iriya's Profile
About me
ilya (iriya) is a man searching for the journey to discover the conundrum of a conundrum that is also searching for the path leading to the journey to find the condundrum of ilya...
Iriya represents one aspect of the "real Japan". Japan is changing; Iriya is changing. The tourist maps ignore Iriya. Most of them stop at Ueno, perhaps with a brief mention of Asakusa, but Iriya should not be ignored.
My websites
Recent Reviews
Wait and see...
Cho Gao 311 Level 3, Melbourne Central, Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Whelp -- i've been here a couple of times now and initally i was very impressed with the design, works for me 100%. The balcony over looking the state library along with a number of rooms around the bar/cafe/lounge make it pretty much an all round great venue for functions and get togethers. The dimly lit lantern rooms set a soft and relaxed mood. Visibility is pretty low, which can be romantic, or help if you don't want to see your first date too well - or visa versa :)
I must admit i was pretty (nay, very) unimpressed with the Roti Canai... The roti bread was like that flat compacted frozen stuff that's barely palletable if you've every tried the real stuff. The curry sauce was also way too sweet :( The balance of flavours were all off the mark for me.
The chicken ho fun, pad thai, and Cho Gao duck salad were all ok - but nothing for me to salivate over to be honest.
Also, if you order a lemon lime and bitters (i ordered a couple), ask them to put bitters in it!! I had to get them to load it up as there was zero flavour in mine.
It's early days yet for this venue - i'm happy to wait and see their food mature a bit more. For now, i guess i'll be there to drink and soak up the surroundings rather than feasting...
Have a look anyway!!
i.
BBC Boycot
Belgian Beer Cafe 557 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne
I'm won't be back to a breeding ground arrogant and dismissive staff!
The food was poorly blended and flavours pedestrian - way over priced for the quality (especially given the quality available in melb!)
BEWARE!
Wagyu Perfected!
Hanabishi 187 King St, Melbourne
Hanabishi has pretty much all you could want in an authentic and refined restaurant. The entrance and interior greets you with soft wooden tones coloured by the warmth of toned down lighting.
Softly spoken Kimono dressed waitreses glide across the wooden floor to greet and and show to your seat.
Chef Akio Soga does a brilliant job presenting and balancing the delicate flavours. Hanabishi has a farily extensive menu, so a few visits are required to get the full picture - any excuse for me will do!...
MUST TRY:
Japanese Steak - Wagyu Premium
Sea Urchin (disolves in your mouth)
Soft Shell Crab
187 King Street Melbourne
Phone: 96701167
