Snippet: Think Asia

Think Asia is a fast food chain all over Melbourne and it's featured in many shopping centres. The one in Southgate was dirty and their staff were very rude to their customers asking them what they want and not waiting until they find their money. Moreover they do not smile.

I was served by this one rude Asian girl. Here there were meal combos and many people were buying them. I was only interested in the small plates seeing as many of them have sodium and other unwanted calories. I felt like I wasted $9.50 on a small plate with meagre servings. These were vegetarian foods with little protein. They could have added tofu to the mix for both the mixed veggies and noodles. The noodles were lukewarm.

I would not go back there again but would try other places in that vicinity.

Cosi

Cosi is a fine dining place in South Yarra which is intimate. Its an Italian place known for its finesse. Here the service was impeccable and the food was lovely... Almost.

It is about a five minute walk from the train station on Toorak road on the St Kilda side, towards the city.

The place is very clean and I loved the courtyard area. It was lovely in the evening and during the summer it would look much nicer

At South Yarra station I saw the ticket inspectors roughly harassing commuters. In here the service is quite the opposite. It was very friendly and relaxed and they let everyone take their time. They explained to first timers which dishes were good and which were their favourites. The wait staff said bye to me when I left. The male waiter opened the door which I thought that was really kind of him.

Bread

Spaghetti Marinara

I really liked their polenta chips and their marinara. But for $33 it was small. That's not to say that the seafood was fresh. Hwoever there was too much white wine and garlic in there. So much that it overpowered it all. The pasta was of a barilla type and it was al dente. For a pasta dish of that price I expected the pasta to be homemade.

 But still the polenta chips was very filling. That aioli was really creamy.

The bread was really dense and it was freshly baked. The olive oil was really fruity.

Rating- 13/20. Could have been better but at least the entrée was free with my discount from the Entertainment book which was 25% off the total bill.

I believe that Meld will be selling the book this year so do buy yours now from them.

Recent crimes ar Melbourne Uni worry International students

Many students are worried about their safety after a recent spate of crimes had been committed around Melbourne Uni. We reassure them that it is safe to study in Melbourne.

Last month a spate of crimes against International students has happened at Melbourne Uni. Whilst RMIT has no crimes happening students are still worried.

These crimes happened late at night when students are studying after hours. Here students are being pickpocketed or called names. Sometimes even bullying. Students don't know where to go for help.

The Age has reported that there were recent muggings in Melbourne. There was a home invasion in Ormond just recently. It was reported in Meld that there were 69 offenders, including 56 for robberies and 13 for assaults since January 1 this year.

Our concerns for the International student community
If the crimes increase against students, particularly Asians, students will tell their friends and go elsewhere. Many students are afraid to speak up because they think that they will lose their visa, but that is not the case.


What now?
The police have ramped up the security and are working with Melbourne University to help solve the problem. But there are ways in which students can not be the target of theft and assault. One of them is not to carry so many valuable items to uni such as a laptop and expensive phone. Most smartphones these days come with WI-FI capabilities which means that students should leave their laptop at home.

Studying late at night? Uni security do have free escort service for students to the train station etc. There are protective services officers at stations looking out for people. Also do let your roommates know if you are out late at night.

Pomodoro Sardo opens in a new location

Pomodoro Sardo is a Italian restaurant which is well known by locals alike. Here it is well liked. But they had decided to move to a bigger location which is more open and more modern. Here this was cosy.

The place reminded me of the Jane Austen book club. Here we had a fair few filling canapes and red, white and champagne.

The prosecco works well with the lighter dishes such as the pate with the thin pizza bread. It also works with the cheese sticks etc.

The red wine works best with the hearvier dishes such as the ragu, beef on mashed potato, pastas and sausages. It also worked with the sliders and a Peroni could do that same thing

The white worked well with the desserts. There were many Sardianian desserts on offer such as the decadent chocolate and beetroot tart as well as the cheese and honey tart. I really liked that cheese and honey tart. It was not too sweet but cheesy

Do visit the new Pomodoro Sardo as it is the same as the old one but just better.

YUZU

RNIS received a 25% discount of their total bill via the entertainment card. Hence they only had to pay $20.80 for the whole meal.

YUZU is a Japanese izakaya style place in the heart of the city where all the offices are. Here they were busy after 1pm and I went in after the meditation class wanting a healthy style lunch and wanting to use my discount.

The service was firm but attentive. It is run by real Japanese

Miso soup

The place is clean and reminds me of Japan. I loved watching the sushi chef do their thing behind the sushi bar.

Here I had the chirashi zushi and inari. The miso soup that came with the chirashi was stock standard and was quick to come. The rice was really warm in chirashi and it was a little bit too vinegary. But I did like the fresh fish as it was done with some firenese. I did like the wasabi as it was real Japanese wasabi.

As for the inari I loved the mushroom in there. Normally I get Agedashi tofu but because I am running that day I did not want anything too heavy.

Rating: 13/20- good but not great. It could be a bit better. But I do like their happy hour deal of beer and appetizer for $10-$15.