When Lay Jay informed me we were having "American" cuisine this Hump Day I thought she might be playing a prank. I expected to meet at Macca's or Krispy Kreme or worse. I was pleasantly surprised when Gasometer, despite its odd (and depending on what you eat, prophetic) name, offered a sophisticated menu. The prices are a bit steep, but with the current exchange rate we thought, what the hey! American cuisine does seem to mean no salad or greens (never thought I'd complain about that!) however it is well prepared and presented. The service was very friendly and the ambience very relaxed. It's definitely edgier than an average pub meal however.
Foodwise, there's the cheeseburger for the unadventurous, and plenty of Mexican fare, as well as Steak options. It's not certain whether it's a strategic move not to have American 'beer' available; the closest we could find was the Mexican 'Tecate' ($3 a can on Thursdays), but thankfully there is a good range of Australian boutique beers such as Mountain Goat, Holgate variations and Beechworth Pale Ale. Monteith's cider and bottled beers also feature. Maybe this is commonplace but putting cucumber in the water was an interesting touch!
Good atmosphere, plenty of good spots for an intimate night or larger group, enough menu variety to keep you coming back and good service. Definitely worth a return visit :)
Gasometer, Cnr Smith St and Alexandra Pde
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Nape, Nape, Severus Nape
Hump Day exploded in popularity this week as the gang dined at The Napier Hotel (Cnr Napier and Moor). Crowded even on a Wednesday, the generous and high quality food is the the likely cause. Famous for their 'Bogan Burger', Dean, Maya, Chox, Jess, Seb, Adam, Gilian, Leah, Matt and Hughie sampled the porterhouse, curries, soups, salads, and parmas as big as a football (and about as thick as a football player), among other fare. A decent range of beers (Coopers, Raven, Cricketer's Arms) helped it all go down smoothly.
With so many new faces at Hump Day the conversation was lively (as always), everyone had their rant about the election stalemate before discussing Leah's new tattoo, Chox's new 'implant' and Dean's new iPhone.
The Napier has excellent pub fare and a good atmosphere but could be too crowded for some. The small rooms are intimate but can make it difficult to hear your companions. If you are tackling the enormous parma and chips combo you won't care though. Pay it a visit!
With so many new faces at Hump Day the conversation was lively (as always), everyone had their rant about the election stalemate before discussing Leah's new tattoo, Chox's new 'implant' and Dean's new iPhone.
The Napier has excellent pub fare and a good atmosphere but could be too crowded for some. The small rooms are intimate but can make it difficult to hear your companions. If you are tackling the enormous parma and chips combo you won't care though. Pay it a visit!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Hump Day: Re-booted
After a long hiatus Hump Day was rebooted at Don Too (6/340 Lt Lonsdale Street) and Workshop (413 Elizabeth Street) tonight.
Newcomers Chox, Seb and Tash joined Hump Day founders YoYo and Lay Jay for seafood and satay fare at Don Too. The soups were quite popular, and well matched by the $3 local bottled beers and $5 Asahis.
Moving to Workshop, the great problems of the world were solved by Hughie, Jessica, Chox and Seb over ciders and brewskies. Racism, advertising, social networking, online dating, politics, relationships and publishing were all discussed. We'll leave it up to you to work out who started each topic! On a Wednesday the Warehouse is a pretty good option, Live DJ, well priced beverages and a good atmosphere. Plenty of comfortable seating available without feeling empty.
While the winter weather is not as appealing for Hump Day exploits, the company is unbeatable and a few drinks will stop you from caring anyway so stay tuned for the next Hump Day, coming to a Wednesday near you!
Newcomers Chox, Seb and Tash joined Hump Day founders YoYo and Lay Jay for seafood and satay fare at Don Too. The soups were quite popular, and well matched by the $3 local bottled beers and $5 Asahis.
Moving to Workshop, the great problems of the world were solved by Hughie, Jessica, Chox and Seb over ciders and brewskies. Racism, advertising, social networking, online dating, politics, relationships and publishing were all discussed. We'll leave it up to you to work out who started each topic! On a Wednesday the Warehouse is a pretty good option, Live DJ, well priced beverages and a good atmosphere. Plenty of comfortable seating available without feeling empty.
While the winter weather is not as appealing for Hump Day exploits, the company is unbeatable and a few drinks will stop you from caring anyway so stay tuned for the next Hump Day, coming to a Wednesday near you!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Upcoming Hump Day venues
The Rose
The Napier
North Fitzroy Lawn Bowls
Brunswick Bowls
Houndstooth
Palookaville
Jim's Greek tavern
Felice's Sushi burger
Shabu Shabu
Mongolian BBQ
Mounatin Goat Brewery
Little Creatures Brewhouse
The Gertrude
Something we've missed? Post a comment.
The Napier
North Fitzroy Lawn Bowls
Brunswick Bowls
Houndstooth
Palookaville
Jim's Greek tavern
Felice's Sushi burger
Shabu Shabu
Mongolian BBQ
Mounatin Goat Brewery
Little Creatures Brewhouse
The Gertrude
Something we've missed? Post a comment.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Humpen Tag - Funkyzeit am Nachtmarkt
Wilkommen!
