Sushia Izakaya

Date night with Jason was spent at Sushia Izayaka along St George's Terrace near Brookfield Place. The food is delicious but you can find yourself easilly racking up quite a costly order. A tip to all Sushia go-ers. Order a few at a time and pace yourself so you have room for dessert. Because trust me, the dessert platter is so good. Instead of just one dessert you get to sample five different things and each need to be celebrated in their own right.

Banana and redbean wraps are pictured on the left, along with a favourite of mine - taro ice cream in the shape of a mochi ball. Chocolate cake with apple jelly and tofu cheesecake (which I could never have imagined before but I am so glad someone has thought of it!) And of course green tea and sesame ice cream is included on the platter but overall each dish each season changes.

Melbourne Diary Part III

If you go for anywhere in Melbourne for Japanese food you must try Akachochin. It is hands down my favourite Japanese Restaurant. I don't know if it was the hunger pangs contributing to my raving review but the presentation, the dishes and the flavours were amazing. Until I try Authentic Japanese food in Japan itself, Akachochin is a steady favourite. I will definitely be visiting again when reunited with Melbourne.

Winter in the East

Beanies were worn, jackets wrapped tightly and scarves treated like precious treasures. It was nippy and cold in Melbourne but the delicious food and sights more than made up for a cold nose. Food was something we looked forward to, not just for our stomachs but also for the warmth from each restaurant and eatery we visited.

Melbourne Diary

My Melbourne Diary is full of photos of food, buildings, city lights and people. I can't even begin to explain how beautiful and wonderful Melbourne was and is. I had the first two days of the city to myself and I used it to explore as much as I could (or at least as much as my sore and blistered feet would allow). Staying at the Sofitel on Collins Street was a bonus, on the "Paris End" of Melbourne I got to wake up in the morning, look out the window and see a beautiful view of the city and offices full of people. And I know this is probably very unfitting to say but it just felt so nice to feel free and not be one of those people working away, instead I was taking my time, waking up when I liked and after venturing out into a brisk winter wind.

I ate breakfast when most others were eating lunch, but no matter to me because I still fit in my daily 3 meals, sometimes even an extra supper and dessert in the evening. The first night I racked up a nice $60 bill all on my own for Cumulus. I was seated by the kitchen and watched all of the chefs dashing around, plating up and then preceeding to place that plate they had just meticulously prepared onto the marble bench in front of me. I also don't think I'll ever get over one particular drink I had, a rhubarb and mint ginger beer. Although maybe a strange combination it's never going to be something that will be able to be replicated or replaced in terms of taste and how it had made me feel.

Safe to say that since travelling to other parts of the world my photos have gotten better, courtesy of beautiful cameras a la Jason. You may think me crazy but I had created a twelve page "See and Do Melbourne" guide for the two of us, for the best places to visit, a guide to what was on and in what area and the highest rated places to eat. All places and activities had a hierarchy rating, grouped and categorised and further gave all information on opening and closing times. For the restaurants, Urban Spoon was my guide and I also ordered each eatery by cuisine, rating and how far away it was from the hotels we stayed in.

Sure sure it sounds a little crazy, I know, but when you're in a city so full of delicious food and memorable experiences I think it's a waste to not at least experience the best that it has to offer. Of course we also did have a day where we just winged it and did whatever, whenever; but it was good to have structure and to have at least visited all of the must see places we wanted to. I would hate the feeling if I had landed home and discovered there was something I was incredibly interested in but I had missed out because of poor planning and not knowing. I guess this way I cover my bases!

We stayed at three different hotels over our two weeks in Melbourne so I'm going to proceed to split this Melbourne Diary as a lot more photos were taken and there is just so much you need to see!

Melbourne

Snaps of Melbourne I took on my Iphone. I had the first two days in Melbourne all to myself, we had to rearrange our flights due to unforeseen circumstances and Jason arrived in Melbourne on the Wednesday. Staying at the Sofitel on the Paris side of Collins Street was amazing, the views were incredible in the morning to wake up to and in the evening after a long day of shopping, eating and sight seeing, to be welcomed back to a beautiful city. Upgraded to the superior suite, we were on the 44th floor.

