Happy Birthday to me and yes what a week. Celebration after celebration has been the rule for the last week… goodness I hardly knows where to begin.

Birthdays are made even more special when you can choose all your favourite places to celebrate. This week has been very little cooking at home (I am sad to say) but I have loved every mouthful.

Melbourne has a huge amount in fact an enormous choice of sensational wonderful cafes, restaurants, bars, clubs and the list goes on.  In 100 birthdays I do not think I could eat at them all so.

So which meals where the highlight of the week, here are my top three.

Breakfast & Brunch:  with girlfriends & kids

Blue Dish – Highett Rd Highett 3190

Proud to say this is ‘my local’ café and delightfully walking distance from home.

They have gluten free options and can’t do enough for you – the best coffee ever and a lovely relaxed yet busy atmosphere: The food is very café style but with delightful French twist.  Favourite: poached eggs on a bed of spinach – simple I know but to me the best brunch there is and washed down with 2 soy lattes.

Lunch:

Cutler & Co – 55 Gertrude St Fitzroy 3065

Wow – what can I say that hasn’t been said. So many awards and accolades.

Andrew McDonnell is a master, a ‘rock star’ of the chef world some have said and yes I agree.

Amazing food, amazing décor and amazing service. Truly and incredible eating experience.  What did me adore – all of it…. delicate baked ricotta, with globe artichoke salad. A side dish of a roasted vegetable salad and the most divine soft sheep milk yoghurt with carrot granita and mandarine sauce.  I by the way did not mention my gluten intolerance and simply ate ‘around’ my plate.

I plan to return very soon for their famous ‘Sunday’ lunch. In fact I can’t wait.

Dinner:

The Meat & Wine co at Southbank:

6 Freshwater Place, Queenbridge St  Southbank 3006

A restaurant choice so perfect for my family and friends (including one of my very best friends who shares my birthday – or do I share hers)! We where large group with woman, men, teenagers and little kids. We had the view, great food, the very best steaks and wonderful atmosphere. The Meat & Wine Co absolutely know what they are doing with steaks. Superb quality aged Monte beef, grilled to perfection.  Also they have a terrific gluten free menu and could not do enough to accommodate our needs.  Also a place to see some celebrities – sorry really can’t mention who – but we were thrilled.  We had a great evening.

Cakes:  My favourite was my very own gluten free sponge with lashing of cream and berries. Simple I know but always delicious.

There are two more days to go it is only Friday … I am sure I will eat more, laugh more and celebrate more this weekend.

Next week – yes, sensible, well balanced low fat meals!!