Our Journalists

Kara MonssenFood and wine editor, digital producer

Kara Monssen is the Herald Sun’s food and wine editor and a digital news journalist. Kara reviews Victorian restaurants and wine and reports food news for the weekly Kitchen Confidential section. She is the Victorian editor of the annual delicious.100 restaurant guide. She also contributes lifestyle video content for the Herald Sun and delicious.

Kara Monssen

Latest

REVIEWFood

web Lifestyle restairant review Circlwine

Sure there’s great wine, but have you tried the calamari?

Circl Wine House isn’t just a place to drink deliciously rare or expensive wine — the food also packs a big punch from snacks to shares and everything in between.

Food

Friends of Fromage cheese toastie at Maker and Monger. Picture: Supplied.

How to skip the queue and eat at Chae for $22

Getting a seat at Melbourne’s most in-demand restaurant is like winning the lotto— but from next week, fans can get a taste of the Korean powerhouse’s cooking without the queues or price tag.

Food

Fitzrovia cafe, Fitzroy St, St KildaFOR EAT STREET

‘We are paying the price’: Fitzrovia reveals real reason for closure

The owner of a beloved St Kilda cafe shutting after 12 years blames the state government’s mismanagement of finances for challenging hospitality and forcing many businesses to close.

Food

MELBOURNE, SEPTEMBER 9, 2024: Chef's rejoice after gas cooktops are back. Caption: Vivid Hawthorn executive chef Nobphadon Kaewkarn aka Chef Bird is pleased to learn gas cooktops are back on the menu after a state government backflipped on a decision to rollout induction and electric stovetops in all commercial kitchens. Picture: Mark Stewart

‘Death-knock to industry’: Chefs glad to still be cooking with gas

Relieved Melbourne chefs are glad they won’t have to spend “hundreds of thousands” on switching from gas to electric cookers — saying the move would have left everyone including diners out of pocket.

REVIEWFood

web Lifestyle restaurant riview Hacienda

Bug salt, milk mocktails? Spicy new Mexican shakes up Southbank

Don’t be scared off by the creepy-crawlies or milk-themed drinks — this fiery new Mexican boasts killer city views and approachable food and drink.

Food

Restaurant review for Taste/Weekend of Ragazzone in Ballarat. The ricotta agnolotti. Picture Rebecca Michael.

Beloved Ballarat pasta palace shuts for good

A popular Ballarat Italian restaurant is closing for good at the end of the month — six months after the city lost another major eatery.

Food

Everything you need to know about il Mercato Centrale Melbourne

In just over two weeks, Melbourne will launch Italian mega-market il Mercato Centrale — the first international outpost outside of Europe. Here is everything you need to know.

Food

Best things to eat in Victoria this September

From some of the best fried chicken in town, a very posh take on mushroom soup and cheese fondue filled fried doughnuts — you must get these delicious things in your mouth this month.

REVIEWFood

All-night Greek eatery feels like it’s been here for years

This late-night Greek feeder pulls out all stops to keep the vibes high and food and drink rightly delicious.

Victoria

QWEEKEND RESTAURANT Daega Korean BBQ Cuisine. Bibimbap in Hot Stone Bowl - Raw Beef and assorted side dishes.Photograph David Kelly

Vibrant Koreatown set to take Melbourne CBD by storm

Central Melbourne has Chinatown and the Greek Precinct, now the city is set to get its very own Koreatown.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/kara-irving/page/7