Places to visit…….food and wine to enjoy! (August issue)

Published: 22/08/2011

Time for another list of places well worth visiting. You've had a couple of months now to go through our June recommendations, so here's where we're suggesting for dining over the coming weeks. We've also added some good independent retailers to the list, in the outer Melbourne suburbs.

Nihonbashi Zen

87 Little Bourke Street, CBD Melbourne

Restaurant (Japanese)

Open for dinner Tuesday - Sunday

This is a restaurant to know about if you are in the city and needing somewhere to go. Emmy is a delightful host (one of the owners) and makes the dining experience just that more enjoyable. The Hastwell & Lightfoot Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 and Chardonnay 2009 (both from McLaren Vale) are on by the glass. Sake is a strong product at this restaurant and Emmy is more than willing to share her knowledge and passion - I make the most of it whenever I visit.

Burmese House

Bridge Road, Richmond

Restaurant (Burmese)

Open for dinner Tuesday - Sunday

This is a little gem that may not be on your radar but should be. Everything is simple and that is a good thing. The selection of food is enough without being over the top, the wine list is small but well formed (and excellent value for money) and there is a steady stream of regulars that keep going back suggesting it is worth a visit.

SUD Food & Wine

219 King Street, CBD Melbourne

Restaurant (Italian)

Open for lunch and dinner Monday - Friday

Fresh is fresh is fresh! The menu changes daily based on what ingredients are available from the market nearby…..so when you go make sure you check out the specials. The focus is on Italian cuisine with a southern twist. The venue is intimate but always full so bookings are essential. Lunchtime is my favourite time to visit so I must make a reservation soon.

Retailers supporting our wineries

We have received requests to expand our client base in the outer suburbs, so that is what we have done! Below is a selection of new retailers we have on board, so wanted to share their details in case one of them is your local!

Cellarbrations Glenroy

825 Pascoe Vale Road

Glenroy. 3046

Retail - open 7 days

Kallista Cellars

85 Monbulk Road

Kallista. 3791

Retail - open 7 days

The Basin Liquor

1309 Mountain Highway

The Basin. 3154

Maxi Foods

Ferntree Plaza

Shop 2 / 1202 Burwood Highway

Retail - open 7 days

Westgarth Liquor & Grocery

97 High Street

Northcote. 3070

That is all for now, but I will provide another update next month and will ensure I include a few venues worth considering for spring carnival, outdoor dining and the pending festive season! If you have a recommendation of a place to visit and think our wines would work well then let me know as I am always looking for new venues to discover.

Happy sipping, drinking and dining!

Cheers Sarah