My mate in…

This time around, I have another Side Quest episode about a place I found on my own adventures in Nashville, USA. I want to tell you about The Legendairy Milkshake Bar. Yes, legendairy - d a i r y. You'll find this milkshake bar in downtown Nashville. The milkshakes are legendary because they aren't your standard flavour options, like chocolate, strawberry, or caramel. They are a whole dessert in, on and around a glass. Expect syrups, sprinkles, marshmallows, cream, biscuits, and candy all heaped on to and stuck to the side of your shake.Click here for images to accompany this episode.

Today, I want to talk to you about Flint. Flint is a restaurant on the Fitzroy side of Smith Street in Melbourne. Here, the focus is on fire. The food is flamed or smoked. Think charred meats and smoked fish. This is the kind of place that you go if you want a really nice fancy experience that's really relaxed and comfortable.

I want to talk to you about Wafelhuis van Hecke. It's in Antwerp, Belgium. I had the pleasure of visiting this waffle house at the end of January 2025. Winter time in Belgium calls for warm comfort food. And the two things at the top of my list were waffles and fries.Click here for images to accompany this episode.

Here is a quick side quest episode about a cafe you'll love if you are into breakfast, coffee, anime and painting: Flinch Coffee and Play.

In this episode, I catch up with my mate in Brisbane, Jess. Jess tells me about three of her favourite local places:A ribbery in South Brisbane called Big Roddy's Rippin Rib ShackA whisky bar in South Brisbane called CobblerA bar in Mitchelton called The Woods Neighbourhood Bar

In this episode, I catch up with my mate in Sydney's Inner West, Brendan. Brendan tells me about two of his favourite local places and throws in some honourable mentions as well.Brendan's two favourite places:-       Chinese restaurant in Ashfield called New Shanghai. -       Middle Eastern restaurant in Stanmore called Emma's Snack Bar.Honourable mentions:-       Italian deli in Rozelle called Lombardo.-       Northern Chinese noodle restaurant in Burwood called Xian Eatery.-       Pub in Stanmore called Warren View Hotel.

In this episode, I catch up with my mate in Canberra, Thane. Thane tells me about two of his favourite local places.First up, Thane talks about a Scottish club in Kambah called Burns Club and in particular, The Star Buffet there. Thane likes this place because it has: ·      A magical variety of international cuisine to choose from·      Something for everyone and it is all you can eat·      Really efficient staff meaning you are never waiting for food to be filled up during busy times·      Great desserts – special mentions to the cheesecake, chocolate fountain and pudding with ice-cream·      Delicious Chinese food – special mentions to the fried rice, chicken and pork dishes, dumplings, and pork buns.The second place one of Thane's favourite cafes but has recently closed, The Public Place in Chisholm. In the episode, Thane refers to it as The People's Place. Some highlights:·      Frog tarts - a sweet biscuit, marshmallow, and chocolate treat. You can see an example in the photos on this page·      Steak sandwich with mushrooms.

In this episode, I catch up with my mate Kelly from Boston. Kelly tells me about three Boston institutions steeped in history that are a must-eat when she is visiting her hometown. You can really hear the pride in this episode - Kelly sells Boston well!First up, Kelly talks about her favourite seafood restaurant called Union Oyster House. Kelly likes this place because of the: ·      Quintessential New England seafood experience, including lobster, oysters, steamers, and crab cakes·      Clam chowder and oyster crackers – her go-to order.The second place is Kelly's and her family's go-to pizza spot, called Pizzeria Regina. Some highlights:·      Really big and classic Neapolitan style cheese pizza·      Located in the historical North End where there are lots of great bakeries and you can walk the Freedom Trail·      Great value, consistent quality, and good for families (don't mind the salty waitresses).Finally, we finish with a nightcap at J.J. Foley's Cafe:·      Early 1900s style Irish bar open all hours, but at its best after midnight·      The go to drink is Guinness·      Because this one is not touristy and has a discrete front, you might miss it. It is in an area with a lot of fun touristy Irish pubs.

In this episode, I catch up with my mate Erica in Blackheath, the Blue Mountains. Erica tells me about two of her favourite places to go.The first is Erica's favourite restaurant called Ates, which does Mediterranean cuisine. Erica and her partner Martin like this place because of the: ·      Sourdough bread from the wood fire oven·      Slow-cooked meats·      Value for money·      Great options for people that can't eat gluten·      The banquet for variety and the pumpkin and yogurt dish!·      Impressive selection of local wines and cocktails.The second place is Erica's go-to coffee spot, called Sanguinary Espresso. Some highlights:·      Great coffee·      Run by a couple who have varied taste in music·      Outdoor seating that is good for bringing your dogs to or admiring dogs that come with other people·      Right next to a good yoga place.

In this episode, I catch up with my mate Stew in Canberra. Stew tells me about three of his favourite places to go to.The first is Stew's daily café choice called Brew Bar in Tuggeranong. Stew likes this place because it has: ·      Great coffee·      Delicious muffins (raspberry and white chocolate / blueberry)·      Good service·      Managers that treat their staff well.The second place is a taco restaurant called Cartel Taqueria in Queanbeyan East. Some highlights:·      Strong margaritas·      Delicious horchata (a sweet vanilla and cinnamon milk beverage)·      All of the tacos are awesome!Finally, Zaab is a Lao and Thai restaurant in Braddon. Stew suggests trying:·      Their range of Lao cuisine·      The Snickers old fashioned cocktail.

In this Side Quest I ventured to Beneath Driver Lane, an underground bar at 3 Driver Lane in the Melbourne CBD. Highlights include:Live blues musicWide selection of whiskeysCandle-lit and lots of people around adding to the atmosphere

In this Side Quest I ventured to Belles, a Nashville inspired hot chicken diner, at 150 Gertrude Street in Fitzroy, Melbourne. Highlights include:Nashville style hot chicken and sides (mac and cheese, loaded fries).Sweet iced tea with ryeAtmosphere

I catch up with my mate Ann in Wagga. Ann tells me about a good bar for after work drinks with friends called Tilly's at 109 Baylis Street. Highlights include:Thursday afternoon happy hourGood for groups and has cocktail jugs and nibbles to shareLive musicHeated balconyMusic bingo

I catch up with my mate Claudia in Sydney.  Claudia's favourite café is called Pochito at 1021 Botany Rd, Mascot NSW 2020. Highlights include:Authentic Chilean foodFriendly staff that speak Spanish and English  Homely and cosy vibes Good mix of vegetarian and meat optionsSweet and savoury options Claudia also gives a shout out to a bakery called The Tart Sisters at Unit 117/119 Holden St, Ashfield NSW 2131. Highlights include:Takeaway sweet and savoury optionsMostly vegetarianFriendly staff that make good selection recommendationsClose to a park that has good spots for kids and doggos

I catch up with my mate Nahisha in Moonee Ponds, Melbourne.Nahisha's favourite local café is Olivia Spring Café at 637 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds, Vic. Highlights include:Vietnamese inspired foodEverything is veganGood breakfast and lunch optionsFamily friendly Nahisha also gives a shout out to Strange Lovers Wine Bar at 577 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds, Vic. Highlights include:Intimate vibeIndoor and outdoor seatingExtensive wine listCocktails

I catch up with my mate Tim in Northcote, Melbourne. Tim's favourite local cafe is South Crescent at 31a South Cres, Northcote VIC 3070. Highlights include:coffeeshakshukapeople bringing their doggos.Tim also gives a shout out to a local bar not far from South Crescent called Kelvin at 84 High St, Northcote VIC 3070. Highlights include:atmospherecocktail listfire place in colder months.