Mamasita

I’m no expert on Mexican food, and I haven’t spent a lot of time in Melbourne, but in my less-than-a-week trip in June I ate here twice and was a total convert.  A door-in-the-wall place, Mamasita’s decor is simple – all the energy goes into the food here. I was tempted by the ox tongue & cheek and prawn tacos, and was rewarded for experimenting.  The prawns were beautifully spicy, and the ox meat was melty and tender.  On my second visit I branched out and tried the street-style chargrilled corn, which was doused in cheese and came alive with a drizzle of lime. I then moved on to the steak taco (my favourite apart from the prawn) and chorizo quesadillas stuffed with potato and cheese. Both meals were quick far tastier than I thought Mexican was, and very filling.  I can see where Mamasita gets its reputation from! Check it out if you can grab a table.

Mamasita, Level 1/11 Collins St, Melbourne               http://www.mamasita.com.au/

Monster

Monster on any given day is a cool place to be; located in the Hotel Hotel part of the Nishi building in New Action and full of exotic flowers, Monster is the epitome of modern dining in Canberra. But Monster on a rainy day is especially cool – they have these circular panels of glass in the ceiling over the seats where you can see the water-drenched ferns and rain coming down while you stay cozy at your diamond-shaped table inside.  My friend and I were drawn in by the unusual menu – yabby jaffles, you said? – and so we ventured out in the rain to try these treats.  The jaffles didn’t have chunks of yabby in them as I’d imagined, but they did have a rich creaminess from creme anglaise and chives.  The pork neck bao was surprisingly filling and enlivened by the cucumber kimchi served on top.  But the dish of the day was without a doubt the cured kingfish, served with smoked avocado, pickles and jalapenos.  Incredible flavour and texture, with a real kick from the chilli.  A good place to hole up for a classy feed, rain or shine.

Monster, at Hotel Hotel, NewActon Nishi, 25 Edinburgh Ave, Canberra    http://www.hotel-hotel.com.au/eat-and-drink/monster/

Bourke St Bakery

On a recent sojourn to Sydney, I was told that Bourke St Bakery was a must visit, and who am I to argue when there’s cake involved? In a long held tradition, Dad and I went out to lunch with our chiropractor/old family friend in Neutral Bay, and when I realised this was an option it was decided! The entrance is heralded by a sandwich board and cute bicycle leaned against the wall. This boded well. I was a bit dismayed at the high savoury-to-sweet ratio, but that was foolish – I thoroughly devoured my cauliflour and celeriac soup, served with a chunk of the best seed bread I’ve ever had. Nutritional balance satisfied, it was finally cake time. After much deliberation, I went for the strawberry meringue tart, which was absolutely a winner. If you think the strawberries on top are it, get ready for awesomeness, as underneath the meringue was more strawberry goodness. If #cometocanberra is a thing for restaurants, let’s bombard Bourke St Bakery with it. Please.

Bourke St Bakery: Shop 7/19-25 Grosvenor Street, Neutral Bay, NSW http://bourkestreetbakery.com.au/project/neutral-bay/