Brothl - CBD

Joost Bakker's hardware street cafe Silo has been transformed into BROTHL - the cheekily named soup specialist that is pioneering the 'Zero Waste' philosophy in Melbourne. Brothl takes unwanted organic waste and transforms it into delicious nutrient rich food.

 BROTHL does this by using left over bones provided by Rockpool and Attica combined with rainwater from Monbulk and upcycle them into flavoursome broths, which are perfect for the winter season. On top of being tasty, the broths boast numerous health benefits which includes boosting your immune system, reducing joint pain and even promoting healthier skin and hair.

The 'Zero Waste' philosophy is extremely admirable and that philosophy translates into the entire restaurant as well. The furniture and decor is made from recycled materials, even the bowls are adorable recycled pots - a hipster's paradise. 

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However as much as I like the concept and decor of BROTHL, I was left a bit disappointed after my visit. My waitress at BROTHL must have misheard me and my beef broth was missing a few items including the brisket, which left my inner carnivore unsatisfied. Aside from that, the broth itself was flavorsome and just what I needed to combat the cold Melbourne weather.

I'll be making a second trip to BROTHL very soon to finally get a taste of their brisket and to try out their other broths too. If broths aren't your thing I hear they also do a great chick pea falafel.

But whether you're a hipster who's keen on doing your part for the environment or just wanting to try something different, BROTHL is definitely worth trying out. 

MON – SAT 10AM – 10PM

123 Hardware street, melbourne 3000

PH: 03 9600 0588

E-MAIL: BROTHL@BYJOOST.COM

Nieuw Amsterdam - CBD

Nieuw Amsterdam located on Hardware street has a distinct old school New York vibe with its dark wood finishes and exposed red brick. Above their dimly lit bar is a stylish restaurant area, where diners can enjoy a selection of mains and sandwiches or something from the Pitt grill, such as their succulent Smoky beef brisket with a carrot remoulade.

For the indecisive diner, the $50 Nieuw Banquet is an amazing deal. You get a ridiculous amount of food (2 entrees, 2 mains, 2 sides and dessert) and it's all decided for you by head chef Nick Stanton (previously at Woods of Windsor). 

Along with the owner, Michael Roszbach (from Cookie) Stanton has created a menu that is undoubtedly American but I detected a slight hint of Asian and French influence. The kingfish ceviche had a light dashi dressing and our grilled eggplant was served with grilled tofu whilst the carrot remoulade helped to cut through the richness of our beef brisket.

We of course had to add their famous chicken and waffle dish to our banquet, rich pate and a chicken terrine atop a waffle with a orange caramel to add sweetness.

Desserts were also a huge hit at the table. We quickly devoured our silky chocolate delice with a liquid chocolate centre topped with sticky honeycomb before promptly tucking into our warm fluffy pumpkin donuts with a Kentucky bourbon cream. Out waiter was kind enough to instruct us on how to best eat the donuts without melting the cream. The trick is to split the donut in half, smother the insides with cream and create a warm, creamy pumpkin donut sandwich of sorts. Brilliant.

The drinks and service were lovely. Our food came out very quickly and I simply adored our waitress. She was very friendly and beautiful inside and out. It was a great place to have a drink, share a meal and catch up with friends.

(special thanks to Rachel Lung for providing some photos) 

Nieuw Amsterdam 

106-122 Hardware Street, Melbourne 

(03) 9602 2111

Hours 

Mon to Wed noon-1am 

Thurs & Sun noon-3am 

Fri & Sat noon-5am

nieuwamsterdam.com.au

Operator 25 - West Melbourne

Operator 25 is a lovely brunch spot located on the edges of the CBD. Set inside an unassuming heritage listed building is a stylish and minimalist interior. The sleek and simple furniture contrast nicely with the rustic exposed brick on the inside.

The place's name and the murals inside both pay homage to the building's history of being the first telephone exchange in Melbourne. Whilst on the other hand, the menu is modern and vibrant with all day breakfast, some hearty lunch options and even something for the kids.

I liked the food, I thought their menu was rather impressive for just a cafe but perhaps a bit more than they can handle. My braised beef cheeks were good, the sweet onions went nicely with the rich beef but the squid ink risotto although tasty was tepid at best. The flavours and texture were good but getting a lukewarm risotto on a cold winter's day was a huge let down.

Having said that, I enjoyed the laid back and cool ambience of Operator 25, so I'll most likely be returning to try their breakfast menu. Hopefully next time everything will come out nice and hot.

Alice Nivens Cafe - Port Phillip Arcade

Take a step into wonderland and join Alice Nivens for afternoon tea.

Janet Wong's alter ego has manifested itself into the hidden gem that is her cafe. Tucked away in Port Phillip Arcade, Alice Nivens bakes delicious new treats everyday that are served alongside lovingly made coffee and tea (from Storm in a Teacup). 

The cupcakes, muffins and cakes change on a daily basis so there's always an excuse to come back and try something new.

If the sweets aren't enough to lure you in, simply popping by to chat with owner, Janet is as good a pick me up than any coffee will ever be. Her energy and passion is simply remarkable.

Open Monday to Friday, it's perfect for your early morning coffee or for a bit of afternoon tea.

Mr Big Stuff - CBD

Mr Big Stuff has recently opened and they are serving up some serious Soul Food! 

Located in Meyers place with just an Afro-girl sign at the door, Mr Big Stuff is the newest addition to Melbourne's alleyway gems.

It's all about bold southern flavours and good vibes over there. The place is stylishly laid out and has a DJ in the corner, pumping out music that makes you wanna get groovin'

All the food exceeded my expectations. The pig ear chips were an addictive treat (would've been great with beer) and their ox tongue and cheek was incredibly tender.

I was particularly impressed by the Chicken and Waffles though. I had been disappointed before at other places by bland chicken and a sad limp waffle but Mr Big Stuff's was amazing. 

Crispy, well seasoned skin on a moist leg accompanied with a fluffy and crisp waffle dusted with just a touch of icing sugar. Perfection. 

My one complaint is that they say their menu is for sharing but if you're a big eater, one dish is more like a portion for one.

 But don't forget to wash however much you order down with something from their awesome drinks list. They've got plenty of Iced teas and even cold pressed Kool-aid with witty and clever names.

Izakaya Den - CBD

Hidden away obscurely on Russel Street, Izakaya den is an incredibly stylish and modern looking venue with a lengthy bar that seems to go on forever.

The decor is minimalist and the menus projected on the wall add to its Japanese flair, which just emphasizes style and function. Not to mention it's small but well organised open kitchen where the many chefs prepare your meals right before your eyes. Nothing is more reassuring than knowing the kitchen has nothing to hide.

Moving onto the food!

These are scallops with garlic butter and soy 

Gotzinger Pork sausages

Wagyu beef with a side of pickled cauliflower 

Spicy Tuna Tataki (I LOVE TUNA)

Duck Liver Parfait with Crispy Wonton skin

Sweet Japanese Pumpkin Creme Brulee

Everything was delicious and cooked to perfection. The scallops were succulent, the meat well cooked and properly rested, everything just bursting with flavour. My only fault would be that there wasn't enough wonton skin for the duck liver!

I washed our meal down with a lovely glass of Umeshu and Matcha tea, one of the few selections on their extensive drinks list. I highly recommend this place but try to go on a quiet night as they don't take bookings and the place can fill up fast.