As we were in Melbourne we thought it would make perfect sense to try the culinary delights this cultural city had to offer. We decided to go out for dinner on the Saturday night and relax before the busy festival on the Sunday. I was keen to go Japanese but was democratically out-voted in favor of Thai, which in hindsight was a good idea as their was every type of Japanese food imaginable at the festival the next day. The place they suggested was called Jasmine and was located at the Casino overlooking the water. For a Saturday night it wasn't too busy which gave us the choice of seating which is always a bonus, we decided to sit half-in half-out, as we wanted to see the decor, which really looked colorful and interesting.

Hand picked statues littered the interior and the gorgeous color scheme really made the place feel expensive and at the same time warm and cozy.

We were all running on empty and the menu was going to get a real going over with four hungry mouths to cater for and Jasmine really know how to make a menu interesting and there was something for everyone in what could be described as "Modern Thai".

No Thai meal is complete without trying the Satay Sticks so they were the obvious choice, at $13.50 for four they were a bit expensive but very nice and the peanut sauce was great, next we tried the Spring Rolls $10.95 for around 10, the Spring Rolls are tiny but absolutely delicious. Both entrées were suitable for a group of four and set the stage for what was to come.

For mains we ventured the highsea with The Andaman $29.95, the Thai Classic Green Curry $22.95, Lamb Masaman $24.95 and the aptly named Cashew does wonders $22.95. We also ordered the Coconut Rice (unlimited) $3.50 and the Roti with Peanut Sauce $6.00

I think we have all had good Thai, bad Thai and amazing Thai and it doesn't take too long before you know which one your dealing with. All the dishes were incredibly tasty, the flavors in the Lamb Masaman really do wake up your taste buds and the Cashew main is really a wonder. The chicken in the cashew dish was so nice and the sauce glorious, both the Green Curry and The Andaman were great and really memorable. I would say the Coconut Rice is a must and the Roti is just so delicious you will think it's the best $6.00 you have spent all day.

Going back to the good, bad and the amazing, sometimes you can expect something and be totally surprised, but I won't say this happened here at all, it is not a negative, as Jasmine looks great and serves wonderful food, and the service is impeccable, the price is really what you would expect to pay for a place at the Casino with a great water view. It was what you would expect and I don't think any more. Later this year we will be reviewing a Thai restaurant that has the "Wow", factor but for now I'll summarize our evening.

A wonderful night and the restaurant was great, food was extremely nice and service top-drawer. Would I go back there? Probably not as I think there would be restaurants in Melbourne that could offer more for less and unless your out to impress with fancy locations and glitter and gold I'd look around.