The Redesdale - Redesdale

2640 Kyneton-Heathcote Road Redesdale

Redfin fillet, leek & potato gratin, roast tomato $28

Meat-free* ratio: 9/12
Just Vego* ratio: 8/12
Specials: no
Comments: The Redesdale is just gorgeous. A renovated bluestone pub totally unexpected given that to city slickers it´ś in the middle of nowhere (1.5hr drive from Melbourne CBD). But as explained by owners Suzie and Peter, south of Heathcote as oppose to north of Heathcote is of finer taste especially when it comes to vino. Thus, I assume this applies to food as well. And I am not wrong. I am quite impressed and more importantly I can´t wait for the next road trip! Oh if you have too much to drink, there´s a cottage out back you can stay at!

*James previously of The Lake House in Daylesford is the Redesdale´s new maitre de

Grain Rating: 3.5/ 5

* Meat refers to grain-fed animals = beef, pork & poultry

Izakaya Den - Melbourne

Basement 114 Russell Street Melbourne

Meat-free* ratio: 31/39
Just Vego* ratio: 19/39
Specials: yes
Comments: True in name and true in style. In Japan Izakayas are everywhere, as pubs are everywhere in the UK. In my books, the best Izakayas in Japan are always those found hidden away just like Izakaya Den. Located in a basement, where no windows exist to see the light of day but life is not lost as one is entertained by the kitchen that runs quite fittingly alongside the elongated dinning hall. Food delivery is quick and well timed and one ought not to be disappointed with dishes that are matched with the perfect condiment. Izakaya Den also sets the benchmark in service. Never over bearing but always attentive and what I love most is seeing the owner just being another member of staff rather than a micromanager. This is the world I wish for. Love it!


Grain Rating: 4 / 5

* Meat refers to grain-fed animals = beef, pork & poultry

Rice Queen - Fitzroy Melbourne

2/231 Smith Street Fitzroy

Meat-free/Meat* ratio: 13/18
Just Vego/Meat* ratio: 11/18
Specials: n/a
Comments: If you haven't figured it by now, yes we had the banquet. This one was a pescatarian banquet, one consisting of vegies and seafood. But you can go full on veg if you wish. Actually you can also go full on vegan if you wish. Noice one Rice Queen, we like it when restaurants are accommodating. Hailing from the owners of Panama Dining Room and St Judes Cellar, I am not disappointed with food, decor and ambinance. The food is considered "pan-asian" and there were loads.

note: when Rice Queen first opened, reviews were not so great. But criticism was obvisously taken onboard and reputation was mended.

Cocktails are decently price. None over $15.

Grain Rating: 4 / 5

* Meat refers to grain-fed animals = beef, pork & poultry

Da Noi - South Yarra Melbourne

95 Toorak Road South Yarra

* note: only 3 dishes were photographed. Prior to these, there were 6 antipasto plates shared between 4. 3 fish plates, 1 Octopus, 2 vegetables. They were not photographed not because they were unworthy, rather it was the hunger pains that won out!

Pumpkin rivoli with silver beet and parmesen

Seafood fregola

Dessert shared plate consisting of Pear Tart, Crepes & Berry Meringue,
accompanied by 4 individual cinnamon ice cream scoops

Meat-free/Meat* ratio: see comments
Just Vego/Meat* ratio: see comments
Specials: see comments
Comments: The thing about Da Noi is the menu changes each day depending on the availability of fresh, seasonal produce. Thus, there are no set menus. You need to have faith in the chef as well as your waiter. Your waiter is your pathway to Sardinia. What I love about Da Noi is that it is one of a handful of restaurants where you can tell the chef what you don´t eat and he will still craft out a fine meal accordingly. So vegetarian or pescatarian they will adapt quite happily. Vegan? I´m not so sure as I have yet to tread in those waters.

At Da Noi don´t not expect your meal to be same as the table next to yours as it never is! Da Noi brings the unexpected. Appreciation of seasonal produce, trust and an empty belly is all you need!

Grain Rating: 4.95 / 5

* Meat refers to grain-fed animals = beef, pork & poultry

The French Fry Diet

Not another diet, right? But WAIT, this isn’t a diet that promises weight loss, a leaner body or acne free clear skin. The only thing it could be guilty of is helping you get rid of the old self and embracing the new.

The French Fry Diet commits to the following: longevity, conservation of precious water resources and ending world hunger. What’s more, it’s quite a simple diet to follow. I won’t bore you with a thesis, rather I just give you the nitty gritty.

3 Simple Facts

1.
It takes up to 50,000 litres of water to produce 1kg of beef as opposed to only 500 litres to produce 1kg of potatoes.

2.
We grow enough edible grain to provide 50% more than is required for EVERY person in the world. Sadly, most of this edible grain is used to feed animals for food production.

3.
Meat eaters have a 30% increased risk of death compared to people who ate the least.


You do the math.

The golden rule = substitute meat with potatoes and if that gets too difficult, the other option is just don’t eat meat.

The French Fry Diet is probably not a liver cleansing diet but it surely is moral cleansing. So the next time you’re asked if you’d like fries with your meal, how about a “Sure, why not? And lets supersize it and while you’re at it cancel the cheeseburger will ya.”