Now that we live North of the river, old favourites are now distant memories. And one that has been neglected is Claypots in South Melbourne. Today we actually ventured across the river as I had an errand to run in Southbank and it really didn't take much convincing for us to decide to have lunch here.

The razor clams and the snapper were new to us but the rest are old favourites and once the steaming bowl of pasta arrived we were transported back to what felt like the familiarity and warmth of home. The pasta is always al dente and the saltiness and tanginess of the white anchovies and the tingling warmth of the chilli is always such a delight.

The razor clams were cooked in white wine and garlic and they were delicious too. We'd forgotten how tasty the sambal kingfish is and for a small piece of fish which could be easily overcooked, this was perfect. Shred of white fish meat just came off the bone and the spice and sweetness of the sambal was just a wonderful flavour sensation.

Claypots do amazing crushed potatoes. The texture and the flavour of these floury pieces of warm potato just work so well with the delicate nature of the fish. The snapper alla puttanesca wasn't quite what we envisioned as we thought it would be in a tomatoey olive sauce but actully it was pan fired with more of a tapenade on the side. Still delicious and probably better not to be drenched and over powered in sauce in hindsight.

And our favourite the John Dory; which I didn't take a picture of as it's not always the prettiest of fishes once fried up but it is so delicious. Delicate, white, sweet flesh and then the lemongrass, chilli paste it comes with just brings out that sweetness.

We miss you Claypots. Shame we now live so far. Like good friends though, it's worth the effort and the travel. We'll not leave it so long next time.

Sunday morning in South Melbourne and we headed away from the market for brunch this time to somewhere Steve found. We secured two seats in front of the window. Service was " no frills" but the basics were enough to ensure we had tea and two plates of food.

Steve and I both had the bacon, halloumi and poached eggs on sourdough with a chickpea spread. Everything was cooked well but I think some sort of hollandaise sauce, pesto or relish would help lift the dish and cut through the salt content as the halloumi and bacon are so salty. I wasn't a huge fan of the spread which was like hummus in consistency and not very flavorsome.

The accompaniments we ordered were tasty - baked beans and the sauce from the beans helped add some moisture to our bacon and egs dish. The mushrooms were deliciously herby. Has browns were rustic but a touch overdone so super crispy and a little burnt.

We had a nice enough breakfast here but the lack of a warm welcome and food that was good but not stellar probably isn't enough to bring me back.

Ceviche Alcapulco: Fresh fish, marinated in lemon, tossed with orange and lime zest, nectarines, capers, olives, and fresh green chilli

BBQ Elotes: Chargrilled corn rubbed with Lime and jalapeno sour cream, rolled over Monterey Jack cheese, sprinkled with our gremolata and Tajin

Tostados: Crispy tortillas, served with refried black beans, salsa fresca and twice cooked duck breast in Tinga sauce

Quesadilla Frijoles: Red beans, corn kernels, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, coriander and a mild blend of Central American spices

Chili Con Carne: Slow cooked beef with black eye peas, red beans and a blend of Guajillo and ancho chilies, served with a light sour cream and hominy rice

We enjoyed a wonderful Mexican feast seated outdoors. The food was good enough and well priced. We did think that the courses would come out individually so felt that we were waiting a while but then everything came out together so I guess that was why it took longer. We weren't averse to having a smorgasbord laid out in front of us and we enjoyed being able to gorge and taste all the different flavours.

The elotes were yummy - almost as good as Mamasita but not quite there and quite small for the $6 per half cob. Having said that the tostados were much more generous. We really enjoyed the zinginess of the ceviche and the melty cheesey beaniness of the yummy quesadilla that was soft, gooey and oozey.

Slow cooked chili con carne was special too and with a depth of smoky flavour that went so well with the nutty buttery hominy rice,

Service wasn't effusively friendly but it was pleasant enough and we were in and out in just over an hour which is what we wanted.

Let me start by saying, we loved Claypots at South Melbourne market and were loyal weekend lunch visitors frequenting at least once a month. We loved the food and enjoyed the attention of the staff on those days. We ordered lots; they knew our drinks preferences and what we enjoyed. I took family and friends and it was up there in our list of favourite restaurants. You'll see that through previous reviews and if you follow my Instagram, I used to post pics of our wonderful seafood lunches.

