Ito Japanese Noodle Cafe.

On a quest to seek more variety in food and spots to eat at in Melbourne, I've found this corner shop that specialises in Japanese cuisine.   It was recommended to me because of its lunch menu, which I have yet to try, because I usually drop by for dinner instead.

Ito Japanese Noodle Cafe

On Bourke Street.

Ito Japanese Noodle Cafe is another Japanese goodie on the corner of Bourke Street and Market Lane, just two doors down from Ajisen Ramen.

Ajisen Ramen, Melbourne.

I have grown bored of eating along Little Bourke Street and have upgraded to Bourke Street instead.  In comparison, just because the restaurant is secluded, doesn't mean that the food comes cheap nor is it dirty.  In fact, those eateries are the ones that are very popular and there are many who go out of their way just to eat at these establishments.

Little did I know, Ajisen Ramen is a Japanese fast food chain based in Kumamoto City...which sort of explains why there are a few of these all over the place in many cities and countries. =P

Ajisen Ramen on Bourke Street.

Well, enough of an introduction, let's just move on to shots of what I ate that day. =)

Oriental Spoon

When I was in Malaysia, Korean food was pretty much at the bottom of my list of genres of food to eat.  My recent interest in Korean dining has piqued since the time I frequent Arirang and Koreana in Buffalo.  In Melbourne, I have found a decent favourite of Korean stonepot BBQ.

Oriental Spoon.  A very lively eatery with rays of boisterous youth beaming towards you.  The energy of this place can be overwhelming to some, but it just goes to show that this place is really popular amongst the Koreans and other Asian youths.  The establishment renovates and redecorates often.  After the recent one was completed some time in January, I have been itching to come back for some Korean grub!

Oriental Spoon on La Strobe St.

Since I have ate here many times, I have quite a few shots to share with you.  Mind you, most are before and after shots of the stone grill BBQ.  Please enjoy =)

Kimurakan Japanese Cafe

When it comes to having lunch, I am very fond of the idea of the Japanese Boxed Lunch aka 'Bento'.  Although I have tried Izakaya Chuji many times (Average of AUD15~ per bento), I was set in my mind to look for a another place offering similar quality and quantity bentos.  After a short search, I came across this quiet little establishment called Kimurakan Japanese Cafe located along Little bourke Street.  This place is known for its large variety of cheaper bentos and I agree with the variety part only.

Kimurakan on Lt Bourke St.
What looks quiet and empty the first minute...

Here is a straight up write up on what I think of this place.

Max Brenner Stock photos

Here are some old stock photos of Max Brenner that I've dug up and touched up a little.  Hope you enjoy them.

 

Suckao Mug

Melbourne Obon Festival

   "Obon (お盆) or just Bon (盆) is a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the departed (deceased) spirits of one's ancestors.  This Buddhist custom has evolved into a family reunion holiday during which people return to ancestral family places and visit and clean their ancestors' graves, and when the spirits of ancestors are supposed to revisit the household altars.  It has been celebrated in Japan for more than 500 years and traditionally includes a dance, known as Bon-Odori." - Taken from Wiki.

   

Families enjoy performances on stage.

    This is a world-wide custom by others but are known by different names and have a branches of practices.  The commonly known name for it is The Qing Ming Festival (清明節). In Malaysia, some of us call it 'Ching Bing', which I would presume is Hokkien.

Max Brenner - If you don't already know what it is

    Max Brenner is the choco version of Starbucks, and chilling out at Max Brenner is a way of life here in Melbourne.  As for the slogan, the founder claims to have profound love for choco and the desire to share that love with everyone out there.  As for me, all this talk about choco love from Max Brenner is cliche and drowned out pretty quick like all the maccas advertisements.

    In fact, whatever you choose to order, you will be astounded by how rich and sweet everything is.  Do not be phased if it is your first time at Max Brenner.  They have an assortment of cups and ways to drink from them which many people still find cute and fascinating till this day...even after frequenting every other day.

If only things were always that simple

    Since I have managed to stay away from this place for about 2 months, I think I should show some shots I've taken when my choco craving defenses were low ;)

Laneway Cafes - The Quarter VS Cafe Andiamo

    In Melbourne, you can find most establishments operational at around 1030-1100.  I do often find it rather difficult to be able to get things done early in the morning because of this late start.  Many of these tiny laneway cafes do open their doors at a very early hour offering those much needed 'Pick-me-up' drinks.  For me, breakfast/brunch is the most important meal of the day and of course, I have to order the most expensive and biggest portion brekkie on the menu EVERY TIME!  So, taking price, portion and availability into account is of utmost importance to me.

    Last month I've tried eating at a few of the cafes along Melbourne's laneways.  Here are two of them in comparison as they're more of the higher priced cafes and would be a little more appropriate as they are directly opposite each other and offer similar genre of eateries.

The Quarter

Cafe Andiamo

    Using these 2 cafes as examples, I am just going to do a quick review and offer some insight on Melbourne laneway cafes.  Read on, if you enjoy continental brekkies/brunch =)

Melbourne Laneways

    In Melbourne, the IN thing seems to be surrounded by all the hype of what can be found along the bustling graffiti lined laneways.  One may find it fun to discover one of the many designer cupcake shops, hidden chic coffee and pastry cafe hangouts and packed fancy restaurants.  Don't be fooled!  Although many of these establishments are hidden even from the rays of the sun all year round, many of them are very high priced and would often appear in the travel guides.  What you are paying for is the delicacy of what Melbournians would claim as the culture that surrounds their city.  One might start a saying that goes, "This is our art and you get to eat it."

 

Love at a glance