It was a stinking hot night so what better way to cool down than to hang out in a tin shed with multiple foodstalls set up with stoves blazing and hundreds of other sweaty patrons?! That's right, this week Lady J and Hughie G hit the Victoria Night Market.
YoYo was stuck at work so Hump Day freshers -but Nachtmarkt veterans- Charlie and Jess, joined in. The party got some much needed refreshment from the Fruit Smoothie bar at the top end of the market. Lady J sampled the 'Happy Days' while Hughie opted for the 'Pulp Fiction'. While slightly more expensive than Boost Juice ($6), the smoothies taste like real fruit, and you aren't left with that icy mulch in the bottom of the cup. Other benefits include the lack of 16 year old staff with visors on rakish angles, and top 40 tracks blaring. Instead, a Japanese duo in akubras rocked out on some odd looking ancient instruments nearby. They seriously rocked. Seriously. It's hard not to sound sarcastic sometimes...
The party were joined by Karina and Susan - and the search for food began. Hump Days will need to return to the market to try all the options, because there was too much choice. Spanish, Jamaican, Greek, Turkish, Dutch, German; you name the nationality, they were set up and deep frying something. Paella was the popular choice - chicken and seafood versions were sampled, and the portions were generous. They also go down very well with icy cold Sangria - a very popular beverage on the night.
Beers are also available in the market - the full Boags range is available and Hughie thinks there's something in windowshopping while drinking - it could be the next big thing. Be wary of where and when you buy your alcoholic drinks though, you can't take it out of the designated areas so plan ahead because those Sangrias are generously sized.
If you've always wondered what Australian cuisine is, visit the Outback stall, where the staff wear khaki outfits and no animal is safe from the bbq. You can get kangaroo, crocodile, emu, and even ostrich, all in a damper bun with your choice of sauce. You can rest assured they all taste according to Hughie "pretty much like chicken".
Kate and Matt joined the posse as they ventured to the live music at the bottom of the market. Insufficient seating contributes to the festival atmosphere and the acoustics are pretty good so no matter where you are you won't miss the Hip Hop bands and kooky covers of "ABC" and "War". It was pretty bloody relaxing sitting on the warm asphalt as the sun went down. Victoria Nachtmarkt is the closest thing Melbourne has to a Euro style centre square market so head down next Hump Day. We will definitely hit this place again as there are multiple food stalls with tasty dishes still to be sampled.
It was a stinking hot night so what better way to cool down than to hang out in a tin shed with multiple foodstalls set up with stoves blazing and hundreds of other sweaty patrons?! That's right, this week Lady J and Hughie G hit the Victoria Night Market.
YoYo was stuck at work so Hump Day freshers -but Nachtmarkt veterans- Charlie and Jess, joined in. The party got some much needed refreshment from the Fruit Smoothie bar at the top end of the market. Lady J sampled the 'Happy Days' while Hughie opted for the 'Pulp Fiction'. While slightly more expensive than Boost Juice ($6), the smoothies taste like real fruit, and you aren't left with that icy mulch in the bottom of the cup. Other benefits include the lack of 16 year old staff with visors on rakish angles, and top 40 tracks blaring. Instead, a Japanese duo in akubras rocked out on some odd looking ancient instruments nearby. They seriously rocked. Seriously. It's hard not to sound sarcastic sometimes...
The party were joined by Karina and Susan - and the search for food began. Hump Days will need to return to the market to try all the options, because there was too much choice. Spanish, Jamaican, Greek, Turkish, Dutch, German; you name the nationality, they were set up and deep frying something. Paella was the popular choice - chicken and seafood versions were sampled, and the portions were generous. They also go down very well with icy cold Sangria - a very popular beverage on the night.
Beers are also available in the market - the full Boags range is available and Hughie thinks there's something in windowshopping while drinking - it could be the next big thing. Be wary of where and when you buy your alcoholic drinks though, you can't take it out of the designated areas so plan ahead because those Sangrias are generously sized.
If you've always wondered what Australian cuisine is, visit the Outback stall, where the staff wear khaki outfits and no animal is safe from the bbq. You can get kangaroo, crocodile, emu, and even ostrich, all in a damper bun with your choice of sauce. You can rest assured they all taste according to Hughie "pretty much like chicken".
Kate and Matt joined the posse as they ventured to the live music at the bottom of the market. Insufficient seating contributes to the festival atmosphere and the acoustics are pretty good so no matter where you are you won't miss the Hip Hop bands and kooky covers of "ABC" and "War". It was pretty bloody relaxing sitting on the warm asphalt as the sun went down. Victoria Nachtmarkt is the closest thing Melbourne has to a Euro style centre square market so head down next Hump Day. We will definitely hit this place again as there are multiple food stalls with tasty dishes still to be sampled.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Hump Day 1 - Fellowship of the Hump
Savoring the last warm rays of sunshine, YoYo, Hughie and Jess enjoyed the alfresco dining of the Royal Derby Hotel (446 Brunswick Street Fitzroy). The major drawcard was the $5 gourmet pizzas, better quality than Bimbo's and much, much shorter queues! To be fair, there is a catch to the cheap pizzas; you have to buy a beer as well. Ha!
