Singapore Airlines Business Lounge and Business Class vs QANTAS Business Class

I’ll never be able to personally afford business class. But now that I’ve tasted it, it’s difficult to go back.

That’s why if another opportunity arises, I’ll be crossing my fingers, toes and nostrils that Singapore will be the choice carrier.









QANTAS lounge ain’t bad, especially in Sydney.





However, Singapore’s Singapore is far superior.





Check out the decked A380 and Singapore airport lounge. It could be a 5 star hotel lobby, only filled with self serve goodies.

There are no eyes of shame when re-piling that plate. And if there are, stuff em.

Stokehouse, St Kilda

There have been moments in history where the stars have aligned rather well. Hawthorn winning the 2008 Grand Final. The Old Spice Guy. Wills meeting Kate. Or is that the other way around?

Some might say that a bit of work went into making those things right. For this beach house on roids, that would be true.



Consider this. Beach. Balcony. Balmy night. Top that off with a contemporary, seasonal menu that could only be bettered if they were served to guests lying on deck chairs being fanned by scantily clad males and females with oversized ferns.



Lasagne of blue swimmer crab, flaked almonds, pear, whitebait, chervil, crab veloute.



Atlantic scallops, verjus gazpacho, compressed apple and cucumber salsa, walnuts, serrano ham.



Beef tartare, Shimeji mushrooms, Horseradish cream, tarragon emulsion.



John Dory fillet, sautéed cuttlefish, white asparagus and samphire salad, garlic gnocchi, artichoke aioli.



The sides.



The Bombe – frozen white chocolate parfait with strawberry sorbet.



Crème Brulee, pistachio praline parfait, poached apricots.



Hazelnut chocolate mousse and nougat crunch.

That is a night out at the Stokehouse. Stars aligned we’re all stoked.


4.5 / 5 yums!
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Where? 30 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda, VIC
What? $100+

Easy Tiger, Collingwood

I think an “!” is warranted at the end of the name of this pumping modern Thai eatery that’s so Collingwood. Where else would have you eating under a hot tin shed out back on classy outdoor sets?







Easy there tigers, there’s plenty to go around in the banquet. Though you might not want to go too easy as you’re chinking silverware, jousting for that last spoon of curry or betal leaf.


4 / 5 yums!
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Where? 96 Smith St, Collingwood, VIC

Chef Lagenda, Flemington

So you can’t get into Laksa King, but don’t worry about the “If you’re not first you’re last” complex about going to Chef Lagenda. You’ll leave a winner.



Lobak is meaty, gentle on the five spice, but no mercy on the hot oil.



Roti roll with Chinese satay and julienne cucumber a substantial starter.



Assam Laksa.



Chicken Laksa – a much sweeter, less curry intense broth than next door.



Wat Dan Hor Fun – a nice eggy gravy.



Nasi Lemak with a good rendang.



Ice Kachang.

Chef Lagenda a very close second, or controversial first? A matter of preference really.

4 / 5 yums!
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Where? 16 Pin Oak Cres, Flemington, VIC
What? Most mains $12

Chillipadi Mamak Kopitiam, Kensington

Back in the day wanting to mess with the King could either have you beheaded or pronounced insane and exiled.



So the trusted brand for Malaysian has bought their A game and have situated themselves far enough from the sparring that takes place over on Pin Oak Crescent.



This Chillipadi branch might not have a headline act on the menu like the other two, but what it does is consistently high quality dishes with comforting flavours to tuck you in at meal time.

Good on them for standing toe to toe with the big boys. Especially if the King or Chef is hard to get into.

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Where? 295 Racecourse Rd, Kensington, VIC
What? Around $10-15

Sumalee, Bentleigh

Centre Road Bentleigh is screaming out for a leader that will move the shopping strip forward into the 2010s. With signage that wasn’t installed in the mid 1970s, Sumalee is trying.

As a café by day, there are breakfast and lunch choices that break free from the norm.



It might look something of a novelty prank, but the fried eggs on sliced bread, topped with a Thai style sweet and sour sauce, peas, carrot, cashews and fried shallots is interesting.



Potato rosti and smoked salmon stack with sautéed spinach and poached egg.



Tonkotsu Cutlet burger.



Duck red curry with the chef’s blend of rice.

Transforming into a Thai restaurant at night, here’s to hoping this humble café will be here come the 2020s.


3.5 / 5 yums!
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Where? 264 Centre Rd, Bentleigh, VIC
What? Around $10-15