Yum Cha = Family Friendly Dining

Our family is slightly obsessed with Yum Cha

Actually let me rephrase that

My husband is slightly obsessed with Yum Cha

He would sacrifice a round of golf with the
boys for an early 11am sitting of Yum Cha

Its tasty, family friendly and a great way to eat

l guess what we both love most about Yum Cha is that it's
casual restaurant dining and if you make a mess on
the white table cloth it means you've enjoyed your visit!

It not only delivers tasty steamed goodness by the
trolley load but the big bubba also LOVES it too, he
can be a bit loud and drive his trucks on the table,
without getting ' stern glares' from the staff.

Below you'll find our list of favourites that we visit
from time to time that are good value for money
while also providing good family friendly dining.

East Imperial - Carlton

Gold Leaf - Preston

Gold Leaf - Harbour Town

Dragon Boat Palace - CHINA TOWN

Dragon Boat Restaurant - CHINA TOWN

Golden Dragon Palace - Lower Templestowe

Shark Fin House - CHINA TOWN

Shark Fin Inn - CHINA TOWN

Told you we are SLIGHTLY obsessed!

**Highchairs and Boosters seats are available at each Restaurant**

**Bookings Essential**

Sweet Source on Rathdowne

l had a "baby" free morning on Friday.
It was heaven.
Don't get me wrong l love my son to BITS but a girl has
to have morning tea alone sometimes.

I've been dying to try Sweet Source on Rathdowne St in Carlton.
They serve fresh quality cakes and desserts.
l only had time for a quick latte and a
small cupcake but oh my goodness it was worth it.

Now l would love to say l took heaps of photos so you could all see, but to be honest l was too busy drooling over the selection of muffins, tarts, gingerbread and slices.

Not at all good for the waistline but who cares!

Sweet Source is not really "built" for the baby crowd - although they are quiet welcome.
It's a very small and intimate place.

The up side though is the Christmas "goodies" menu.
If your pressed for time (like myself) then you
can organise your Christmas treats in one easy order.

You will be spoilt for choice with fresh Puddings,
rich Fruit Mince Pies and Sweet Torte's to pop on your Christmas table.

My personal favourite was the Gingerbread House.
A beautiful centre piece for a magical family Christmas day.

(For all orders contact Sweet Source before the 16th December)
**Image by Estelle Judah**

Some Cafe's from last month.....

October was busy.
We manged to squeeze in loads of places.
They were all lovely and two do stand out in my mind - although don't get too excited as they didn't tick all the Hey Bambini boxes for the kids, and wont be on the website, but l feel they need a mention.

Need a caffeine fix - and a good one at that.
Try Sevens Seeds located in Carlton, I swear l could smell the coffee as l got out of the car. Loads of room to move, but it's really more of a "business crowd" in here during the week. Staff were friendly and helpful. Not only do they have a food and drinks menu they also have a fantastic coffee menu where you can choose from a variety of beans and blends to take home. l got the Deadman's Espresso Blend for my hubby's morning coffee. Great name for a coffee blend and it's a smooth brew that packs a punch.

Then we ventured to the "other side" of the river to Kanteen. Situated along the Yarra River this picturesque cafe is good to take people who are from out of town. It's nice to experience something a little different. Great outdoor seating but as you are right on the Yarra l wouldn't advise taking a tribe of young children - unless you're a great swimmer! Need to be on your toes with that! Kids love water - especially dirty water. Food was good, staff nice enough - they didn't offer me a highchair which l was unaware they had until l saw another wee one sitting who arrived after us. Oh well!

Be sure to check the website as we visited a lot of country cafes in October. With the weather being nicer it's fun to leave the city behind for the day.

Oh and l must say we visited Pearl Oyster on the weekend in West Preston and it was AMAZING!!
Will be up on the website soon!
xo

Out and About

l had a moment this morning while peddling my little legs off at the gym. I visit so many great cafes in this beautiful city it seems such a shame not to list all of the ones we try regardless of being "Baby Friendly" Although that is the aim of the whole website, l thought l can still share some little gems with you through the blog. So if you out and about on foot this week in the north side of town try these little beauties.

For a coffee made to perfection pop into Enoteca Sileno. While your there you can pick up some great imported oils, sweets and wine all from Italy. A little pricey but truly an indulgent experience.

If your in the mood for something that involves pastry try Filou's Patissier in Carlton. The smell of freshly cooked bread, cakes and pies is hard to resist. Throw the diet out the window and enjoy a savoury croissant followed by a strawberry tart.

And finely, if your looking for a yummy Middle Eastern-Spanish influenced lunch look no further than Julio tucked away in the back streets of North Fitzroy.

They are all great but if your driving the "big" pram they are a little squeezy and also there no change facilities for little bums at any of the cafes.

We did however visited Kamel on the weekend in Albert Park which was AMAZING! So keep watch for that review to hit the website very soon.

Birdie Num Nums

Oh and l forgot to let you know...l went back to Birdie Num Nums today for a coffee and a muffin (l know!!! all that walking wasted on muffin calories)
Check out my website for a more detailed review of "Birdie" and don't forget to subscribe!
Til next time
Enjoy!
xo
www.heybambini.com.au