My husband and I will be in Melbourne on his birthday and I would love to surprise him with a very special dinner. Any suggestions on where we should go? I have heard of the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant - does anyone have additional information on this? This is our first trip to Australia, so any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Claire: <BR> <BR>My wife and I spent 4 days in Melbourne this past November. There are literally hundreds of fine restaurants in Melbourne. We tried to book the Tramcar but it was booked solid during our stay. So you might reserve as soon as you arrive. The concierge at our hotel sent us to great restaurants. Not to worry about good food and service. However, be prepared to spend several hours in an upscale restaurant at the dinner hour. They are in no hurry, but the wait is worth it. By the way our appetizers here are called entree's there, and our entree's <BR>here are called "mains" there. They love their leisurly dining. <BR>You're going to love Australia. <BR>John

Hi Claire, <BR>The phone number for the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant is +61 3 9696 4000. I couldn't find a website for them but you could call them. I haven't been on it myself but it is very popular with visitors to Melbourne. <BR> <BR>Check out www.citysearch.com.au and go into the Melbourne section. The Good Food Guide is our local restaurant bible and there is a link to it on the home page. There is also a restaurant search section. Some of the very popular restaurants are booked out weeks in advance but there are thousands of restaurants in Melbourne so you won't have any trouble eating well. <BR> <BR>The Sofitel in Collins St have a restaurant on the 35th floor with great views, also the Stokehouse (upstairs) and Donovans are in St Kilda, 10 min taxi ride from the city and they are right on the beach with city views. There are lots of restaurants at Southbank and the Crown Casino complex, both in the city area. <BR> <BR>I hope you find somewhere you really like. You may find the meals here aren't as huge as American meals. When my husband and I visit the USA we often share a meal as we can't eat that much food! <BR>Kay

Hi Claire, <BR>you can check out the Colonial Tramcar on http://www.tramrestaurant.com.au/ <BR>I highly recommend the experience, each time we have OS visitors we take them on it and everyone has said they have really enjoyed the a unique dining experience. <BR>To get a feel for Melbourne, wander down Bridge Rd, Richmond where all the best bargains are to be found. <BR>Close by is Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, with where there is just one restuarant after the other offering cuisines from around the world. <BR>Lygon St, Brunswick is know for eateries, particularly Italian. <BR>If in Melbourne on a Sunday then catch a tram down to St Kilda, for the craft markets and the eateries in Acland St. <BR>All the places mentioned are only a few minutes from the city centre and easily accessed by tram. <BR>Enjoy..... <BR>Peg.

John, Kay, and Peg - Thanks for all the help! Can't wait to see Australia! Claire