Before check in time I spent most of my time walking around the treasury gardens and government buildings pictured above. When checking in, complimentary strawberries and wine were given and a little hand written card welcoming me. I got my feel for the city in the first two days and pretty much had everything down pat as to where they were located and what to see and do.

The first night I had Cumulus for dinner, seated at the kitchen tabletop, I had a great view watching the chefs cooking and plating up. I don't think I will ever stop dreaming of the rhubarb and berry root beer I had that night, it was beyond amazing and pretty much perfect. Cumulus was right behind the hotel, which when it was raining like it was - made for an easy choice for dinner.

See and Do - Melbourne

Melbourne is a whirlwind of art, culture and delicious food. My first See and Do guide for my lovely readers below. Do beware, by the time you are searching upon this many of the events listed would have come to pass - but that's not to say that there aren't any others of the same calibre. They may even be much, much more fun! Keep a look out however, and visit the homepages of many of the linked sites. Most importantly, happy seeing and doing!

Art and Culture

Art Galleries

Australian Centre for the Moving Image
Federation Square
10am – 5pm, Thursdays to 9pm

–         Hollywood Costumes
24th April – 18th August, Tickets $19.50
Experience the greatest movie characters of all time
http://www.acmi.net.au/hollywood-costume.aspx

–         Screen Worlds
10am – 5pm Daily, Free Entry
Story of film, television and digital culture
http://www.acmi.net.au/screen_worlds.aspx

Centre for Contemporary Photography
404 George Street, Fitzroy
11am – 6pm Wednesday – Friday
12pm – 5pm  Saturday – Sunday

–         Night Projection Window
24th May – 14th July
http://www.ccp.org.au/exhibitions.php?f=Night_Projection_Window

–         After Images, Gallery 3
24th May – 14th July
http://www.ccp.org.au/exhibitions.php?f=Gallery_3

–         A Performative Paradox, Gallery 2
24th May – 14th July
http://www.ccp.org.au/exhibitions.php?f=Gallery_2

National Gallery of Victoria International
180 St Kilda Road
10am – 5pm Closed Tuesdays

–         Monet’s Garden
10am – 5pm daily including Tuesdays, Tickets $26
Also: Friday nights at Monet’s Garden Friday 5th July 5.30 – 9.30 pm, French inspired bar, light food, DJ, Pop up talks, Vance Joy (band)  $28 Adult Admission, includes exhibition entry
http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/exhibitions/monets-garden
http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotels-offers/promotion-12962-promotion.shtml
http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/exhibitions/monets-garden/explore/friday-nights-at-monet

–         NGV International Art Collection, Free Entry

–         Dior and Yamamoto, Free Entry
A History of Fashion

National Gallery of Victoria
Federation Square
Cnr Russel and Flinders Streets
10am – 5pm Closed Mondays

–         Top Artists
21st March – 7th July, Free Entry
The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Studio, Ground Level
Student Portfolios of 2013

RMIT University Gallery
344 Swanston Street
11am – 5pm Monday – Friday
11am – 7pm Thursdays
–         A Parliament of Lines: Aspects of Contemporary Scottish Drawing
–         A Room Without a View

State Library of Victoria
328 Swanston Street
10am – 9pm Monday to Thursday
10am – 6pm Friday to Sunday

The City Gallery
Ground 110 Swanston Street
11am – 6pm Tuesday – Friday
10am – 2pm Monday
10am – 4pm Saturday

See also:
Linden Arts Centre

Kings Artist Run Initiative: 1/171 Kings St
Compound Interest Centre for Applied Art: 15-25 Keele St Collingwood
Twentybythirty: 20 Presgrave Place, Pushka Cafe
West Space: 225 Bourke St Level 1
Port Art: 384 Bay St

