Big Ian (a rather tall body builder working in audio visual) assisted myself and my wife who is 'direction' challenged - so much so that virtually the minute she gained her license we decided to purchase a GPS for the car. On asking Ian for recommendations he went through the Pros and Cons, taking particular note of the differences in mine and my wife's reactions to what was being said. Ultimately it was decided to go with a unit that was easy to understand as opposed to perhaps being a little more informative - if you know what I mean. Anyway we were extremely happy with the result and the price for that matter.

Approximate cost: $282

My daughter had told me about Thai Tables a few times, however it was more by chance than planning that my wife and I ended up at TT on a Sunday evening. Unlike the two restaurants to the left that accounted for a total of 4 customers, I guesstimate that TT had at least 40 if not 50 people chomping on their food.
Nothing flash in appearance or ambiance, in fact it's a relatively low rent place. Furthermore it is entirely BYO. Unperturbed we scoured the menu and ordered our meal. Wow! Delivered in what felt like no time at all, the food was simply exquisite, fresh as all fresh, tasty as, indeed without doubt the best Thai we had ever experienced. Enamored with the experience, 8 days later my business partner and I in need of a quick meal, turned up on a Monday night only to find the place almost packed. In turn the service was a little slower - expected under he circumstances, however the food was as excellent as it had been the first time. My partner was blown away. So much so that we have decided to take all of our staff there for a bit of a bonding session.

Approximate cost: $15.00

Needing a quick easy food fix, my wife and I walked up and down Croydon's Main Street in search of something 'oriental', and I have to say there was plenty to choose from. Ultimately we opted for Poppys, a restaurant with an average ambiance, nice enough decor, certainly with a Thai feeling, and went on to order just the one main, one sizable entree, rice and drinks.

But first I had to visit the men's room and then my wife the ladies room. Dirty, smelly and with wet slippery floors and filthy carpet - not a good look. Shocking actually.

Entree was their combination - consisting of what was essnetially what appeared to be from the freezer chiko rolls and so forth. Very average. Then came the beef main with the meat relatively course, stringy and not pleasing to the pallet. The meat was also fatty.

Service was fine but really, I wouldn't bother going again.

Approximate cost: $20

Days of searching for a suitable B&B led to what appeared a brilliant facility in Port Fairy – Douglas on River. Images were spectacular and all looked perfect. So we headed off only to find that for $265 per night we:

• were greeted by a staff member more interested in getting home than talking to us
• A small – way too small if you ask me – room and even smaller en suite
• A so-called gourmet breakfast consisting of nothing more than a basket containing 2 packets of cereal, 4 pieces of bread, some condiments, and fruit juice.
• Free wireless internet that didn't work. When asked what was going on we were told “Telstra said it would be good for 100metres”. No apologies, no nothing. Point being; I booked the place partially because of the internet as I needed to continually check on work related items.

It wasn't all bad though with lovely views, a nice eating area and comfortable bed. However pricing was high, staff attentiveness was less than average (they only were on the premises during business hours), the breakfast was a joke really, and, well, I certainly won't ever go there again.

Approximate cost: $265

Without doubt this is the best B&B I and my wife have ever been to, and there have been some memorable moments over the years. Put simply - fantastic. Why? Ambiance - nothing particularly different to many other 'old houses'. Decor - nothing particularly different to many other old houses. Rooms - nice, great bed, wonderful bathroom, warmth and cool when required - everything you could need. But not that much more than many. So what exactly was it that made this place different? A very dry yet extremely warm host - Roger - the place was quiet yet close to everything, and the price was - in our opinion - exceptional. Okay, so $155 isn't that cheap - or is it? Included was a cooked breakfast of our choice - cooked to your liking and presented in a wonderful dining room (there are 6 rooms in Lorelei). Magnificent breakfast... but what else? Included in the price - believe it or not - is all of the beer, wine, fruit, nuts, biscuits, juice and soft drinks you could ever want. Point being; add it all up - nice place, great host, wonderful food, nice location and so forth, and you know you are onto a winner..

Approximate cost: $155

Wonderful presence from the street, the Sandilands continues the theme from within thanks a lovely ambiance, beautifully appointed tables, well executed leather bound menus and well dressed waiters. Irrespective of the fact that I had been advised that Sandilands was the 'second' choice of restaurants in Portland, I was hoping of a high standard of food, and I have to say that while thumbing through the menu I was a little reticent about going the 'full hog' with their special 650 gram Porterhouse steak. I thought it may be too large, perhaps too bloody for my linking. I relented and I have to say that it was one of the best steaks I have ever experienced. It was perfectly cooked and literally fell apart. Sensational - and yet the price was - believe it or not - a mere $35! I ordered the house sparking for a lowly $18 and it too was great. Vastly better than one would expect at that price. The only down side was my wife's salmon that she suggested was a little tasteless. Well presented, but not perfect.

Approximate cost: $35

Something that little bit different! Looking for a slightly different 'dirty weekend' with my dear wife, we looked for a Hotel off the so-called beaten track. In other words, we wanted something not quite in the Melbourne CBD, with Prahran coming in as the perfect option. Being so close to South Yarra meant some designer shopping was a nothing more than a tiny piece of shoe leather away, as is the night life et al. We stayed at this boutique hotel for two nights, with part of the attraction a significant array of 2000 Archibald Prize-winning artist, Adam Cullen. Off the wall, his abstract outlook certainly attracts attention - but no always for the right reasons.

Bedding was fantastic, the general decor gorgeous, and, well, it had a lot going for it. That said, parking is at an absolute premium, and they charge for internet use. Personally, internet should be free these days. Several Foxtel channels were included, as was a decent enough mini bar... along with a great kitchenette. Close to everything that matters, nice staff, chic interior. Well worth the trip.

Approximate cost: $250

Staying close proximity gave my wife and I an opportunity of peering through the windows to get an idea of the decor and so forth, and with my wife being Chinese she is very particular when it comes to Chinese restaurants. The interior ambiance was nice, so we decided to give it a go... furthermore I tried a dish for the first time. Not being a seafood person at all - I simply never eat anything out of the sea - I succumbed when my wife pushed me to go with a main of spicy fish. Talk about hot! I love hot food, but this one too the cake for perspiration inducing fits. Wow, but it was fantastic. Service wise we had no complaints, however it wasn't out of the ordinary. Pricing was keen, certainly keener than I expected and the place was packed - and for good reason. As far as Chinese Restaurants go - and we have been to dozens of them - Hutong ranks with the best of them

Approximate cost: $60

A little biased here in that we witnessed Avatar 3D for the first time and movie is simply out of the world - literally! Movie aside, the greeting was excellent, the staff were truly friendly and appeared interested in what we had to say, prices were acceptable and the now somewhat 'old' menu is acceptable. Actually, some new offerings wouldn't go astray. I ended up leaving my credit card in the cinema (the seating was s usual, wonderful) and on my return was given it with a happy to smile to boot.

Approximate cost: $44

Seriously, what a fabulous shop! That said, not everyone is into 'way out' clothing. As an early 50s man going on 30, I have no problem with extroverted gear, and Jay Dillon fits the bill perfectly in that they offer a range of truly outstanding designer jeans that truly stand out in a crowd. Jeans brand Cipo and Baxx offers the right mix of 'mad' & style for me. As do the likes of David Smith shirts (brilliant quality - expensive though) as well as a range of custom Belts. Customer service was second to none, there was no pressure to buy and frankly I came away wanting to go back - again and again.

Approximate cost: $350