EAT > Bellota Wine Bar & Food (18/20)

Last week I was back eating in one of my very favourite restaurants and I realised that it was also one of the first restaurant reviews written for Almanak, so I thought it needed an update. Needless to say we had another outstanding meal and brilliant wine. In full disclosure Bellota used to be…

ByCrispySeptember 1, 20230Comments

DRINK > MELBOURNE

DRINK > Myrtle Wine Bar

There is something wonderfully comfortable about entering into Myrtle Wine Bar on Warburton Lane off Little Bourke Street. It is so Melbourne, down a lane, which is off another lane, in an old two story redbrick warehouse space that started as a blacksmith (but more recently was a Spanish restaurant). It could be the…

ByAl ManakJuly 7, 20230Comments

SKI > AUSTRALIA WHERE TO SKI >

SKI > Mount Buller

It takes just over three hours to get to Mount Buller from Melbourne, which makes it the closest ski resort to an Australian capital city. There are over 300 hectares of skiable terrain which range from the beginner slopes of 'Bourke Street' and 'Burnt Hut Spur' to the challenge of black runs 'Fanny's Finish' and…

ByAl ManakJune 27, 20230Comments

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