Mailbox 141: 141 – 143 Flinders Lane
No Vacancy: 27 – 33 Red Cape Ln, QV Building
Bundoora Homestead
Heide Museum of Modern Art

Public Art

Architectual Fragment
Swanston Sr
City Lights
Centre Place and Hosier Lane
Cocker Alley and Niagara Lane
Laneway Commissions
Proximities
Batman Avenue, William Barak Bridhe
Queensbridge St, Sandridge Bridge
The Travellers

Theatres

National Theatre
20 Carlisle Street, St Kilda South
Princess Theatre
163 Spring Street
Regent Theatre
191 Collins Street

–         King Kong
http://www.marrinergroup.com.au/shows-tickets-details.php?id_show=5055
http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/King-Kong-tickets/artist/1729009&camefrom=CFC_AU_MRR_Marriner
http://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/Melbourne/Events/Art-and-culture/Plays-and-musicals/King-Kong.aspx

Museums

City Library
253 Flinders Lane

Hellenic Museum
10am – 4pm Monday – Friday Free Entry
http://www.hellenic.org.au/
Spans over two levels of the old Royal Mint building, features Greek architecture.

–         Melbourne Planetarium
One show per week day
http://museumvictoria.com.au/planetarium/visiting/

Melbourne Museum
Carlton Gardens, 11 Nicholson Street
10am – 5pm Daily

Scienceworks
2 Booker Street, Spotswood
10am – 4pm Daily Tickets $6
http://www.museumvictoria.com.au/scienceworks

The Australian National Museum of Aviation
1 Second Avenue, Mentone
03 9580 7752
Group and Guided Tours by Appointment
http://aarg.com.au/

Villa Alba Museum
44 Walmer Street, Kew
1880 Italianate Mansion, lavish ceilings and panorama paintings
http://www.villaalbamuseum.org/

Music and Performances
Australian Ballet Company
Level 5, 2 Kavanagh Street, Southbank

–        Graeme Murphy’s Swan Lake
1st July 6.30pm
https://www.australianballet.com.au/whats_on/event_detail?perfid=4209

Comedy

–         Comic’s Lounge
26 Errol Street Melbourne

New Comedians
2nd July Tickets $15
http://thecomicslounge.com.au/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=VMeTicketFlyPage.tpl&product_id=502&category_id=6&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=56

–         Frank Woodley, Harley Breen and Elbowskin
Melbourne Public Bar and Restaurant
11 Dukes Walk, South Wharf
3rd July
6pm – late Tickets $15, Dinner and Tickets, $60
http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Whatson/ArtsandCulture/Comedy/Pages/c1456105-52e3-41f6-ae24-d7826a02201a.aspx

Architecture

Heritage Buildings:

–         Forum Theatre
154 Flinders Street

–         La Bassa (Unfortunately only open every 3rd Sunday of each month)
2 Manor Gve, Caulfield
10.30am – 4.30 pm Tickets $10
19th Century French Renaissance mansion
http://www.visitvictoria.com/~/media/ATDW/Melbourne/Activities-and-attractions/Art-theatre-and-culture/Architecture-and-design/GTOLandscape__9041835_AF94_Labassa_drawing_room.ashx­

–         Royal Exhibition Building
Victoria Parade, Carlton and Nicholson Streets, Carlton
City Circle tram/86 or 96 along Bourke St to Nicholson St Entrance
Melway Map Ref 2B J10
http://www.visitvictoria.com/~/media/Images/Melbourne/Destinations/royal-exhibition-building_mel_u_918578-303_503x283.ashx

–         Trades Hall
54 Lygon St, Carlton

–         Werribee Mansion
Gate 2, K Road, Werribee
10am – 5pm Daily Tickets $8.10
Includes Sculpture Walk, Heritage Orchard, Rose Garden, Farmyard, Formal Garden

Miscellaneous

Crown Enternainment Complex
8 Whiteman St, Southbank

Docklands Fireworks
The Piazza at Docklands
429 – 437 Docklands Drive
5th July – 26th July
Fireworks at 7pm Free Event
IMAX Theatre Melbourne
Rathdowne St, Carlton

