Melbourne is certainly the most British of the Australian cities with over 3,000 restaurants, all prices, nationalities & tastes. Remember Melbourne is the first Greek community in the world after Greece. But after the Olympic Games in Athens, don't worry - no more of Greece.

This "Gourmet Corner" is dedicated to Asiana, a restaurant located "off" the traditional Melbourne dinning spots, 10 to 15 minutes by taxi from downtown in Albert Park.

The menu promises a journey into food & wine, but in fact is an expedition that will take several visits before you feel you have truly explored Asiana as a destination. (Personally, I have been visiting the restaurant almost every evening I am in Melbourne.)

The co-owners Randolph Cheung & Bee Yep, have a passion; "An exceptional 28-page wine list." It is one of the best wine lists in Melbourne, and earned the National 2002 "Best New Restaurant Wine List" award. (The restaurant opened in 2002.)

The Chef Chuen Low, combines the best specialties of Cantonese, Peking, Japanese, Malaysian, Korean & Vietnamese cuisines.

* Sweet chicken & pickled vegetable, served on betel leaf > 7.00 A$
* Tasmanian wild harvest spring bay scallop > 12.00 A$
* Grilled calamari & papaya salad > 8.00 A$
* Of course, you can have also: Chinese sausage or Fried wonton at 6.00 A$

For Fish, I recommend:

* Barramundi steamed (simply) with ginger & spring onion > 26.00 A$
* Asiana seafood platter (with oysters shooters) (also good to share as a starter) > 30.00 A$

* Tataki of wagyu beef Asian carpaccio > 15.00 A$
* Vietnamese inspired lemongrass chicken with pickled vegetable > 22.00 A$
* Crispy skin chicken
* Teriyaki chicken
* Teriyaki steak > 19.00 A$
* Peking Duck > 25.00 A$
* Grilled Flinders Island lamb loin with Szechwan eggplant > 26.00 A$
* Black Angus scotch fillets served with a red braised sauce of beef jus, Asian herbs & spices > 25.00 A$
* Korean BBQ steak > 25.00 A$

* Of course you have at least 10 Soups for choice,
* Plus Dim Sim (the Yum Cha version), Spring Rolls, Prawns Cakes, Sesame Prawns, Chicken or Beef Satay, etc...
* A selection of Rice's & Egg noodles, an "exquisite" Stir-fried fresh Asian vegetables, or the traditional mixed vegetables with Asian tofu.

For desert you must try:

* Orange Creme Brulé with orange ice cream > 10.00 A$

And of course, the 28-page Wine List

(Sorry, this is a choice you must make on your own!)

As I said in the introduction, visiting Asiana is an expedition and whenever I visit Melbourne and go to the restaurant, I discover new dishes & flavors.

The restaurant decor is a very neat design - not a Chinese lantern to be seen! Unfortunately, the tables are "very together." So, I recommend you reserve in advance and for your own comfort, ask for table N° 11 for two or four persons. It’s the best and from your seat there, you can see the entire restaurant. [Of course, be sure that I’m not in town because No. 11 is my table!]

Asiana now has a sister restaurant in St Kilda (An "In Fashion" neighborhood):

The worst thing about Melbourne is the taxis (as in Paris). The taxi drivers don't know the city, not the restaurants, not the hotels. So you always need to look on the city map. Also the drivers are not very helpful – you’ll need to load your own bags into the taxi – or very nice.

So if you arrive in Melbourne Airport, reserve a Limousine Service for only around 5.00 A$ more than the cost of a taxi ride. It’s a fixed price and you’ll find no debates about the best route to your hotel. They provide an excellent service and will take you to your hotel without trouble or hard times – especially after a very long flight from U.S. or Europe. The system can also be used for your departure to the Airport.

The best Limousine Service:
Esprit Chauffeured Limousines
E-mail: reservations@espritlimos.com
Ask for Frank Kojak for great service.

