2022 was the year we finally ventured back out. It was tentative and most of us got sick at some point in the year, but wasn’t it intoxicating to experience all those simple activities with renewed gratitude?
I had some fabulous meals, some of them straightforward, some of them sophisticated. Here is a list of a few of the memorable ones.
Warning: this is a very basic list. I no longer dine with a camera and 2020-2021 has taught me all about embracing the moment so I try not to snap my dinner (except with my teeth), so there are no fancy images. Although to be honest, sometimes I cannot resist…. You can take a food blogger out of the Melbourne dining scene etc…
Best meal in a restaurant
This is a hard one. I tried quite a few lovely new places in 2022 and I frequented quite a few long time favourites. Tesoro Gastronomia in Balwyn North comes to mind as being particularly enjoyable, partly for its Italian sincerity but also for the excellent service and atmosphere.
https://www.tesorogastronomia.com
My absolute favourite though remains Ember in Warrandyte.
Enjoy their burnt honey drizzled ricotta bread and you will immediately know why I love them.
https://www.emberdining.com.au
Doot Doot Doot and Rare Hare at Jackalope Hotel were both out of this world memorable too.
Best brunch
Please keep in mind that I do not like a fancy, nasturtium decorated brunch item and so in this way I am definitely going against the trends here in Melbourne. This is a tough decision and I have three winners because honestly, who is forcing me to pick one?
- McKinly Eatery https://www.mckinlyeatery.com.au
- The Stonehouse Cafe, Warrandyte.
- Anything from the Kitchen Container, beachside in Carrum.
Best New Restaurant
Doot Doot.
This was a spectacular meal. I have so many photos and a glowy kind of happy memory about the whole dinner. The ambiance was very good, the food was fun but intense and it was the kind of dinner that engaged the brain and the taste buds. Location is a large part of this experience.
Best new cafe
Harrow and Harvest. This recommendation was courtesy of my good friend Claire who declared it the best cafe she had been too. It is housed in a beautiful old church. They serve an interesting array of drinks and cakes and I will be back to try their meals.
Or, the Kitchen, Tootgarook. More beach and excellent curry. Very happy memories for me.
Best donut
Bella and I visited the Melbourne Market at the insistence of Isaac and we really, really loved the fresh donuts from the food truck there. Honestly, why would you try anything else?
Best coffee
These are long term favourites although I am very partial to the coffee I make at home these days.
- Riddik, Templestowe.
- Snow Pony, Deepene.
Best tea
I am thinking Shlilinglaw Cafe, Eltham. It’s in a charming cottage in Eltham. It’s near the library (my favourite place). What else it there to say?
Home
But the homemade chai from a huge rolling pot at St Andrews Market was also oh so memorable (and spicy).
Best sandwich
The Vietnamese roll at District Pho although the sandwiches at McKinly Eatery are all on my wish list.
Best Cafe
This is easy for me. Matilda, Mont Albert. It is lovely, it is fine, the food is my favourite.
Don’t go there though, I don’t want it to get any busier!
https://www.matildamontalbert.com.au
Best chocolate
Chocolate almond cake at Pellegrinis Espresso Bar, but probably any and every cake there really. Try Pellegirinis if you haven’t. It is a Melbourne institution. It was also the first place we visited after lockdowns and it holds a very special place in my heart. There are always a few cakes propped up behind the counter and if you just chose one, you will be happy. Coffee and a walk along Burke Street on the side of course.
Best drink
The Aviator at Naught Gin.
Best sweet treat
Everything at any Brunettis.
Cakes for miles, pastries to follow, gelato if it’s hot.
Best pizza
Republika, St Kilda. It is beachside, it is fun and the mushroom pizza was oh so delicious.
Gradi at Crown. My long term favourite. We always enjoy our meal there. No fuss, excellent ingredients, even better pizza.
Best Take-Away
Stalactites, City. Gluten-free lovers this place is for you! We huddled around in the rain eating souva on the footpath one weekend with what seemed like the rest of Melbourne, not long before Melbourne’s final lockdown in 2021. It is a long way to drive but it is kind of worth it to me as the food is consistently the best.
Favourite recipe, special
This is always the same thing. Year after year. Nothing can beat it. Vintage version apricot chicken with wild rice, made by my husband.
Best homecook recipe, basic
Slow cooked roast beef, taught to me in 20 seconds during lunch at the office.
Best tick-tok recipe
I have made a lot of TikTok recipes to be honest. A lot. Some of them were successful and a lot of them were just not that great. Most of them were easy though so that is pretty impressive to me. The green goddess cabbagey salad was a bit nice but a lot of everything else, including dollars and bloating. Babs Christmas breakfast bake was quite successful with all my nephews and neices. Strangely I cooked a lot of cabbage in the first half of the year and I am not sure if my life is better for it.
A few favourites.
- Pan fried rice paper rolls with cinnamon sugar
- Steamed sesame cabbage with spicy Korean bbq chicken
- Broccoli soup with feta and orzo
So what were your favourite meals or tastes of 2022?
Have you any great TikTok recipes that I could try? I have neglected the dessert category as it is not really something I give my time to but what you would include?
Happy Eating & continue to enjoy those simple moments.
Dani