Outside

Beaches

Brighton Beach

Coloured beach houses
St Kilda Pier
Skyline views

Gardens

–         Carlton Gardens
1-111 Carlton Street

–         Fairy Park
2388 Ballan Road
10am – 5pm Daily Tickets $16

–         Fitzroy Gardens
230-298 Wellington Parade

–         Treasury Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, Australian Rainforest Walk, Ornamental Lake, Queen Victoria Gardens

Wildlife and Zoos

–         Melbourne Aquarium
Corner Kings Street and Flinders Street

9.30am – 6pm Daily, last admission at 5pm Tickets $35

–         Melbourne Zoo
Elliot Avenue, Parkville
9.00am – 5pm Daily Tickets $26.10

–         Werribee Open Range Zoo (African Safari)
K Road, Werribee
9.00am – 5pm Daily, Gates close 3.30pm Tickets $26.10

Hot Air Balloons and Flights over Melbourne

–         Ballooning Over Melbourne (Flight Only)
Global Ballooning
1st Floor, 173-175 Swan Street,  Richmond
4.00am – 10am Balloon Flights
http://www.globalballooning.com.au/

–         Melbourne Helicopter 30 Minute Scenic Flight
Heli Experiences
81 Bristol St, Essendon North
9am – 5pm Approximately $166 - $235 per person
http://www.heliexperiences.com/

Others:
http://www.visitvictoria.com/Regions/Melbourne/Activities-and-attractions/Outdoor-activities/Ballooning-and-scenic-flights.aspx

Activities

–         AUSCARTS
50 Salmon Street, Port Melbourne
10am – 10pm Daily
15 Minutes Minimum Tickets $45
http://www.auscarts.com.au/

–         Eureka Sky Deck 88
7 Riverside Quay, Southbank
10am – 10pm, Daily, last entry at 9.30pm Tickets $18.50
http://www.eurekaskydeck.com.au/

–         Luna Park
18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda
11am onwards Saturday and Sunday

Unlimited Rides Tickets $45
http://www.lunapark.com.au/

–         Medibank Icehouse
105 Pearl River Road
10am – 10pm Daily

–         Bounce Inc
2 Weir Street, Glen Iris
10am – 9pm Monday – Thursday
10am – 11pm Friday
9am – 11pm Saturday
10am – 6pm Sunday Tickets $16.50 first hour, second hour $10

–         Wonderland Fun Park (Mainly for Kids aka Jason Tan)
120 Pearl River Road, Harbour Town
11am – 5pm Weekends only Tickets $35

Historic

–         Flinder’s Street Station
Corner Flinders and Swanston Streets

–         Parliament of Victoria
Spring Street, East Melbourne

–         Pollywoodside Ship
2A Clarendon Street
10am – 4pm Thursday – Sunday Tickets $16

Street Art Locations

–         122 Palmerston Street, Carlton

–         21 Degraves Street

–         Caledonian Lane, off Little Bourke Street

–         Centre Place, between Collins Street and Flinders Lane

–         Cnr Flinders Lane and Cocker Alley 

–         Hosier and Rutledge Lane, opposite Federation Square

–         Rear of 280 Queen Street in Finlay Avenue

–         Union Lane, off Bourke Street Mall
 

Various

–         Arts Centre Melbourne Sunday Market
100 St Kilda Road
10am – 4pm Free Entry

–         Chinatown
Heffener Lane

–         Circus OZ – Cranked up
The Circus OZ Bigtop between Federation Square and Batman Avenue
19th June – 14th July
7.30pm – 9.45pm Wednesday – Saturday Tickets $32.50
http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Whatson/ArtsandCulture/TheatreandShows/Pages/3c315cd3-cebc-4b5f-bc8d-71fb9f167ca1.aspx

