Cargo, Docklands

Docklands can be a very scenic place to be, but it can also be a very cold and windy place to be. The last time we went to Docklands, it was the latter. Some visitors from overseas were in town and because it was their umpteenth time to Australia, we chose Docklands to bring them to because they had been to everywhere else that was considered 'touristy'. It was probably not a good idea, because there were few trams from Collins Street, and we had to wait for about 10 mins in the wind for one. In fact, some of us caught a cold in the week after returning from the day out.

We visited the Skypark first. Did you know that the Skypark is a public garden on top of one of the Melbourne Quarter MQ building? It is open to the public from 8am to 6pm everyday and can be accessed by a winding staircase or a glass lift, both of which sounds and indeed look so romantic! You might think that being so close to Southern Cross station and the busy Collins St below that it will be very noisy in the garden but it is quite an oasis. The lawn is lush green grass, there are trees everywhere, there are strategically placed benches and benches in the style of a beach lounge chair. There are even fairy lights along the border of the park so it feels magical when you visit when it is still dark.

We also visited the Sunday market, the District shopping centre, the Library and generally strolled along the harbour. There are such nice views of the water and the boats bobbing on the water but boy, were we cold!

For lunch, we went to Cargo. This place is very reasonably priced for a Docklands restaurant, there are plenty of seats and we got a table with a view. 

We ordered the beer battered fish and chips ($24). For some reason fish and chips is always a favourite with our overseas visitors, not sure why. The fish was very crispy. 

Spaghetti and beef balls ($18) for another dose of quintessential 'Western' food for the benefit of our overseas visitors...

Calamari ($13) for entree. Can't get enough of calamari!

Funghi mushrooms with truffle oil ($17). This was yummy... love the truffle oil though some people would say truffle oil is so passe. I was watching 'I Live Alone' the other day and saw Hwasa pour a whole bottle (ok, I'm exaggerating, maybe a couple of dashes) of truffle oil into her instant jajangmyeon. See, she likes it too!

We enjoyed our lunch at Cargo and was very satisfied by the quality of food, portion sizes and service. It is definitely one of the better value for money restaurants in Docklands to visit if you are ever in the area.