For the month of March 2010 and in support of the official Melbourne Food and Wine Festival , Beer DeLuxe, at Federation Square, will showcase Japanese culture, beers and food as part of the Shinobi Japanese Secret Beer Garden. Just in case you are wondering, Shinobi means Ninja in Japanese. Also in support of L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival and promotion of young creative talent, this secret garden is especially designed by Tokyo-born and Melbourne-based graphic designer, Nami Kano and University of Melbourne Master’s of Architecture student, Olivia Fielding.
I was thrilled to receive an invite from Beer Deluxe to the garden and had a taste of some of the Japanese offerings that is served here for a short time only. I had been to Beer Deluxe a couple of times before after work when I used to work in the CBD. They have a big repertoire of beers from around the world and I believe about 8 – 10 different beers on tap. And I was totally surprised how the outdoor area facing Flinders Street has been transformed. It is such a pity that this set up will be taken down early April as it’s a great outdoor area for beer lovers.
We are beginning to love Collingwood all over again. Having lived here for 4 years before, this place has changed but hasn’t? It is still gritty and somewhat ugly but it has always been full of character. But over the years, more cafes and littl restaurants have sprung up along this street. More yuppies have moved in and the face of Collingwood is changing.
Mister suggested that we headed to Collingwood for lunch as he wanted to try Goshen (Korean) and have some bibimbap. But alas, the place is closed for lunch. We went past Wabi Sabi when we visited Monsieur Truffe awhile back. This place has been around for 5 years and I am ashame to say that this is our first visit.
I am a big fan of Horoki. To me and many of my friends, Horiki never seem to fail us. Despite its name and a Japanese owner, this isn’t exactly the usual Japanese joint. Ingredients like olive oil, parmigiano reggiano, light soya sauce & cappers are used in some its dishes. This restaurant is a like a melting pot of cultural tastes. So very Melbourne. So very Australian.
The mochi as we know it are the ones that are usually stuffed with sweet fillings such as red bean paste. Mochi originates from Japan but has been a popular dessert or snack in other parts of Asia, predominately Taiwan, Hongkong and Singapore.
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