Love Winter in Melbourne – Life Size Snow Dome
Spencer Outlet Centre, 201 Spencer Street
12th June – 29th August
12pm – 2pm Monday – Friday Free Entry
http://www.spenceroutletcentre.com.au/news-items/love-melbourne-in-winter

–         Queen Victoria Market
Closed Mondays and Wednesdays, Sunday has a carnival atmosphere

Shopping

Shopping Centres

–         Australia on Collins (10 minutes from hotel)
260 Collins Street
7am – 6pm Monday – Thursday
7am – 8pm Friday
10am – 5pm Saturday
12pm – 5pm Sunday

–         Chadstone (20 minutes drive from hotel)
1341 Dandedong Road, Chadstone
9am – 5.30pm Monday – Wednesday
9am – 9pm Thursday – Friday
9am – 6pm Saturday
10am – 5pm Sunday

–         Collins Place (short walk man)
45 Collins Street
9am – 6pm Monday – Thursday
9am – 7pm Friday
9am – 5pm Saturday
10am – 5pm Sunday

–         DFO South Wharf (10 minutes from hotel)
20-30 Convention Centre Place
10am – 6pm Monday – Thursday
10am – 9pm Friday

–         Galleria Shopping Plaza (15 minutes walk from hotel)
385 Bourke Street
9am – 6pm Monday – Thursday
9am – 9pm Friday
9am – 5pm Saturday
11am – 4pm Sunday

–         George’s on Collins (20 minutes walk from hotel)
162 Collins Street
10am – 6pm Monday – Thursday and Saturday
10am – 6pm Saturday
10am – 5pm Sunday

–         Harbour Town Shopping Centre (15 minute drive from hotel)
Studio Lane, Docklands
10am – 6pm Monday – Saturday
10am – 5pm Sunday

–         Melbourne Central Shopping Centre (13 minute walk from hotel)
211 La Trobe Street
10am – 6pm Monday – Thursday and Saturday
10am – 9pm Friday
10am – 5pm Sunday

–         Melbourne GPO (10 minutes walk from hotel)
350 Bourke Street
10am – 6pm Monday – Thursday and Saturday
10am – 8pm Friday
11am – 5pm Sunday

–         QV Retail
221 Little Lonsdale St

–         Southgate Complex (20 minute walk)
3 Southgate Avenue
7am – Late all days

–         Spencer Outlet Centre (10 minutes by car)
201 Spencer St
10am – 6pm Monday – Sunday except Friday
10am – 10pm Friday

–         The Paramount Corporate Shopping Centre
108 Bourke Street

–         The Walk Arcade
309-325 Bourke Street

–         The WTC Wharf
Building B No 679 Shops 1-3 18-38, Siddeley Street
7am – 6pm Monday - Friday

Shopping Strips

–         Acland Street, St Kilda

–         Bridge Road, Richmond

–         Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

–         Chapel Street, South Yarra

–         Gertrude Street, Fitzroy

–         High Street, Armadale

–         High Street, Northcote

–         Queens Parade, Clifton Hill

–         Smith Street, Fitzroy

Arcades and Laneways

–         The Block Arcade
280-292 Collins Street
10am – 6pm Monday – Wednesday
10am – 9pm Thursday and Friday

–         The Royal Arcade
331-339 Bourke Street
9am – 5.30pm Monday – Sunday

–         Federation Square

–         Under the Clocks

–         Flinders Street Station

–         Degraves Street

–         Majorca Building

–         Centre Place

–         Centre Way

–         Block Place

–         Gog and Magog

–         Bourke Street Mall

–         Melbourne’s GPO

–         23-31 Niagra Lane

–         Lonsdale Street

–         Hardware Lane

–         Dynon’s Building

–         Hardware House

–         Galleria Plaza
358 Bourke Street
9am – 6pm Monday – Thursday
9am – 6pm Friday
9am – 5pm Saturday
11am – 4pm Sunday

–         Little Collins Street

–         Howey Place

–         Capitol Arcade

–         Capitol Theatre

–         Manchester Unity Arcade

–         Manchester Lane

–         Flinders Lane

–         Scott Alley

–         Port Phillip Arcade

–         Young and Jackson’s

–         Chloe

–         Federation Square 

Food

http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/DiningandNightlife/Restaurants/AllRestaurants/Pages/AllRestaurants.aspx

Rated in terms of percentage on Urbanspoon.

