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Lord Lunchabit S.C.'s East Coast Eateries - The Blue Ribbands
This list comprises my "approved eateries" in the City of Melbourne or more precisely, as I term it, "Melbino". As time has gone on I have been implored to include my observations on feeding stations in Sydney and in FNQ to which I have now acceded. Brisvegas - I have now done you too.
Being a very busy Silk (S.C. means Senior Counsel but I prefer the more accurate term "Superb Counsel") I need to be able to descend upon an eaterery at very short notice, review a menu (or better still be enticed by the specials as informed by the wait staff), take a drop or 2 of wine (preferably red) and then get back to court - or if in the evening, linger longer and take in the full gastonomic service and stickies to follow.
As such I share my views on our finest restaraunts and ristorantes in our fair City (and from places to the far north where I love to appear on circuit in the cold months in Melbino and that other place north of the Murray and south of the Tweed).
So "ALL RISE" and let's adjourn now and take them in!
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1
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Seamstress
Melbourne
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Now here is another example of how Old is New and New is then Yesterday. Set in Melbino's Theatre District this is an example of modern Asian which will not disappoint. It will not leave you gobsmacked but it is what the Judge ordered!
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2
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Caterina's Cucina e Bar
Melbourne
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Without doubt THE best luncheon ristorante in Melbino. Service, style of food, attention to detail and Caterina herself. The wine list is refreshingly challenging and caters to each budget in these times. This is a must for any serious Italian eater and drinker. The very best of Regional Italian cooking. Always dependable always My Lordship's realm.
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3
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Portello Rosso
Melbourne
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Now I want it known that My Lordship discovered this place and have adopted it as my small conference room for intimate conferences. Set out in the old Punch Club it is a pizzeria and jamon bar - so there Sydney-siders. Pizza is some of the best in Melbino.
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4
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The Argo
South Yarra
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All rise! Now this is going to surprise some - the review that is. The back of the Argo is simply a delight and most enjoyable in summer and in winter. However, the dining room has slipped from its perch. When it relaunched a couple of years ago it was wonderful. Not so anymore. Service - non-existent so much so that My Lordship had to get off my ample derriere and enter the back bar and try to find the Maitre'd. Hot entrees are delivered before the cold ones - but the gap was 5 minutes. NOT GOOD ENOUGH. The wine list though large is not kept up to date as the 2 fine Italian reds I ordered were unavailable and an excuse which was provided was unsatisfactory. The pasta was overcooked. The mussels were undercooked. ARGO fix yourself and quickly. I will check again (this note is written May 2009). If you dont want to provide excellent service and food and wine then close the dining room and keep the bar. And I so order!
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5
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Gills Diner
Melbourne
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I like these sorts of places. Hidden and then wondering who thought of it and why? This place so reminds me of being in trouble at junior school. I do look for the strap each time but that is another matter. Food - brilliant for lunch. However, noise - concrete floors - ahhh.
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6
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Ecco
South Yarra
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Consistently great Italian food and the attention to turning out top quality food always impresses. Francesca is a delight - authoratative and charming. A bit like the President of the Court of Appeal - sometimes!
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7
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Cecconi's Cantina
Melbourne
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A gem. One of the only downstairs ristorantes that works for ambience, decor and dining. This one was even more pleasant as the Viscount (son of his Lordship) parted with his platinum card and covered expenses. Ah yes, family.
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8
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Da Noi
South Yarra
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The most interesting "Vietnamese" Italian. Tiny, pokey, stuffy and sensational.
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9
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Becco
Melbourne
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The veal is why I have put this here. I love it and so should you. Best experiences at lunch although I would like to see the wait staff pick things up a bit. Service is as important as product.
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10
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Cosi
South Yarra
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Lunch is good but a quiet two-some for dinner after drinks is where Cosi does well.
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11
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Grossi Florentino Grill
Melbourne
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Here I cheat a bit. I like the fixed price 2 course and a wine luncheons. Allows for a quick tram ride from court and back to enable me to enjoy a quiet nap instead of listening to my opponent in the afternoon.
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12
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Punch Lane
Melbourne
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I stroll here from Chambers at night with colleagues and visitors from OS. This is classic Melbino. Understated and solid. Wine. Food. Cheese. And wine.
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13
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The Press Club
Melbourne
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Melbino is the second largest Greek city in the world outside Oakleigh. The lads at TPC have admirably awakened us to spending good money on great Greek food. Can almost get back to court from here by why bother?
