Pizza by the harbour

There’s a new pizza player in town.

Avo Gourmet Pizza on Victoria Harbour Promenade opened in May and is ready to wow Docklands’ tastebuds.

“We’ve had customers coming back repeatedly and I’m getting plenty of people saying they are absolutely loving what we have on offer,” store manager Rob Glaister said.

Avo Gourmet Pizza isn’t your standard takeaway pizza shop. All the classics, including Hawaiian, vegetarian, Aussie and capricciosa, are on offer. But you’ll also find a “deluxe” menu featuring a range of gourmet pizzas.

Mr Glaister is a qualified chef who has worked in the pizza industry for the past 13 years. He said he had carefully developed the new menu.

Why not try the pulled pork pizza? It comes complete with apples and raisins, sautéed red cabbage and pomegranate molasses.

Health food fans will love the super food vegie with sweet potato, baby spinach, avocado, roasted capsicum, buffalo mozzarella, feta cheese, chia seeds and quinoa.

“The king prawn pizza is a standout, with prawns on skewers,” Mr Glaister said.

And if you have a sweet tooth, you can finish your meal with a dessert pizza, combining Nutella, apple compote, banana slices, mango cheeks and mascarpone cheese.

Although close to the city, Mr Glaister said there was a sense of community in Docklands that made a local pizza shop, like Avo Gourmet Pizza, a perfect fit.

“There’s some great community here,” Mr Glaister said. “The people living in these apartments are absolutely lovely, so many have come down and introduced themselves.”

According to Mr Glaister, Avo Gourmet Pizza is a unique offering for Docklands.

Located on the waterfront at Victoria Harbour, Mr Glaister said the store offered seating outside, providing a great spot to enjoy a meal and a wonderful view, particularly when the weather warms up.

But in the meantime, Avo Gourmet Pizza also offers a convenient delivery service to Docklands residents and businesses for $5.

You’ll likely spot Avo Gourmet Pizza staff members commuting around the harbour on tricycle making deliveries across the suburb.

You can find Avo Gourmet Pizza at 73 Victoria Harbour Promenade.

Orders can be made online at http://www.avogourmetpizza.com.au and Avo Gourmet Pizza is currently offering 10 per cent off first-time online orders.

For the team at TDE, the focus is on people

“We deal with day-to-day people, that’s the basis of our law firm and always has been,” partner Randall Bradshaw said.

Originally established under the name Tolhurst and Druce in 1896, the firm has a long history of providing legal services to Melburnians and Victorians.

Based in Bourke St, Tolhurst Druce and Emmerson offers a range of legal services, focused around the ethos of “working with individuals, families and business”.

Mr Bradshaw said the mid-sized firm was a rarity in the CBD in that it wasn’t focused on big commercial dealings, but rather the legal needs of everyday people.

“We’re people focused,” Mr Bradshaw said. “It’s unusual to find this kind of firm in the city.”

The firm’s four partners, Randall Bradshaw, Peter Weller, Paul Webster and David Phelan, lead teams who which specialise in different areas of law and offer a wide range of legal expertise.

The team at Tolhurst Druce and Emmerson provide legal services in wills, probate, estates and trusts, property law, family law, commercial and business law and litigation and dispute resolution services. The firm also provides notary services and immigration law expertise.

According to Mr Bradshaw, the firm has formed a strong connection with Docklands.

“We have a strong association with Docklands and have been a member of the Docklands Chamber of Commerce for around four years,” Mr Bradshaw said.

Mr Bradshaw said the firm’s location, at the corner of Bourke and Williams streets, made it convenient for local workers and residents seeking legal advice or services.

“We provide a range of expert, cost effective and convenient legal services for people who live and work in Docklands,” Mr Bradshaw said. “We’re right on their doorstep”.

The firm is also part of the Law Network Australia, an association of medium-sized law firms.

Tolhurst Druce and Emmerson’s involvement with the network means its clients can be assured of recommended legal representation around Australia.

Most importantly, the firm prides itself on providing a level of service that commonly sees it recommended by clients.

“Most of our work comes from word of mouth,” Mr Bradshaw said. “People prefer to deal with someone who’s been recommended by family or friends.”

Tolhurst Druce and Emmerson is located at 520 Bourke St. Visit http://www.tde.com.au for more information.

Want to freshen up your look?