**********************************

Other Restaurants of interest around Melbourne:

* Vue du Monde (French) in the neighborhood of Carlton
* Desgraves Expresso Bar in Desgraves Street,
* Reserve Restaurant on Federation Square,
* The Restaurant of the Botanical Hotel in South Yarra,
* New Quay at the Docklands,
* Live Bait (boasting sensational 270 degree views of the city & water, and spectacular seafood menu)
* Punch Lane Wine Bar Restaurant (an unabashed wine bar tat specializes in local & international cheese & wine)
* Walter's Wine Bar in Southbank
* Café La at The Sofitel
* Martini Bar at the Westin
* Bourke Street Imperial Hotel Pub (Facing Parliament House)

Also in Upper Bourke Street, Exhibition Street and Russell Street, you’ll find interesting restaurants and pubs, and along the Yarra River in downtown along the "Southgate Promenade" and the "Southbank Promenade" including:

Crown Casino Hotel - Boutiques & Entertainment Complex

Visit the "Cigar Bar" - FIDELS
Basement level B1, lower shopping promenade, for a late drink.
It’s open until 1:00 AM & weekends till 3:00 AM
(good cigars & drinks at affordable prices)

Melbourne has all the hotels you can ask for, but for a business or vacation visit I recommend:

The Quay West Suites
26 Southgate Avenue
Southbank
Melbourne
Tel: (61) 3 9693 6000
Fax: (61) 3 9693 6099
E-mail: reservations@qwsm.mirvac.com.au

Located in the middle of town, facing the Yarra river with a great view of the city & next to the Melbourne Concert Hall - Southgate & Southbank promenade & Flinders Train Station.

One Bedroom Suite Apartment (River & City view) with a living room, kitchen, (with dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, etc.), safe, bathroom with shower & bath, balcony, etc. - All for the price of 325.00 A$

***************************************

St Kilda - The beach of Melbourne, with restaurants, bars, cafes, the In place to go, very easy by tram every 10 min. from Flinders Road (25 min. ride)

Williamstown - At the end of the Yarra River in Hobsons Bay, this is a beautiful historic seaport. Established in 1835, stroll along The Strand and take in the local arts, crafts & antiques while enjoying a fascinating view of the city skyline. By ferry from Southgate Arts & Leisure precinct (one hour traveling time) or by train from Flinders Station (30 min. traveling time)

In Williamstown, have a light lunch at "Breizoz" French Crêperie in Nelson Place (in front of the ferry).

Carlton - (North of Melbourne) Overflowing with the aroma of expresso and fresh pasta. Lygon street is Melbourne's own Little Italy.
(Take tram N° 1 or 22 heading north from Swanston Street -15 min.)

Port Melbourne - Bay Street offers a fascinating collection of old-fashioned pubs, hotels and historic buildings. Station Pier is the docking point for a number of cruise ships & navy vessels.
(Take tram N° 109 from Collins Street - 20 min.)

Fitzroy - Home of the Bohemian culture of Melbourne, Brunswick Street is very alternative. While around the corner in Johnston Street, Spanish culture abounds in the many tapas and flamenco bars.
(Take tram N° 11 from Collins Street or N° 86 from Bourke Street - 15 min.)

Brunswick - Sydney Road is alive with a Turkish & Middle Eastern influence.
(Take tram N) 19 from Elisabeth Street - 25 min.)

Richmond - It's bargain shopping time on Bridge & Swan Streets & oriental in Victoria Street.
(Take tram N° 70 from Flinders Street to Swan Street - 10 min.)

South Melbourne & Albert Park - South Melbourne is one of Melbourne's oldest villages boasting beautiful historic buildings. Albert Park, the village by the sea, is home to many restaurants (Asiana) & the F1 Grand Prix.
(Take tram N° 12 from Collins Street or N° 1 from Swanston Street - 10 min.)

************************************

And finally, if you want a "Free Ride" take the "City Circle Tram" around Melbourne.

The City Circle Tram service provides a "FREE" and convenient way to get around Melbourne. It will take you past shopping malls, arcades and major attractions such as the Old Treasury Building, Parliament House and the Princess Theater. Trams run in both directions every 10 minutes, seven days a week between 10:00 AM & 6:00 PM (Except Christmas Day and Good Friday)

****************************

Freddy Santamaria "The Smooth Operator" - Paris, France - September 4th 2004