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14
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Vue de Monde
Melbourne
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Shannon you are a god. Bryan can match or astonish you with wine. Expensive I hear you say - just thank the gods that he is not charging Euros.
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15
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Bistro Vue
Melbourne
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Shannon's little frere to the main do. This has its own ambience and feeling. It also saves My Lordship on the shilling so it can't be a bad thing. Try the Pissiladiere. And why not?
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16
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France-Soir
South Yarra
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Rude, abrupt, harried - I must adore the French - they all could have been barristers! the cuisine is no nonsense and Gallic. Great for supper.
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17
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Madame SouSou
Fitzroy
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The jury is out on this one. One bad experience I have determined is not enough to write it off. So dear clients Your Lordship is off there again shortly to review! Stay tuned.
Oh dear, neither wines I ordered in stock, filley mignons delivered on cold plates, bread had to be begged for, waiter unable to describe food on plates. Only good for brunch I'm afraid.
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18
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Interlude
Fitzroy
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You have just got to try this one for one reason only - the foam! I never thought it possible to actually include a foam dish in EVERY course but then I came to Interlude. Pricey but foamy! Ah yes - a couple of foams and a sorbet thanks!
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19
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Kanela Flamenco Bar
Fitzroy
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Dance, sweat, sex appeal - I know it all but here there is all this on stage and tapas to boot. Grungey but nice!
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20
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Pearl Restaurant + Bar
Richmond
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I hate the location lads. Try finding a car park! Thankfully my driver just sits there but I worry for the rest of you. Well run, presented and delicious. I would drop the Persian Fairy Floss though. Way too sweet. Staff could be a little more friendly especially when parting with the better part of 10 Lazy Mawsons! A Pearl in Melbino.
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21
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Circa, the Prince
St Kilda
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Evening only. Sexy, cool, sophisticated and then there's the restaurant. The Van Haandels got his one right. Get a table looking inwards. Take your loved one here and the rest is assured.
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22
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The Stokehouse
St Kilda
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The Van Haandels seaside winner. Noisy, difficult to get to, busy but where better to be on a summer's afternoon whilst waiting for the jury to come back with its verdict?
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23
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Syracuse
Melbourne
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I like it and that should be enough for you. Charm, extensive wine list and intimate. In wonderful Bank Place, almost a second set of Chambers to Your Lordship.
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24
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Jimmy Watson's
Carlton
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I think I grew up here whilst missing Law lectures but then again so did the entire legal profession in the 1970s. Why go here? Because you have to at least once or twice. That is what an institution is for and the Watson boys know it.
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25
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Donovans
St Kilda
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If I had kept my Sorrento Beach House this is what I would still be in. Warm, open and intimate. Winter or summer. A treat to go to and just a dinning experience worth repeating.
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26
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Mandala Restaurant & Bar
South Yarra
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What a surprising find! Now do not ask what I was doing in the Gayest Strip in Commercial Road (obviously coming back from the Pran Market..) but I found cause to duck in here. Atmosphere is acceptable and the food was a delight. Not pricey and pleasant outdoor rear garden. Nice one!
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27
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Jamon Sushi
South Yarra
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You wonder why Charles set up here as it cant be for the ambience. Yet what he turns out here is comparable to the very best in Japanese in Melbino. He loves his craft and I love his food.
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28
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Hanabishi Japanese Restaurant
Melbourne
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Situated on the "Kings Street Freeway", it is worth risking your life to cross from the civilised end of town to this place for its delicate flavours and attentive staff.
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29
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Gingerboy
Melbourne
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Now when it opened it was exciting. Having been back 3 times since the staff have forgotten to make it an experience to the diners. What a pity. Also the size of the fish has shrunk from the opening days. Teague what are you doing to us?
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30
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Livebait
Docklands
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Now I had to say something about Docklands and this is the only word I know - Livebait.
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31
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Teahouse at Chinatown
Melbourne
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Forget the Drum, all staff here are ex-Drum and the price is 1/2 the Drum. Say no more.
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32
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Pacific Seafood BBQ House
South Yarra
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This is an official adjunct to China Town. The local Chinese have determined that this place is one of the best, value, flavour, variety and the hussle of Chinatown but in gorgeous South Yarra.
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33
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Oriental Tea House
South Yarra
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Do not forget to actually try the different teas with the food.
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34
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Nu Nu Restaurant
Palm Cove
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The fellows behind this excellent restaurant are ex-Melbino and proud to be FNQers now. This is one of the best eateries in the Country and I should know. Try a Mr Cool to finish off the evening!
