Minor Sweets @ Chez Dré, Coventry St, South Melbourne

I went through my usual market walk today. After getting my food for a week (nothing exciting, just sweet potatoes, chicken breasts, chorizo sausages, shaved ham, veggies and some fruits), I remembered reading a review on The Age Epicure about Chez Dré, the new kid on the Coventry St block. It's been long since there's a new place around there, and I'm glad that there's a new place for market shoppers to hang out.

I was shocked when a place that huge was packed, which is maybe a good sign. I really wanted to eat something but since I found it hard to look for a spot, even at the communal table, I decided to just skip the entire hassle and grab something off the counter. There wasn't much, so I asked for suggestions, which someone gladly helped me with. I chose a plain croissant, salted caramel eclair and fig and lemon macaron.

The verdict is that I loved the macaron. Probably not Luxbite love but the flavors worked well. The fig jam is probably too sweet for the lemon flavor but still, it can be improved.

Now, the salted caramel eclair is just lovely. It's the best eclair I've had by far out of all the afternoon tiffins. Will be back for more desserts.

I also ordered a coffee to go, which is also good. Not the best coffee (compared to St Ali), but promising. While I was waiting for my coffee, I was looking around and noticing a lot of unsatisfied customers. Some were waiting for the menu, for food, for coffee. Ok, not a good sign. Considering that this is a new joint, good to give them a chance to improve on their service or come EARLY (argh...) then I can have their Croque Monsieur! =D

Great Tempura @ Tempura Hajime, Park St

If you're looking for that perfect intimate place for dinner, Tempura Hajime is the best place to be. With only 12 seats, personalized service is guaranteed. This is truly one of my most memorable dining experiences in Melbourne to date, where the service is homey yet professional and not intrusive.

Another thing that I liked about the place is that it is well lit and does not have that damp or enclosed feeling. If you also like the idea of having a sort-of personal chef cooking for you, this place also ticks the box.

On to the food. Sis and I chose the Tempura Set, consisting of entrees, 7 to 10 pieces of freshly cooked tempura pieces, a main and dessert. Clearly, my expectations were set very high and I was not disappointed.

Entrees were poached chicken in sesame dressing and sashimi (ocean trout, king fish and hapuka with plum sauce). Sis noted that she has had fresher sashimi but I thought it was nice and up to my standards, not veiny.

Mains, from left to right clockwise were the dips (you can choose from lemon juice and sea salt and the traditional tempura sauce and shredded radish. I have to say that both of the dips worked extremely well with the tempura), sweet corn, asparagus, prawn, sweet potato, eel (yes! battered and fried eel!), zucchini with spicy salmon, minced chicken, fish, scallop with uni (my favorite!), mushroom with minced prawn and mixed seafood. The tempura was freshly cooked and immediately served in front of you. There's nothing like crunchy batter that seals that luscious flavor of the food. Needless to say, dinner was sublime and as close to authentic Japanese tempura.
Dessert was also memorable. Yoghurt jelly with cointreau and grapes. Sis admittedly liked this one the best. But who wouldn't? It's not pretending to be a panna cotta but can arguably be one. It's smooth, silky and light. Thumbs up!

Unfortunately, this place has to be reserved for that special occasion and damn, too bad I can't afford to eat like this every night :(

Homey Brekky @ Figs Cafe, Carlton North

I was planning on having brunch at Dench Bakers but it seemed like everyone had the same idea that morning. After getting me some croissants and olive bread to go, I walked along Nicholson Street, thinking on weather I should walk further down for another trip to Pope Joan.

Feeling lazy, I noticed that the cafés along Nicholson are buzzing with the morning rush. Not a bad sign. I've tried Birdie Num Nums before, which was fairly good but I remembered ordering an uninteresting option from the menu. Walking down, something caught my eye. Figs. Figs? Ok, this I've got to try.

I was instantly welcomed by a server who wore a very Bob Marley looking hat. I don't think everyone could pull off that look but he did! And with blonde hair too! I can't say that I fell in love with the place instantly but I most definitely love the zucchini and feta cheese fritters. And the desert lime chutney, of course. I wanted to ask them if they sell a jar of this somewhere. I can imagine this with grilled meat or fish or in a sandwich with turkey.

Next time you're around Nicholson Street, give this a try.