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Thursday May 17, 2012

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Ela's summer takeaways

Posted by: Ela Carte | 12 December, 2011 - 1:53 PM
Chook

SUMMER TAKEAWAY

The new kid on the block – Foxes Den: 107 Ormond Road Elwood

For all those thoughtful types, a roast chook joint with a conscience has set up shop in Elwood village. At Foxes Den, all their chickens are from Bannockburn so they’re free range and chemical free, and they taste tops. As well as the straight roast bird, there’ll generally be some “posh” options, like Moroccan spiced or Tandoori, but to be honest I was almost more excited about the salad selections. From an impressive list that included Appleyard Family Wild Rice Salad, or Pumpkin with Honey Sesame Dressing, we settled on three: Beetroot and Goats Cheese with caramelized walnuts; Asian slaw with chicken; and the scrumptious Sweet Potato and Hazelnut with barley which featured plump sultanas and a hint of cinnamon.

You can go all unhealthy and order the impressive looking hand cut, twice cooked chips, or get a box of roast vegies – with an impressively wide array of goodies including sweet potato, pumpkin, capsicum, tomato, zucchini, carrot and potato.

It ain’t exactly cheap, in fact the salads are pretty pricey – but they’re quite obviously made with super fresh ingredients and a dash of creativity. For two people half a chook, a large salad (three varieties inside), roast veg, some gravy and a couple of drinks set us back $40, and the view from the park at Elwood beach on a warm night was priceless.

The Old reliable – Misuzu’s Takeaway Albert Park: 7 Victoria Ave Albert Park

Cheap, reasonably healthy, and tasty – from Japanese inspired salads like prawn and vegetable, sweet potato and green been, or chicken noodle; to individual treats like sesame chicken, vegetable croquettes – this place really is my failsafe for takeaway when I don’t feel like enduring the usual guilt afterwards.

The new fad – Taco Truck, Various locations www.facebook.com and search for “Taco Truck”

Time to go all techno on you, if you want to know where the Taco Truck’s going to be on any given night, you’re going to have to follow it on Twitter or Facebook. This one’s a mobile eatery, most often found in the northern suburbs like Brunswick or North Carlton (thanks to permit friendly councils up there), but spotted every now and then at Fed Square, Newport, Collingwood and various festivals around the state.

It’s fabulous, authentic stuff with a twist – from  marinated chicken taco in soft tortilla with chunks of corn straight from the cob; to a crispy tortilla filled with soft potato pieces and topped with green jalapeno sauce and coleslaw. YUM! Tacos are $6 each, which may sound steep until you try them. Worth every penny. See www.facebook.com – search for Taco Truck Melbourne

The childhood favourite – Kallista Deli:

Sometimes on those hot days there’s nothing better than trying to cool down, and growing up in the Dandenongs the best way to do that was to head for the hills. My favourite afternoon treat was to go to Kallista Deli and grab a roll, or a wrap, or some quiche and make my way up the mountain to sit in the shade somewhere. It’s been a while, but they’re fond memories.

PLAY: Ela Carte's summer picks

Ela Carte with Ross and John

Ela Carte Head 8.15 Friday: Ela reviews one of Melbourne's eateries each week.

 

 

 

 



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