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35
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Reef House
Palm Cove
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Get to FNQ, stay at Beach Club Palm Cove and have a romantic dinner on the decking at the front of the Reef House (please book for 2 and take someone special). The food and service here will not dissappoint.
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36
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Vivo Bar and Grill
Palm Cove
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Breakfast only but what a setting and the best coffee in Palm Cove - nothing more must be said.
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37
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L'Unico Trattoria
Trinity Beach
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As a busy silk with a national practice I enjoy my appearances in the tropics and especially enjoy getting out to Trinity, ordering some Angel Hair anything and sipping on a cold Pieroni whilst the Coral Sea breeze floats in. Try it.
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38
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Tamarind Restaurant
Cairns
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This is Cairns up-market restaurant and apart from being in the Casino it really is worth a dinner. It should really lift itself up and try to match NuNu at Palm Cove or learn from Oliver's around the corner in Spence Street (which I consider the best restaurant in Cairns City). However, I do like it as I can get back to Court rather quickly should one of my junior's not be able to survive in the afternoon on their own!
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39
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Donnini's Ciao Italia
Cairns
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This place is really for lunch. The Pier is the place to take in the sights of trinity Cove and the Whitfield Ranges. As from old Melbino town this establishment is a must when working hard in the Law Courts of the North.
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40
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Cafe China
Cairns
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Harry Su has the best cellar in FNQ. From Grange to Grange and everything in between.
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41
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est.
Sydney
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I was annoyed to enjoy this - as it is not in Melbino. The whole Establishment is a compliment to new Sydney.
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42
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Cafe Sydney
Sydney
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This is the spot for a Melburnian to relent and say - OK Sydney is not so bad - and that's the view from the terrace. And the food, very very edible.
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43
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The Bentley Restaurant and Bar
Surry Hills
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Surprised me this one (hated the seats not so good for an Old Silk) but variety and wines helped pass the discomfort admirably.
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44
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Bistro Moncur
Woollahra
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Yes it is snooty, yes it is difficult but it so reminds me of Melbino. Food - great, service - friendly.
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45
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Catalina
Rose Bay
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Nice and romantic. This place is a winner for its positioning and its attempt to be a very good restaurant. pretentious? Maybe but aren't we all or is that just me?
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46
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Lucio's
Paddington
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This one is a favourite. Right in all that it does. I predict it will go well, so there.
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47
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Sailors Thai
The Rocks
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Clever brilliant fragrant cooking. Sharing a table gives me the feeling of being connected with humanity and I alsways find that unnecessary howver this place deserves its accolades. Should be in Melbino that's how good it is.
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48
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Ripples Cafe
Milsons Point
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Typical Sydney - close to water, almost need exercise but get a view by going up. Fun place for a lunch.
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49
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Alchemy Restaurant and Bar
Brisbane
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Nicely situtaed in the legal end of town. Lots of solicitors. Very good for the practice. Wine list was savaged by my junior but the end result was a couple of most accpetable tipples.
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50
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Era Bistro
South Brisbane
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Another spot my junior found for me. Well done that man! Only issue was the amount of noise. Glass everywhere so dining became a riotous affair. Come to think of it so was the food. Not bad. Lunch only.
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51
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E'cco Bistro
Brisbane
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Arrived here at the insistence of a fellow silk at the Brisvegas Bar & Grill. Enjoyable and lively. Place that is, not the silk.
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52
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Cha Cha Char Wine Bar & Grill
Brisbane
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Now this place is a quasi-Vlados for those of you from Melbino. Meat. Meat. And meat. Blokey and well attended. Try to get a window seat as the wait staff have to dodge many tables in the centre.
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53
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depot Emporium
Fortitude Valley
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How has Brizzie changed? well not being Brizzie anymore but now Brisvegas and some real style in the old place. depot is an example. try it.
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54
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Cru Bar & Cellar
Fortitude Valley
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James Street is a stand out for good reasons. Very nice little set up developed here. This place is a real meeting point with great wines and good food.
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56
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Mecca Bah
Fortitude Valley
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Melbino in the Valley. This place does as it does down south. Very well and relaxed.
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57
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Citron Modern Asian Restaurant
Wilston
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And yes, My Lordship does get to out of the way places - Wilston you say. It is seriously a good little Asian in a comfortable setting. And prices will make the serfs happy.
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 flagging ...
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