Claypot, St Kilda

Source: www.yourrestaurants.com.au

I’m not a huge fan of seafood, as some of you may know. But that hasn’t stopped me from going to Claypot in St Kilda again and again, and again. It’s just so yummy!! I love it! I’ve never sat in the courtyard area but I love the front of house area where you get the street light shining in and it feels like a cozy little area.

We usually get a mix of seafood on a huge platter to share… the flavours are just amazing. Be careful, don’t sit next to someone who’s sloppy and order some delicious entrees while you wait for your platter.

Last but not least, if you’re happy to wait then get there at after 6:30pm. If you’re not, best bet is to get there at 6pm. If it’s sunny, get there early and get a seat in the courtyard.

Source: www.yourrestaurants.com.au

Claypot Seafood Restaurant
213 Barkly St
St Kilda 3182 VIC
03 9534 1282

Lau's Family Restaurant

More and more I'm less inclined to go to posh restaurants, because nowadays there are so many great restaurants that don't have the fuss. Also, I prefer the atmosphere where the crowd is more friendly and relaxed. That's what I like when I'm having a meal, it helps me digest when I'm in a relaxed and happy mood...

Of course happiness at a restaurant comes from good company, good service and good food: Bring a good crowd and go to Lau's.

Lau's is owned by the former owner of Flower Drum. You can see Mr. Lau there most of the time and he personally attends to each table to make sure you are happy. Like the staff, he seems genuinely concern about your happiness. Their attitude really reminded me of the old Flower Drum...

The menu is simple Cantonese food but oozes quality and control. By control, I mean, it's not too salty, not too spicy, and never too oily. 

I suspect everything is good, so I won't make any recommendations :) Remember though, you will need to book and there are two dinner seatings: 6pm and 8pm.

Lau's Family Kitchen

4 Acland Street

St Kilda

8598 9880

Mirka at Tolarno Hotel

Source: Gourmet Traveller

This restaurant is fantastic, the service is attentative, the atmosphere is relaxing, and best of all, the food from beginning to end is superb. Mirka is becoming one of our top favourites in Melbourne.

We always always order the Prosciutto di Parma (This restaurant is becoming one of our top 10 restaurants in Melbourne is fresh Parmigiano Reggiano with fresh pear) and Mussels Marinier (mussels in white wine, leek and saffron veloute) for entrees. For mains, those that I recall were Wagyu Hanger Steak, with truffled potato puree and onion rings; Beef cheek bourguignon with mushrooms and potato gnocchi. Both incredible.

Mirka at  Tolarno Hotel

42 Fitzroy Street

St Kilda

03 9525 3088

A Blessing in Disguise

What a wonderful restaurant! Michael had said that the few times that he went in the past the experience was great. But not being a huge fan of Italian fine dining, I was a bit skeptical. We organized Cafe Di Stasio early Tuesday night for a catch up with our dear friend, who was down from Sydney, and before our James Morrison show.

As it turned out, James Morrison’s concert was cancelled. So it was a blessing in disguise because I would rather spend time with my friend than see James Morrison…

The bow-tied white jacket clad waiters were attentative, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The specials were extensive and recited with pride by the waiters. The wine list was expensive :P In the end, we settled for a French Island Vineyards Pinot Gris ($56!!) – light, citrus, and slightly bitter. Should have ordered the Medhurst Rose, which would have been brilliant.

We settled for the following selection

A dozen of natural oysters with wedges of lemon to share
Mixed Salad with chargrilled seafood

Chargrilled Eye fillet with truffle oil and a roasted tomato
Pasta of the Day – Angel Hair with pesto and scallops
Roasted Lamb Loin…
Rocket salad with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

Muscat Liqueur Tart
White Chocolate and Tart
Loose Leave Plunger Peppermint Tea

Such a cozy place to catch up with your friends and the service is impeccable. Everything was delicious, that is rare for Michael and I that we enjoy everything. The dishes were served as described in the menu – straight forward, no nonsense and nothing decorative. Even the tarts were served on big white plates with neither droplets of chocolate sauce nor dollops of cream. The eye fillets were sliced and sufficient for me, but for grown men, maybe not. And so it was for the meals… I think this is a restaurant that you will be able to have three-courses - no problems.

Our tarts were fabulous. I have read that the crepes with the fresh strawberries are meant to be fantastic but I wasn’t sure whether it would be too much… oh well next time!


Cafe Di Stasio
31A Fitzroy Street
St Kilda
(03) 9525 3999