EAT > The Moat, Melbourne (13/20)

"It is under the Library, off Little Lonsdale Street", I said but apparently Google had other ideas directing my lunch guest to wander around the State Library and the Wheeler Centre before he called and said "ok where are you?". Actually it is not that hard to find if you know where you are…

ByCrispyJuly 20, 20240Comments

EAT > SYDNEY

EAT > Le Foote, Sydney

Editors Note (25/8/24): We are saddened to hear the recent media reports and claims about Swillhouse venues. The accusations are extremely disturbing. As a result we are removing the review rating we gave for the venue. It seems that every new exciting restaurant in Sydney is either a Merrivale or Swillhouse…

ByEd ItorJuly 14, 20240Comments

EAT > SYDNEY

EAT > Bar Topa, Sydney (14/20)

"Lets have a quiet night, just a glass of wine and some tapas". Famous last words as we ambled down to Bar Topa which sits in amongst the throng of busy restaurants in the Merrivale owned "Ivy" district off George Street in Sydney's lower CBD towards the rocks. Bar Topa is a smart…

ByJames CampbellJuly 14, 20240Comments

DRINK > WINE DRINK > WINE > Chardonnay

WINE > Giant Steps, Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 (95/100 points)

Giant Steps make some sensational wines, predominately Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (though there are also some excellent other varietals). The Sexton Vineyard vines were planted in 1997 based on clones from the iconic Leeuwin Estate in Margaret River by founder Phil Sexton. Over the last twenty seven years the wines just continue to…

ByEd ItorJune 21, 20240Comments

VISIT > Yarra Valley

VISIT > Giant Steps Vineyard

Giant Steps was founded by Phil Sexton in 1997 he had come across from Margaret River in Western Australia in search of somewhere to grow and make outstanding Burgundy varietals of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. He the first site near Gruyere planting the Sexton vineyard on the steep slopes of the Warramate Ranges. Being a…

ByEd ItorJune 21, 20240Comments

EAT > HOBART

EAT > Ogee, North Hobart (16/20)

It is quite a solid walk up to Ogee in North Hobart from Sullivan’s Cove and downtown Hobart. It will take you about 30 minutes depending where you start and the incline gradually increases all the way up. I note this because we chose to walk up, it is a Sunday morning and…

ByCrispyJune 16, 20240Comments

EAT > HOBART

EAT > Fico, Hobart (19/20)

Fico means fig in Italian, but in Italian slang it also mean cool and that is a very good definition for Fico it is definitely cool. To start it is not a typically Italian restaurant but the food is obviously heavily influenced with Italian techniques and flavours. The chef co-owners Federica…

ByCrispyJune 16, 20240Comments

EAT > HOBART

EAT > Frank, Hobart (14/20)

Frank is a smart restaurant with robust South American cuisine that is right on Franklin Pier looking out towards Sullivan’s Cove. It was described by a friend as, “you can’t miss it, its right underneath the Commonwealth Bank”. Arriving at the front door the restaurant is disected into two zones on the left…

ByCrispyJune 15, 20240Comments

DRINK > HOBART

DRINK > Lucinda Wine Bar, Hobart

If you are walking down Collins Street, Hobart you might easily miss Lucinda hidden away in a beautiful historic building but the signage is very subtle. Step inside and you will find a small room with a large central table and bench seats around the outside. They also have a larger room,…

ByCrispyJune 14, 20240Comments

EAT > MELBOURNE

EAT > Pinotta, Fitzroy North (15/20)

Pinotta has been a busy bustling bistro wine bar on St Georges Road in Fitzroy North since 2011, led by the vibrant Heidi Modra who welcomes guests who come from the neighbourhood and across Melbourne. The big change in 2024 is the addition of Phillipa Sibley as executive chef. Sibley (you may well remember her…

ByCrispyJune 11, 20240Comments

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