Instead of getting a new haircut, why not pay a visit to the Docklands Cosmetic Clinic?

Located inside the Victoria Harbour Medical Clinic on Merchant St, Docklands Cosmetic Clinic offers a range of facial enhancement treatments.

According to Docklands Cosmetic Clinic nurse Robyn Barrett-Roydhouse, patients at the clinic often comment that they feel “fresher” after a treatment.

“People don’t want big lips, they don’t want major change, they want subtle enhancements,” Ms Barrett-Roydhouse said.

Having worked in the field of cosmetic aesthetic injecting for 13 years, Ms Barrett-Roydhouse has extensive experience in administering cosmetic treatments.

“I love it, I find the artistic challenge really rewarding,” she said.

Docklands Cosmetic Clinic offers anti-wrinkle treatment for crow’s feet and wrinkles between the eyebrows, forehead and lower face.

The clinic also offers a range of dermal fillers, from very thin fillers to address fine lines, to heavier fillers for re-volumising and shaping of the face.

Located close to Docklands’ commercial hub, Docklands Cosmetic Clinic offers lunchtime appointments, with most treatments generally taking between 15 and 30 minutes.

“People want to be able to duck in and out for a treatment during the day, where there’s no down-time, minimal bruising and state-of-the-art treatment,” Ms Barrett-Roydhouse said.

“We want to offer a walk-in, walk-out treatment.”

In addition to state-of-the-art treatment, Docklands Cosmetic Clinic also offers patients a thorough consultation process with GP Dr Bronwen McGraw.

“I see any new patient and will take a look at their medical history along with thoroughly explaining to them the way the treatments work and what can be achieved so they have a good understanding,” Dr McGraw said.

“A lot of people don’t really understand how they work so I think that explanation puts people at ease.”

Having previously worked as a GP for seven years, Dr McGraw moved into the field of cosmetic medicine 12 months ago.

“I like the fact that we can help people feel better about themselves,” she said.

You can find Docklands Cosmetic Clinic inside Victoria Harbour Medical Centre at 850 Collins St (enter via Merchant St).

Contact the clinic on 0419 224 491 or visit the website for more information http://www.docklandscosmeticclinic.com.au

Welcome back to Oscars Table

NewQuay favourite Oscars Table has re-opened its doors for business and is ready to serve up delicious meals to Docklands locals and visitors.

The restaurant is now under new management, with professional chefs Hari Karki and B.K. Khadka now running the show.

“We provide an experience that sets us apart from other restaurants,” Mr Khadka said.

The restaurant re-opened in June and has a strong focus on Spanish and Mexican cuisine.

“We stay true to our cuisine and never chase food trends or experiments with unrecognisable flavours,” Mr Khadka said.

“We have carefully planned the menu to provide our guests with a combination of Mexican and Spanish favourites, as well as introducing Jambalaya rice and Churasco.”

And what’s a Mexican or Spanish meal without a cocktail?

Oscars Table offers a range of drinks including the signature Sangria, Mojito, Caiprinha and Margarita.

Both Mr Karki and Mr Khadka have extensive international experience in the restaurant industry, which is sure to set Oscars Table apart as a culinary experience.

Mr Karki developed his culinary skills in Hong Kong, where he was the executive chef and owner of two established restaurants.

Mr Khadka has also worked as a head chef around the globe including Hong Kong, Bermuda and the Maldives.

“As chefs, we cherish the role we play in your overall experience at Oscars Table,” Mr Khadka said.

“Whether or not you have been here before, a great meal is waiting for you, cooked with care and dedication.”

Mr Khadka also said Oscars Table could cater to different dietary requirements including food allergies.

You can find Oscars Table located at 50 NewQuay Promenade.

Contact the restaurant on 9642 4242 or visit http://www.oscarstable.com.au

Made-to-measure will suit you just fine

Why buy a suit off the rack when you can have a better one made to exactly fit you?

According to Oscar Hunt tailors’ founder and general manager Chris Edwards, a made-to-measure suit ticks all the boxes: fabric quality; style; construction; timelessness and fit.  In short, it’s about value for money.

“Why would you buy a high-end brand suit off the rack when you can pay less for a  better one made just for you?” Mr Edwards asks.

