FEASTINGwith Zen

FEASTING TOP FIVE GUIDE · FEASTING TOP FIVE GUIDE

Five food memories that started Feasting With Zen

Five early visits that reveal how Zen’s taste and storytelling began to take shape.

By Zen · Five places, one story

Before there was a permanent archive, there were scattered food memories: places photographed, dishes discussed and the instinct to tell somebody else what to order.

Five early visits that reveal how Zen’s taste and storytelling began to take shape. These five stops belong together because each approaches the theme differently, giving the story contrast rather than five versions of the same recommendation.

01 · Brisbane, Queensland

Baskin-Robbins Brisbane

The story begins with Baskin-Robbins Brisbane. It earns its place in this story through a visit especially suited to a rich double-chocolate sweet treat best enjoyed when craving a customized sundae build..

When I want a direct hit of chocolate at Baskin Robbins, the Cookie Dough Overload Vertical Sundae is a clear choice. It is a tall cup built around two distinct scoops of ice cream, cookie dough, and chocolate fudge.

By stacking Chocolate and Chocolate Cookie Crackle ice cream with cookie dough and chocolate fudge, the Cookie Dough Overload Vertical Sundae delivers a rich double-chocolate treat at Baskin Robbins.

What I’d start with: Cookie Dough Overload Vertical Sundae with Chocolate ice cream, Chocolate Cookie Crackle ice cream, cookie dough, and chocolate fudge.

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02 · Brisbane, Queensland

To Be or Not To Be Cafe

The second stop changes the pace at To Be or Not To Be Cafe. It earns its place in this story through a visit especially suited to a relaxed weekend brunch centred on hearty, textured cafe favourites..

When our table at To Be Or Not To Be Cafe in Westlake filled up with stacked fritters, loaded tacos, and golden crinkle-cut fries, brunch became a celebration of contrasting textures. Sitting inside the venue sipping a cold pink drink through a striped straw, I found the appeal of this Westlake spot clear right away in its colourful, texture-driven spread.

To Be Or Not To Be Cafe brings a cheerful, flavour-packed brunch menu to Westlake, anchored by crisp crinkle-cut hash brown fries and a yolk-rich fritter stack.

What I’d start with: Zucchini and corn fritters with poached egg, caramelised onion jam, char-grilled corn rib, and harissa yoghurt, Breakfast tacos with bacon, scrambled eggs, tasty cheese, mango jam, chipotle aioli, tomato salsa, and avocado, Side of hash brown fries.

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03 · Melbourne, Victoria

Sugar Buns Cafe Hampton Park

Halfway through, the guide turns towards Sugar Buns Cafe Hampton Park. It earns its place in this story through a visit especially suited to serious sweet cravings and indulgent dessert lovers.

When the Caramel Crunch Mini Shake arrived at my outdoor wooden table at Sugar Buns Bakery Cafe in Hampton Park, it felt less like a simple drink and more like an elaborate edible sculpture. Priced at $14.00 for the regular size, this over-the-top creation from the cafe's extravagant dessert menu was built to tackle serious sugar cravings head-on.

Sugar Buns Bakery Cafe delivers an unabashedly decadent treat with its Caramel Crunch Mini Shake. It is a towering, topping-heavy spectacle that easily stands as a sweet meal on its own.

What I’d start with: Caramel Crunch Mini Shake ($14.00).

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04 · Brisbane, Queensland

Grill’d Mt Ommaney

Then comes Grill’d Mt Ommaney. It earns its place in this story through a visit especially suited to quick burger runs, patio dining, and local community token voting.

A five-dollar burger menu board positioned beside a branded event tent announced a special promotion day outside Grill'd Mt Ommaney. Holding the distinction of being the brand's first drive-through location, this store caters to quick drive-through stops as easily as seated casual meals.

Grill'd Mt Ommaney delivers classic burger options, signature chips, and community token voting, with the extra convenience of drive-through ordering and patio seating.

What I’d start with: Crispy Bacon & Cheese burger, HFC Classic burger, Regular chips with herb mayo.

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05 · Brisbane, Queensland

Urban Wine Walk Brisbane

The final table belongs to Urban Wine Walk Brisbane. It earns its place in this story through a visit especially suited to self-guided wine lovers, afternoon group catch-ups, and discovering brisbane cbd venues.

An official Urban Wine Walk booklet, wristband and stemless wine glass on our marble table set an expectant tone before a single sip is poured. At Walter's, where a menu sits beside red wine glasses, a platter of French fries and a cheese board packed with crackers, nuts and dip establish a relaxed grazing rhythm right from the start.

An energetic, flexible way to explore Brisbane City's bar scene with impressive wine producers and distinct venue stops along the route.

What I’d start with: .

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These early stories are not a polished origin myth. They are something better: evidence that Feasting With Zen began the same way most food obsessions do, with one memorable order followed by another.