Sadly on Saturday, we didn't enjoy the usual wonderful experience I was made to feel like I had muscled my way to a table that was reserved when in fact, one of the waiters had seated us there after we had perched on stools at the bar area for a while waiting for service. As that table emptied and the waiter cleared away the dishes, I asked him if the table was free and he allowed us to sit there.

We then had to wait a while for menus so my husband Steve went to the cash register to pick up the menus and was advised that as we were at a table, it was table service so we continued to wait. But then the lady in charge that evening swanned past, started to take our order but then said that we shouldn't be seated there as it was reserved and demanded I point out which waiter said we could sit there and in the rush I couldn't remember nor did I want to accuse and cause someone trouble so I just shrugged and she scolded us some more and said that she'd told us all tables were reserved so we shouldn't have taken the table and should sit at the bar. I tried to explain we were there originally and moved over with the permission of a waiter but you know when someone refuses to believe you and she just kept demanding who; it was just too much so I stood up and it was easier to leave. And when I said, we'd just leave, she was happy to see us go so that eradicates any feeling of being a valued customer.

I'm just so disappointed now. I've reviewed this place, recommended it, Instagrammed our weekend seafood lunches, brought friends and family and now I'm just so "meh" about it. I can't get excited after that experience.

Sunday brunch and Giddiup has been on the to try list for the last year! Finally we get there and there's a table. It was a quick visit but just what we needed.

The welcome was warm and friendly enough, the order was taken quickly. OJ arrived and was fresh followed by two pots of strong tea. I enjoyed the eggs atlantic and Steve had the bean stew with pulled pork and a poached egg. Both dishes of food were well presented and cooked well.

Absolutely no faults with our visit and a great breakfast was had.

Sunday at South Melbourne market is something we do pretty regularly and we often have lunch at one of the local eateries.

This time we gave Dahon a try. We enjoyed the wide choice of teas and Steve had the stir fry chicken and cashew nuts and I went with the pork belly with Java rice. We also enjoyed some BBQ chicken wings.


Service is attentive and the food arrives quickly, It's obviously popular with locals too which is good to see. Steve enjoued his stir fry. The pork belly was crispy and tasty with a vinegary dipping sauce and a tomato rice. Very enjoyable. And the chicken wings were tasty with a good chargrill flavour.

Well priced, well executed, this is an unusual place that does some pretty tasty plates of food and some well brewed cups of tea.

Finally we get to try St Ali. Every other time the queue has defeated us but this Sunday proved to be the day. We were seated at a communal table with some hip, young Melbournians and we soon were able to place an order for food and drinks. Not being coffee drinkers our tea and juice options were pretty good.

Looking at the pictures our plates of food seem pretty brown and dark topped with some greenery and I guess they were. The whole cavernous warehouse whilst spacious also wasn't particularly well lit and the place had a hum but it didn't feel as light and free as Two Birds One Stone or Top Paddock. It felt more wintry and closed and dark which I guess in Winter is not a bad thing.

So our food - Steve had some black pudding special with a fried egg and I had the Mexican Cousin ie secret recipe corn fritters with poached eggs, grilled halloumi, tomato salsa, tomato relish & green salad.

The fritters were like croquettes - individual torpedo shaped rather than disc like which is what I expected. They were pretty heavy, and light on the corn. I struggled to get through them all.

I've got to say whilst service was friendly and efficient enough and the food came quickly, it wasn't my favourite place and I don't think we're dying to return. Plenty of other options in South Melbourne without the hype and the queues.

Every time we drive by this place it always looks busy so it's been on the list to try for a while.

We made it on a damp Thursday evening last week and again the place was filled with people but we were able to take two places at the large communal table.

The fit out is funky; the place is clean and the welcome is friendly. It has fast become a South Melbourne favourite and a popular neighbourhood restaurant.

I like the tongue in cheek name and it has a real youthful, entrepreneur vibe about it. Interesting to see one or two solo diners too and I would also feel safe and happy dining for one,

We started off with some chicken skewers that come with rice noodles, cucumber, lettuce and dipping sauce on a big wooden board. Presentation is simple but smart. The meat is tender and the dipping sauce fresh and zingy. Loved the noodle and the crispy lettuce and cucumber textures. Only slight issue is I find it quite difficult to eat as it all turns to mush in my hand and the dipping sauce drips everywhere so I get quite sticky and my clothes are tinged with that pungent Asian fish sauce fragrance!