The pizzas were generously sized, though some had more toppings than others. The Capricciossa had enough mushrooms for an army, while the four shrimp on the Seafood option were decidedly lonely. The beers on tap were well suited to the temperature and cuisine, James Squire Amber Ale matched the summer sun and relaxed feel of the venue.
The open plan and dining areas facing onto the open street provide for good ambience; watching all those indy people pass by on their way home from work in their tight jeans, vintage skirts and wayfarers is far more entertaining than anything on Go! or Foxtel at the same time!
The service was exceptionally quick, and the music well chosen for the time of evening. Definitely worth a return visit. If ever you can't be bothered cooking, head to the Derby!
***
The Fellowship burned up some calories by doing some window shopping along Brunswick Street before stepping into the Lambs Go Barr (135 Greeves Street Fitzroy). Despite the Dad-pun name, the bar is the real deal, offering an impressive range of beers from around the world. Prices are not cheap, and there is no real cheap option with the tap beers at the same price as bottles, but you can't beat the novelty value and exotica of the menu. The staff are knowledgeable without being patronising, so ask for their recommendations if you can't decide on a beverage.
For those beer aficionados out there, there's sure to be several beers you haven't tried. Hughie prides himself on having sampled lot of beer but he hadn't seen a range this big outside of Dan Murphy's or King and Godfree's. You'll be hard pressed to go 'round the world' in a night at the Lambs Go Barr!
The layout of the bar makes it feel more like a houseparty than a bar, lots of small rooms with awkward furniture layout, and the pool room is small and tacky, but if you prefer a more intimate feel this is the place to be. It could be an easy place to become a regular, and it is nice to see that people can actually sit at the bar and engage with the bar tenders.
Verdict: Not the best place to get hammered, but if you have the time, discipline and cash to savour and appreciate your beers, a good Hump Day hangout. A good choice for when you want a place where you can talk and feel at home, while enjoying the best beers the world has to offer.
The pizzas were generously sized, though some had more toppings than others. The Capricciossa had enough mushrooms for an army, while the four shrimp on the Seafood option were decidedly lonely. The beers on tap were well suited to the temperature and cuisine, James Squire Amber Ale matched the summer sun and relaxed feel of the venue.
The open plan and dining areas facing onto the open street provide for good ambience; watching all those indy people pass by on their way home from work in their tight jeans, vintage skirts and wayfarers is far more entertaining than anything on Go! or Foxtel at the same time!
The service was exceptionally quick, and the music well chosen for the time of evening. Definitely worth a return visit. If ever you can't be bothered cooking, head to the Derby!
***
The Fellowship burned up some calories by doing some window shopping along Brunswick Street before stepping into the Lambs Go Barr (135 Greeves Street Fitzroy). Despite the Dad-pun name, the bar is the real deal, offering an impressive range of beers from around the world. Prices are not cheap, and there is no real cheap option with the tap beers at the same price as bottles, but you can't beat the novelty value and exotica of the menu. The staff are knowledgeable without being patronising, so ask for their recommendations if you can't decide on a beverage.
For those beer aficionados out there, there's sure to be several beers you haven't tried. Hughie prides himself on having sampled lot of beer but he hadn't seen a range this big outside of Dan Murphy's or King and Godfree's. You'll be hard pressed to go 'round the world' in a night at the Lambs Go Barr!
The layout of the bar makes it feel more like a houseparty than a bar, lots of small rooms with awkward furniture layout, and the pool room is small and tacky, but if you prefer a more intimate feel this is the place to be. It could be an easy place to become a regular, and it is nice to see that people can actually sit at the bar and engage with the bar tenders.
Verdict: Not the best place to get hammered, but if you have the time, discipline and cash to savour and appreciate your beers, a good Hump Day hangout. A good choice for when you want a place where you can talk and feel at home, while enjoying the best beers the world has to offer.
Hump Day Prologue
Wednesday is the New Thursday!
That's right kids, Hump Day has just become the best night of the week.
Forget queuing, paying entry, fashionably late starts, taxi surcharges, high expectations and double booking your weekend; Wednesday, aka Hump Day, is the unpretentious, cheaper, more chilled out way to party, and it's smack bang in the middle of the week, right where you need it.
Your cultural guides, YoYo, Hughie G and Lady Jessica will review different restaurants and bars on a Wednesday to give you the low down, and you can join in the fun! Everyone gets in anywhere on a Wednesday!
Follow their progress on this blog and join them on their quest to find the best places in Melbourne on a Wednesday.
That's right kids, Hump Day has just become the best night of the week.
Forget queuing, paying entry, fashionably late starts, taxi surcharges, high expectations and double booking your weekend; Wednesday, aka Hump Day, is the unpretentious, cheaper, more chilled out way to party, and it's smack bang in the middle of the week, right where you need it.
Your cultural guides, YoYo, Hughie G and Lady Jessica will review different restaurants and bars on a Wednesday to give you the low down, and you can join in the fun! Everyone gets in anywhere on a Wednesday!
Follow their progress on this blog and join them on their quest to find the best places in Melbourne on a Wednesday.
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