Like McDonalds, at Macchiato What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG in computer acronymous talk). The meals are either pictured or on display, much like the former king of the fast food world (I believe Donuts are now in). Macchiato sells three important items from the bain-marie, Sushi, Okonomiyoki and Gyoza, as well as the range of 24 hot dishes, ranging from $7 to $9. It is the quality of the aforementioned dishes that sets Macchiato apart from the ubiquitous pseudo-Japanese foodstores in Melbourne's CBD.
The Sushi was my first indulgence. “Hand Rolls, Cheapest in Melbourne” at $1.70 says an old sign outside. The hand rolls are fresh and delicious. The tuna, teriyaki chicken and California rolls all consistently excellent, although by the time I arrive, after 2pm, the choice is limited. A drawback is that there is no eel, but salmon, smoked salmon, tomago and spiced pork extended the choice above the standard range.
In the early days I was always looking at the Okonomiyoki, a cabbage omelette, with a kind of say sauce and mayonnaise smeared on top. There must be another way to describe something that sounds and looks revolting than that chosen by the Picnic Bar’s marketing department. Delicious is the only word I can think of, and the taste regularly leads me back to 346 Bourke Street.
In the afternoon when business is quieter there are often individual, isolated Gyoza, lonely, shrivelling and dying in the bain-marie. An unpleasant end, so I try to help out where possible. Quickly I was hooked, as the staff at Macchiato prepare almost perfect Gyoza (better when they are fresh). The Gyoza are 3 for $2, while the Okonomiyoki retails at $2.50, top value.
How one could enter Macchiato and leave playing no part in the metabolisation of a Yakisoba beef or chicked, a Katsu-don, a Ramen or a Miso Soup is beyond me. According to my eating partners the Yakisoba Beef is the flagship dish. Other mains are not too far behind. Macchiato is only missing a chicken teriyaki disk. While packed around lunch time, I cannot help but feel that many who stop for lunch at Hardware Street, or eat in the food-court in the bottom of their ‘own’ skyscraper, are opting to ignore their stomachs and follow the pay cheque and demands and rigours of work. Macchiato deserves better.
Feelin' Foodie | Metis Internet | Sitemap | Search | RSS | Atom