TLDR » bite-sized food news

Oh, hi there, I missed you!

It's been a minute. I have some pretty good excuses. Some are deeply personal. Some involve eating on the side of the road overseas. Another has been producing content for Tourism Australia with Near Far Productions to help local businesses get back on their feet, now that travel is back on the cards.Let's say that again. TRAVEL IS BACK ON THE CARDS. I can't tell you how good it feels to finally share what Seasoned Traveller was always meant to be: a celebration of culture through food locally, domestically and internationally.To kick things off, I've got the scoop on a new Japanese temaki sushi restaurant, a suburb guide to Brunswick from one of Melbourne's most talented chefs, and everything you need to know about Eating Curiously in Ballarat and Darwin. Next up, I'll take you to Tasmania and the land of tequila, while always making sure the little places in Melbourne get a look in, too.If you have any tips, feel free to email me anytime.It's good to be back.

FIRST TASTE » Leonie Upstairs is Melbourne's First Temaki Sushi & Sake Bar

WEEKENDER » 15 Ballarat Must-Eats

DARWIN » The Ultimate Guide for Food Lovers

SUBURB GUIDE » Chae's guide to Brunswick

HIT LIST » New Restaurants I'm Excited About

Cucina Povera Vino Vero, CBD

AM Bakehouse, Glen Iris

Last year two bakers quit their jobs to follow their dream and set up their own bakery. Luckily for Glen Iris, they've done it at 286D Tooronga Road. Operating since the end of May, Instagram is the best place to check specials, such as mushroom danishes with thyme and bechamel, and quince galettes with toasted honey oats.

Hualu Peking Duck, CBD

Officially up and running after COVID staffing issues since March, Hualu has settled in the old HWKR site in the city, specialising in peking duck and Northern Chinese cuisine. I'm keen to order tofu with sea urchin and fish head soup alongside my duck in the futuristic, $2 million fit-out. Check out their Instagram.

Know a curious eater? Forward them this dispatch ♥️