Cavallini

Cavallini is such a beautiful cafe... even when buying biscuits I wanted to linger and absorb everything... I could live here, seriously!

The photos don't do it justice.


Queens Parade or what is called "Clifton Hill" shopping strip, in Fitzroy North, is a gem. Park your car at Blondies, stroll the stores along the street and then wonder around the corner to the other quirky stores, from Swords Selection, Cavallini, ........ I could happily wonder around here all morning or all afternoon.

During my drive from Queens Parade to Prahran via a GPS assisted short cut, I passed Smith Street and Church Street, both lined with (as many of you would know) very unique and intriguing shops and cafe. Aren't we blessed, Melbourne...

Cavallini Artisan Bakery Patisserie Espresso Bar

354 Queens Parade

Fitzroy North

03 9486 3883

Crystal Jade Chinese Restaurant

My mum's youngest sister came to visit last month to attend my cousin's graduation ceremony from Taiwan. We usually spend a lot of time with her when we visit Taiwan, and it was really a pleasure to see her in Melbourne. My other cousin, Barry also came to town from Adelaide. He decided to take us all out one night so we picked the restaurant for him :P

Don't be fooled by its exterior and location, Crystal Jade Chinese Restaurant is a fantastic restaurant. Hidden away in Waratah Place along with the "lovely" KumDeng eatery, you have to be in the know to find this place.

The decor is a bit strange, with yellow walls and dark-wood cabinets.. still it is the food that we are here for. Their cuisine centres around seafood and the daily special is written on the blackboard above the fish tank. They also specialise in Northern Chinese Cuisine, dishes like Ants on Buddha and Prawns with 3-Colour Eggs.

They pride themselves in serving quality tea as well and I love their glass tea pots...

Here are some photos of the dishes taken with my mobile phone camera... braised lobster with ginger and noodles.

Red-cooked mushrooms, fried tofu and abalone.

(er... this one looks like Chinese Broccoli with beef slices (^^;)....

For dessert, we got to try buttery biscuits from Cavallini Artisan Bakery ..... I was skeptical at first because they didn't look like anything out of the ordinary and I was not really craving for them after such a big dinner. But the biscuits tasted so good, especially the one that looks like cow's manure, that ended up having two. The chocolate biscuit's dough melted in my mouth first followed by the pin-size chocolate solids. I wanted to eat the rest, but there were other people in the room... Oh well, will just have to go and buy some myself....

Crystal Jade Chinese Restaurant
11 Waratah Place

Melbourne
03 9639 2633

Cavallini Artisan Bakery Patisserie & Espresso Bar
354 Queens Parade

North Fitzroy/Clifton Hill

03 9486 3883

Ratings

Food: Simple Northern Chinese Cuisine

Top Dish: 3 Colour Egg Prawn with 3-Colour Eggs

Atmosphere: Eccentric

Service: Speedy service.

Booking: Recommended especially for dinner