259422 Wed Jun 03 19:32:11 -0700 1998 5 26 International 0 1371560 I'm looking for advice on restaurants, and even "don't miss dishes," in Sydney and Melbourne. I'm told that the Australian version of a seven course meal is a meat pie and a six pack, but there has to be more than that. Right? Wed Jun 03 19:32:11 -0700 1998 0 Neil Ellman 1 1371561 Never been there, but Anya von Bremzen, a great author, has a Pacific cookbook which is basically an Australian cookbook, and looks at the melding of various Asian cuisines there. It might be a good place to start. Wed Jun 03 23:21:31 -0700 1998 1371560 0 Alan Divack 1 1371562 You bet there's more to Australia than that ignorant comment. The dining scene is incredible in Sydney. The one place you MUST try to get in is Tetsuya's -- 729 Darling St., Rozelle (about 10 mins. cab ride from city). Phone : 011-612-9555-1017 (direct dial from US) Call immediately, beg for a table anytime they can fit you in. It is booked solid weeks ahead of time. The place is not in any great location, but people in the know trek out there just for the food. 5-course lunch, 6-course dinner. Put yourself in the chef's hands -- trust him. Other places to check out : 1. Rockpool -- 107 George St., The Rocks 9252-1888 2. Bennelong -- Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point Ph: 9250-7548 3. Darley Street Thai -- 28-30 Bayswater Rd., Kings Cross. Ph: 9358-6530 10 mins. cab ride, betw. city & eastern suburbs. Chef is an Aussie David Thompson, who is totally immersed in Thai cooking. 4. Sailor's Thai Canteen -- 106 George St., The Rocks Also owned by David Thompson. Speedy and affordable food. Room is anchored by one long stainless steel communal table. 5. The North Sydney Noodle Market -- open for lunch on Sundays during winter (which is now). About 15 stalls selling all kinds of noodles, bbq lamb chops, satays and dumplings. Sounds like chowhound heaven to me. Location : in a park near the corner of Miller & McClaren Streets in North Sydney. Thu Jun 04 01:07:39 -0700 1998 1371560 0 Gary Cheong 1 1371564 Try "Fazio's" in Hampton,Melbourne,Victoria Great Italian food, but not as we know it. Sun Jun 21 02:07:51 -0700 1998 1371560 0 Stuart Fuller 1 1371615 Australia has some of the best food in the world, and Melbourne has a thriving Cafe Society, go to Lygon St in Carlton for Italian, Mario's is one of the best and made itself famous duing the Seinfeld tour for not giving him preferential treatment... his management tried to make a booking and they just said "sorry, this is a cafe, we don't do bookings. For cheap and good Viet & Chinese, go to Victoria Street in Richmond. For mixed cuisine you can't go past the cafe's of St.Kilda... too many good ones to mention. If you love food check out the fresh fruit& Veg Markets... The Queen Victoria Market is a real experience. When in Melb listen to 3RRR radio (102.7fm), there is a food show called Eat It on Sundays at noon that I can highly recommend. Mon Nov 02 19:59:48 -0800 1998 1371560 0 Cyndy 1 1374515 I just HAVE to agree with Gary and Cindy here. I may be a tad biased, but I often tell my friends abroad that Melbourne is the 'food capital of the world'. Over the top? Perhaps, but I've yet to find and ENTIRE city that offers the range, quality and value for money that Melbourne does! A walk in any direction seems to guarantee an unforgettable meal. Oh heck. I just love the city. Similarly, Tetsuya's is a place not to be missed when staying in Sydney. Reserve your place as soon as you can. Another unusual, but exclusively Australian dining experience to relish whilst in Sydney is 'Riberries'. Riberries serve exclusively Australian fare, or 'Bush Tucker' if you like. Chef Paul Bocuse even exclaimed after sampling their famous Witjuti grubs, syringe injected with garlic sauce; 'Vive la cuisine australienne!' Make haste to this establishment for a gourmand's adventure. When else will you be able to sample garlic grubs, kangaroo carpaccio, emu liver pate, barramundi broth, and the host of other indigenous seasonings at their disposal? Link: http://www.planetout.com/pno/travel/destinations/browse.html?key=329&type=445 Mon Apr 16 22:28:23 -0700 2001 1371560 0 ciaobella