Oms & Noms - November/December

In an attempt to clear my blog backlog (try saying that ten times quickly!), here are a few of the choicest cuts from November and December.

1. Taco Truck, Inner Northern 'Burbs
Having been tantalised by the various locations of Ralph Rashid's Taco Truck on Facebook for a while now, I finally bit the bullet and journeyed to the hipster end of Lygon Street for a tortilla fix. I opted for the chicken and fish options, which came with homemade corn-chips ($12); both tacos were fresh and packed with flavour; the poppy mayo on the fish taco was a minor revelation. Can't wait to hunt down TT's sibling, Beatbox Kitchen (aka BBK), for a decent burger now.

2. North Cafeteria, Carlton North
G and I hit up this cafe on Rathdowne Street after an unsuccessful round of house hunting a few weeks back: great food which buoyed the spirits. G ordered the Northern beans ($13.50) and I went for the Sardines with haloumi ($13.50). Word on the street is that the Reuben sandwich here is pretty legendary as well, something I'll have to test on a return visit.

3. Di Bella Roasting Warehouse, North Melbourne
Round the corner from the impossible-to-get-a-seat Auction Rooms, this place is a great alternative if waiting isn't your thing. The only mildly perplexing element of the experience was having to order and pay at the counter before the meal... I ordered the Poached eggs on sourdough with sides of avocado, sauteed mushrooms and a deliciously large hunk of Meredith goat feta ($18); G eyed off the Avocado, tomato, chili and coriander on grilled sourdough with poached eggs ($16) and added a side of Sweetcorn polenta and spinach ($4). G raved about the grilled flavour of her carbs, while I quite happily could've had a breakfast consisting solely of multiple sides of polenta.

4. Carlton Espresso, Carlton
This place is the home of simple but brilliant fare and suave but genuine waiters, both of the Italian persuasion. On this occasion, Air-dried bresaola with buffalo mozzarella and cherry tomatoes ($16) and the Quinoa salad with seafood antipasto ($24) were on the agenda. Delicious and beautiful , as per usual.

 

5. Dolcetti, West Melbourne
A short walk from the Queen Victoria Markets, the Dolcetti display cabinet is heaven to those who possess a sweet tooth. Multiple return visits will be required. Below is a Strawberry ricotta cake ($3.50) and the Dark chocolate and raspberry tartlet ($3.50).

6. The Moat, CBD

This new eatery is located in the basement of the Wheeler Centre building on Little Lonsdale Street and offers drinks and Middle Eastern dishes from lunch until late, Monday to Saturday. G had the Braised lamb neck, roasted garlic labna, quinoa salad and flat bread ($28) and I ordered the Sicilian eggplant stew with toasted almond and oregano aioli. Photo quality is somewhat grainy due to the dim lighting, and doesn't do the food justice. Service was a little patchy, but I'm hoping these are just teething problems!

Have a brilliant Christmas (or if that doesn't float your boat, a great generic-end-of-year holiday period) filled with glorious piles of presents, a cornucopia of delicious food and long stretches of doing absolutely nothing! 

Festive treats at the Bend & Snap Market