The pork spring rolls also presented on a board are cripsy and fresh. So far so good and yeah it's a few dollars more expensive than Victoria Street but it's closer to home for us and the fit out and decor is nicer so we don't begrudge the slightly higher prices and feel it's still value for money.

I went with The Lot Pho which has a bit of everything in it and Steve goes with the rare beef and brisket version.

The broth is fragrant and piping hot. It does have an oily sheen to it which is a little off putting and the flavours aren't quite as clean and pure as Victoria Street. However, this is still a tasty version and there is very little in it. The meat balls and beef itself is of good quality and probably better than Victoria Street as it was less stringy.

We enjoyed our meal here and left feeling satisfied and happy to return. Happy to recommend.

Sunday lunch and we wanted something satisfying. Knowing that Sunday roasts in this part of the World are different to UK, we have pretty much given up on trying to find something similar and have learnt to embrace the different. Ok, so there's no Yorkshire pudding, lashings of gravy, carvery, groaning plateful but we can find flavoursome roast meat, interesting side dishes, relaxed environments and generally speaking more sunshine! We take what we can get!

Today we ventured to the Middle Park Hotel to enjoy a relaxing lunch with Rob and Lorna. It's convenient to get to and the place has a relaxed but busy vibe.

The boys go with beer, Lorna is in Sunday recovery mode and I try going down the wine front but after one head to the safer territory of diet coke!

Food wise we share two Scotch eggs between three. Rob refrains not being a fan of whole eggs. Apparently mashed up it's fine just not when they're whole or cut in half! Served with HP sauce and a mustard mayo. It's a good Scotch egg. Not too heavy and the HP sauce adds piquancy. The mustard mayo is too mustardy for me but I can imagine it being popular with the mustard fans.

Not knowing what to have Steve and I strike a deal. We go half and hald on fish and chips and the Parisien burger. There is a choice of about 5 different burgers on the menu; different blends of cow and topping. I'm excited by the fish and chips as it promises mushy peas and there is a bottle of Sarsons malt vinegar available which isn't the norm in Melbourne.

The fish and chips are a small serve really but I remind myself it only cost $14 which in Melbourne money is a bargain. (Yeah not so in UK moolah but let's not linger on that point). Disappointingly the mushy peas are a small blob and not the ladleful I expected. The pickled onion is a nice touch albeit unexpected. The fish was tasty. The chips weren't quite chip shop chips but the Sarsons made it better.

Steve thought the burger was strange but I'm not really sure what he means by that. To me it was a reasonable burger. The patty was dense and juicy. I liked the brioche bun and the shoestring fries. It wasn't a blow me out the water burger but it was decent enough.

I think next time we see what else it has to offer. The chicken shnitzel and Sunday roast (

Friday night after a long week and the Barleys just wanted to chill with some comfort food and sleep enducing wine. We headed to the Wayside Inn having forgotten about it for a while and kicked off with a dozen mixed oysters before hitting the main station with our take on surf and turf.

We shared a whole fish and now two weeks later, we're struggling to remember what fish its was...snapper? Flounder? Can't remember. I do recall it being sweet and delicious. Beautiful white flesh just cooked perfectly that the bone could be removed easily but the meat we juicy and moist. A fresh zingy apple and hazelnut salad kept things fresh and light and the crispy and sharp shreds of apple were a perfect contrast to the soft and sweet fish flesh.

So the fish was the surf and what better turf than a good steak. We went with the Mayura Station full blood Wagyu wth a Bordelaise sauce which was a sticky and rich beef fat and marrow jus; intense and hardhitting.
 
The steak was delicious. Rich, satisfying, tasty and tender. Sharing the fish and the steak worked out great for us and we enjoyed sides of smashed corn and skinny fries that were salty and crisp. The smashed corn was sweet and creamy and cheesy and incredibly decadent.

Continuing that spirit of sharing we moved onto the white chocolate semi-freddo, pistachio and rhubarb. A ball of light as air semi freddo with a fragrant nutty crust and a the tang of rhubarb it was a pleasant but forgettable end to the meal.

This meal was exactly what we needed for an uncomplicated Friday evening. Service was prompt, atmosphere was relaxed, there were smiles all round. There was no pretension, no stress. Life felt easy during that meal. It was great to see a number of other diners and a large party. It always seemed to be pretty quiet when we visited previously and that was always a shame as it deserves to be loved and frequented. I really should try and remember this place more as a destination and recommendation and show it some more love! It sure deserves it.