Darling Street Espresso @ Moonee Ponds [Melbourne] - Neigbhourhood Cafe Offering Real Food Without Fuss

Darling Street Espresso embodies the essence of Melbourne cafe cuisine- real food without the fuss, just a street away from your home.

Split Shot 

Start off the day with a Split Shot (AUD$ 5) - one shot neat and the other made into Piccolo. How cool is that, to be able to appreciate the beans in both manners. On days when i'm indecisive, this solves everything.

Protein Bowl 3.8/5

Protein bowls are ubiquitous in Australia and every bowl which I had tried during my trip was interesting in its own way. The Protein Bowl (AUD$18) here is well thought-out. Supergrains formed the base and for greens you have asparagus and zoodles, which is basically zucchini noodles, that I believe will eventually become a hit someday. Beetroot was mashed into a tangy sorbet and a handful of crispy chickpeas for some fun. Not too raw for comfort, when there's a slab of halloumi and poached eggs to bring it closer to home. Fresh turmeric labna, a middle eastern staple made by removing excess whey from salted yoghurt is used to harmonise the ingredients. I thought that adds a homemade touch to this dish.

12 hr Smoked Pork Shoulder Brik 4.5/5

We had 2 specials of the day, and both dishes speak with sophistication and quality that I never thought could be found in a cafe. I love the vibrant colours and the artful plating. 12 hr Smoked Pork Shoulder Brik (AUD$21) was like a filo pie - tender and moist meat wrapped within a paper-thin and crisp skin. The orange and potato salad supports the richness of the meat while the kohlrabi and basil pesto lent a touch of bitter and nutty nuances to the overall taste.

Confit Duck Croquettes 4/5

Duck can be quite a tricky meat to handle in the realm of western cuisine which makes this Confit Duck Croquettes (AUD$19) even more outstanding. So just when you find rosti a creative replacement for hash brown, we have got something even more exciting. The crisp exterior cracked readily under my fork, revealing a moist mixture of duck and potatoes. Very well executed dish in terms of taste and pairing of ingredients, turning what is usually treated as a street snack into brunch to look forward to.

Brekky Roll 3.5/5

When everything else is too fancy, this simple but satisfying Brekky Roll (AUD$13.50) will get your morning rolling. Well toasted brioche bun holding together the meaty Newmarket bacon, fried egg, cheddar, complemented by relish and aioli. Another homemade touch to that.

Cauliflower Falafel 3/5

Vegetarian options are readily available in cafes. I notice a few dishes with middle-eastern ingredients, Cauliflower Falafel (Aud 15.50) is definitely the most pronounced. Sandwiched in between the flat bread is the cauliflower falafel. I find it kinda dry, despite the eggplant kaunda spread.

Real food without fuss, in a equally simple and functional setting, no 'hipster' name tag to it.  That's what I love about a good suburban cafe.

Words and photos by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Darling Street Espresso
146 Athol Street
Moonee Ponds
Victoria, Melbourne
[Map]
Tel: +613 93262212
Facebook
Website

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 730am - 4pm
Sat-Sun: 8am - 4pm

Crystal Jade Kitchen @ The Centrepoint - New Menu With More Cantonese Wok-Fried Specialities And Adorable Lotus Paste Buns

Crustal Jade has a been a household and well-loved local brand since it is founded in 1991, with different dining concepts ranging from fine dining and casual dining restaurants to specialty bakeries. Recently I dropped by Crystal Jade Kitchen at Centrepoint to check out their refreshed menu, with more Cantonese wok-fried specialities.

Steamed Ha Kau 4.2/5

We started with some of Crystal Jade Kitchen's all time favourite dim sum items such as the Steamed Ha Kau ($6.30 for 4pc), Steamed Siew Mai with Crab Roe ($5.80 for 4pc) and Pan Fried Carrot Cake with Dried Shrimp and Preserved Meat ($4.80 for 3pc).

Steamed Siew Mai with Crab Roe 4.2/5

Pan Fried Carrot Cake with Dried Shrimp and Preserved Meat 4.5/5

The Ha Kau wrapped in a thin and translucent skin was plump and crunchy, stuffed with 2 prawns. The Steamed Siew Mai was also meaty and juicy. Lastly the softness of the Pan Fried Carrot Cake with crispy exteriors is further fragrant by the addition of preserved meat and dried shrimp.

Lotus Paste Bun 4/5

Keeping up with the trend, the kitchen has created the new whimsical Assorted Lotus Paste Bun ($3.50 for 3pc). The pillow-soft steamed buns are shaped into adorable hedgehogs, chicken and piglets. Every day 2 of these characters will be available on the menu. Inside them are smooth and subtle sweetness of the white lotus filling.

BBQ Red Sausage 3.5/5

Besides the classic roasted meats, the menu has included the BBQ Red Sausage ($13.80 regular) which is quite uncommon. The Chinese style sausage made up of minced pork and pork cubes, has a sweet char siew finishing that tasted like Taiwan sausage.

Braised Pork Belly with Beancurd and Chive 4/5

For communal dining, there are a couple home-cooked dishes that we worth ordering which are cooked a la minute upon order. Starting with the traditional Cantonese Braised Pork Belly with Beancurd and Chive ($16.80) that comes with silky tofu, flavoured by aroma of prawn paste and chives.

Scrambled Egg with Tomato 4.5/5

A dish that will be enjoyed by both young and old is the Scrambled Egg with Tomato ($13.80). The dish comes with luscious fluffy eggs and fresh tomatoes slices in a moreish sweet and sour ketchup based sauce.

Curry Beef Brisket 4/5

An unexpected item on the menu is the Curry Beef Brisket ($17.80). I doubt many places in Singapore serves this. The piping hot claypot comprises of tender Australian beef brisket in a spicy-sweet curry broth. This is best to eat with a bowl of rice.

Pork Trotter with Ginger and Vinegar Stew 4.2/5

It was to my delight that the restaurant even has Pork Trotter with Ginger and Vinegar Stew ($12.80) on the menu. I am a sucker for the dish. I enjoy biting into the bouncy skin and succulent meat with the concoction of sweet, sour and gingery holding the enjoyment together. Instead of chicken egg, it uses quail egg. This is a bonus.

Hokkien Fried Rice 4.2/5

A new and variations from the usual rice item is the Hokkien Fried Rice ($16.80). The egg fried rice is topped with prawns, conpoy, roasted duck, chicken and mushrooms and cooked in oyster sauce.

For the period from 15 May to 30 Jun 2017, Crystal Jade Kitchen will be having the $1 deal promotion. Customers will have the chance to try the range of new dishes; 4 choices each week, for just a dollar with a minimum spending of $40.


Crystal Jade Kitchen
The Centrepoint
176 Orchard Road
#03-43/43A
Singapore 238843
Tel: +65 67349420
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 10pm
Sat-Sun & PH - 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B and C. Walk to the main street. Cross the road. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]