European

–         Amiconi
Ground, 359 Victoria Street
12pm – 3pm Lunch
6pm -  Late Dinner

–         Il Solito Posto (90%)
Shop 4, Basement
113 Collins St
7.30am – 10.30pm Monday – Friday
9am – 10.30pm Saturday

–         The Hardware Societe (90%)
118-120 Hardware Street
7.30am – 3pm Monday – Friday
8.30am – 2pm Saturday and Sunday

–         Markov Place (90%)
350 Drummond St
5pm – late Monday – Sunday

–         Bramble and Vine (94%)
749 Nicholson St
Carlton North
Dinners Tuesday – Saturday

Japanese

–         Izakaya Den (88%)
Shop B3, Basement
114 Russel Street
12pm – 1am Tuesday – Sunday
11.30 – 2.30pm Lunch Weekends

–         Sakura Kaiten Sushi (93%)
Shop 1 61 Little Collins Street
12pm – 9pm Monday – Thursday
12pm – 9.30pm Friday
6pm – 9pm Saturday

–         Purple Peanuts Japanese Café (92%)
618 Collins Street
9am – 8.30pm Monday – Saturday

–         Darac Grill & Bar (92%)
51 A’Beckett Street
Lunch til late – Monday – Friday
Dinner – Late Saturday

–         Shoya Nouvelle Wafu (89%)
25 Market Lane
Lunch and Dinner Daily

–         Akakchochin (91%)
33 Dukes Walk
12pm – 12am Tuesday – Sunday

–         MACHI Restauraunt and Bar (94%)
14 Inkerman St
Dinner – Late Monday - Sunday

Chinese

–         Shanghai Street Dumpling (90%)
342 Little Bourke Street/
11.30am – 10pm Monday – Friday
12am – 10pm Saturday
12am – 9pm Sunday

–         HuTong Dumpling Bar (83%)
14-16 Market Lane

Malaysian

–        Mamak (74%)
366 Lonsdale St
Lunch and Dinner Monday – Sunday
Late Friday and Saturday
 

–         Portello Rosso (89%)
15 Warburton Lane
12pm – 12am Monday – Friday
6pm – 12am Saturday and Sunday
 

Dessert

–         Cacao Green
285 Swanston Street
11am – 10pm Monday – Thursday and Sunday
11am – 11pm Friday and Saturday

–         La Bella Miette (94%)
30 Hardware Lane
10am – 6pm Monday – Friday
10am – 5pm Saturday

–         Creperie Le Triskel (94%)
32 Hardware Lane
7am – 4pm Tuesday – Thursday
7am – 9pm Friday
8am – 4pm Saturday

–         Le Petit Gateau (95%)
458 Little Collins St
7.30am – 5pm Monday – Friday

–         Luxbite (83%)
38 Toorak Road
Lunch and Dinner

–         Giraffe Café (84%)
302 Little Lonsdale
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner – Monday to Saturday
 

Rooftop Bars

–         Transit Cocktail Lounge
Tenancy 29, Level 2
2 Swanston Street
5pm – late Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday
4pm – late Friday and Saturday

–         Aer Bar
120 Exhibition Street
12pm – 1am Daily

–         Eureka 89
Level 89 Eureka Tower
7 Riverside Quay
6pm – late Wednesday - Saturday
 

Various

–         Cumulus Inc (87%)
Ground and Level 1
45 Flinders Lane
7am – 11pm Monday – Saturday
8am – 11pm Sunday

–         Melbourne Supper Club (90%)
7pm – 4am Sunday and Monday
5pm – 4am Tuesday – Thursday
5pm – 6am  Friday
8pm – 6am Saturday

–         Punch Lane (91%)
43 Little Bourke St