“These days, it is a myth that tailor-made suits are unaffordable,” he said.  “If you need a suit to really perform for you, you are very unlikely to find it hanging on a rack, no matter who’s name is on the inside.”

“If you put a premium on performance, that’s when you need made-to-measure.”

Operating from elegant show and fitting rooms in Hardware Lane, shopping for a suit at Oscar Hunt is a pleasure.

The business qualifies as one of Melbourne’s hidden secrets and Hardware Lane is an appropriate home to the fascinating craft that is made-to-measure suiting.

From long-forgotten markets of the 18th Century, to cloth suppliers to the city’s famed rag trade, the lane has been integral to Melbourne’s development through the decades.

It forms a classical backdrop to Mr Edwards’ dream to make premium suiting available to the average Australian male.

“I wanted to offer that wonderfully old-world service of made-to-measure tailoring at an accessible price point,” Mr Edwards said. “It's our aim to make every suit purchasing experience a truly remarkable one.”

Mr Edwards typifies the Oscar Hunt male: Nine-to-five, three-piece suit during the week; a relaxed silhouette at weekends.

Head tailor, Oscar Lake, learned the craft as a bespoke tailor at Hemden Shirtmakers & Tailors and transitioned to made-to-measure area in response to the current suiting trend.

“I noticed the difficulties in operating as a bespoke tailor in Australia and realised the future of suiting is in the high quality and more affordable made-to-measure,” he said.

And it wasn’t just this that inspired him. Mr Lake said: “You can't replicate the confidence of a client wearing a garment that’s tailored to every aspect of their body and to their style. Not often does anyone get exactly want they want, so it’s a special feeling.”

Oscar Hunt has a broad appeal: From older gentlemen who have a long-founded appreciation for quality tailoring to younger men who wish to step up their style and gain access to the custom-made experience.

From initial appointment to the final product, a tailored suit takes six weeks to produce, and starts from a $845, depending on the fabric used and the desired construction.

Oscar Hunt is located at Level 3, 43 Hardware Lane, Melbourne; for appointments call the showroom on 0499 000 011 and discover the fascinating craft that is made-to-measure suiting. Or visit the website http://www.oscarhunt.com.au

Not just a night out

The small team at Temple Brewing thought they were just going for a night out when they attended the Australian International Beer Awards in Docklands in May.

Managing director Nick Pang said the expectation of being awarded was low, so when their “Anytime IPA” pale ale was announced as a gold medalist (out of 180 worldwide beers), the team was ecstatic.

After all, they’d only been making beer for 18 months, so being awarded gold was like a dream coming true.

“There were only two gold medals awarded in the pale ale category, so we were well placed to win the Best International Pale Ale award,” Mr Pang said.

“When the MC called our name, we just went ballistic,” he said. “To take out this award against the best brewers in the world was a truly humbling experience.”

Mr Pang bought the East Brunswick-based brewery from a liquidator 18 months ago.

Recruiting top brewer Glenn Harrison and applying strict business principles has turned the company around in a rags-to-riches story. New beers have been added to the repertoire and production has been cranked up to get the best out of the small, state-of-the-art brewery in Weston St.

Temple entered six beers in the Australian International Beer Awards and five of them were awarded medals.

“Apart from our pale ale triumph, we brought home three silvers and a bronze,” Mr Pang said.

Temple’s signature Bicycle Beer took bronze for the Best English Style Summer Ale, with silver medals going to its Powerstance pilsner, New World Order stout and the Rye Hard IPA for the Best German Style Pilsner, Best Stout and Best IPA (other), respectively. This year, the worldwide awards attracted a record number of applicants from 35 countries.

“It is a real credit to our team and the hard work everyone has put in. For a small brewery in Brunswick to receive this recognition only one and a half years after launching is amazing,” Mr Pang said.

“We are all about brewing great quality Australian beer that’s fresh and balanced. I’m so proud of Glenn and the team.”

Temple Brewing beers are available in the CBD at Thousand Pound Bend, Sister Bella, Mesa Verde, Cookie Bar, Spice Temple and Three Below – City Square.

Temple Brewing has a bar and restaurant at 122 Weston St, Brunswick East and is open on Thursdays between 5pm and 11pm; on Fridays and Saturdays between 12 noon and 11pm; and on Sundays between 12

noon and 9pm. The business is closed to the public on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

For further information, see http://www.templebrewing.com.au