I scream, You scream, We all scream Ice-Cream

I was recently invited by my sister to join her on the adventures to find the BEST ice-creameries in Melbourne, who would say no to that? Well perhaps someone who doesn't enjoy the frozen cream or ice based product because it's too cold or they get freeze head-aches....... but not I.

Gelatissimo

Guns blazing, list in hand we set out on our expedition for a day of ice- cream eating. First stop Gelatissimo, located on busy Lygon street, this small gelati shop is jam packed with amazing flavours of ice-cream or sorbets. When arriving the store was bare, but something must have enticed everyone to come in within moments of arriving...... maybe it was us??? A packed container of 3 scoops of Biscottini, toffee malt and creme brule I figure why not just over indulge myself and get a scoop of Hot Nutella to complete the experience. This ice-creamery had a fantastic variety and each one sure to be as delicious as each other, I do remember going there in 2011 and trying vegemite flavours ice-cream, although bizarre it was an experience to even just say you've had it.

Shortly to follow we chose to go to a store that was recommended for a visit. Located in Brunswick east, we would not have considered to venture to this part of Lygon street for Gelati, but a quick stop into Gelobar was on the list. Slightly disheartened on our experience we were still pleased with our choice of apple pie and Zabiglione flavours. We found this to be slightly more softer and less creamy than that at Gelatissimo, and still had pleasure sitting out side and devouring it all. We think that perhaps with a little bit more clearer signs and some more atmosphere this parlour could become a great place to visit. And if your not into ice-cream well they have mini cakes and slices too, so you don't have to miss out.

Passionflower

Starting to feel the hit of sugar and feeling engorged in ice- cream heaven our trip took us through to Passionflower located on Bourke street. Amazed with there different flavours such as black sesame, sticky rice or milk tea, we thought it was going to be an adventure on its own.

This ice-creamery has it's own originality that you can not beat. Living on the edge we chose to get something that was daring and intriguing. A scoop of sticky rice and black sesame ice-cream served with gluteus balls and crushed nuts was surely daring enough for Kylie. The ice-cream was perfect, not too sweet and contained enough flavour to dive in for more. Not entirely sure what the black balls were and am still trying to work on finding that out, but overall the texture was bizarre, a chewy texture like taffy covered in black sesame was definitely something I've never experienced.

Passionflower has an amazing dessert menu and is highly recommended for a visit. If you are not one to live on the edge, there are plenty of other dessert options for you to indulge in, which they call the Western flavours - pancakes, crepes, waffles galore. And if you enjoy your sugar rushes and just feel that you need to quench your thirst why not try there drinks? We had a watermelon and lychee drink on ice served with a scoop of lime sorbet and hybiscus flower. Amazing flavour once again but is very extreme in sweetness.

Now although 3 stops for ice-cream is not too many, neither of us could eat too much more after Passionflower, so our list is still in hand and will continue again in a few weeks, so keep your eyes out for our updates on our adventures to find the best ice-cream in Melbourne. So far we say go to Passionflower, out of all the ice-cream today that is currently rated at number 1 on our list.

Ichi, Ni, San, Shi, Go

There is nothing better in life then to enjoy a relaxing Summers afternoon eating fresh japanese and cocktails.

Dining the afternoon away at Ichi Ni in St Kilda on the esplanade, overlooking the bay was the perfect way to unwind and relax. As a repetitive customer I have to boast about this restaurant, it never fails in it's service, atmosphere or food. Every time we have dinned there we have walked away with smiles and full stomachs.

A royal interior of  black and red with Japanese prints on the window and in there light shades, wooded tables and an amazing decking for those hot summer days, you can only embrace what St Kilda has to offer over a cocktail.

Paul and I dined and started with 'Kimpira' - burdock with soy, sesame and chilli, something which we have not had before and was amazed on the excellence of the dish. As we were unsure on what it was it only seemed to entice us more to order. Burdock it from the thistle family, and when taken from the taproot of a young thistle it is used as a root vegetable. To accompany this we also started with the succulent Ebi Mayo, Tempura prawns with an amazing japanese mayo. The Ebi Mayo is truly our highlight every time and by looking at the surrounding tables, I think it's the hit of the day. If you don't like prawns then it's sad that you are missing out, but if you are a seafood lover - you will have gone to heaven and back for this dish.

Some Gyoza (dumplings) and some fresh hand rolls were shortly followed. Delicate Japanese dumplings slightly pan fried and accompanies with a sauce, are always a light addition to any meal whether you are doing tapas style or having it as your starter.

Freshly made Calafornia rolls of prawn, cucumber, avocado, japanese mayo rolled together and finished with flying fish roe or perhaps some Ebi mayo rolls which have tempura prawns, carrot, lettuce, cucumber, japanese mayo and hot english mustered. These were not only just eye catching but utterly delicious as well. You can but sushi from any sushi parlour but they are nothing to compare to that here at Ichi Ni.

A couple more tasters to complete our meal were a couple of skewers of Fried tofu and some grilled eggplant with cheese. Although not as eye catching as there hand rolls they were still tasty and something different which we had not had before.

Now I know your asking, what about the cocktails. Well let me by saying they make there own ginger beer, not only as a mocktail but also an alcoholic version. This was Paul's poison for the day, and after a quick sip myself could only but picture myself sitting with my feet up and having a few of these myself. With a slight kick of fresh chilli and plenty of fresh ginger and a sprig of fresh mint, this bevie is to be enjoyed by all.

I myself was tempted by the Red Fuji cocktail. Although unable to tell you what the ingredients were it was still a refreshing vibrant drink. The interesting thing about Ichi Ni's Cocktail list is that each drink tells a story and no ingredients. It makes it a choice of chance to see what you get, or you could be a party pooper and ask the waiter. For me it's the opportunity to return and have a new cocktail each time.

So if you have not ventured to Ichi Ni and wish to have some fantastic Japanese one night, especially now during the warm weather, I can only say go there. You will not be left disheartened, and perhaps maybe we will see you there.