The Melbourne Identity

"In Melbourne, there's a superabundance of up-and-coming restaurants. As in New York City, it sometimes seems that there's a different place to eat for every citizen. Smith Street in the suburb of Collingwood is, much like Smith Street in Brooklyn, an energetic strip of restaurants and bars, often run on shoestring budgets by young hopefuls. Among these is Easy Tiger, a relatively new Thai spot. There is nothing fancy about Easy Tiger, with its inexpensive menu of family-style plates, narrow dining room and funky courtyard out back. What's bringing people here is an idea carried out with maniacal focus. Chef Jarrod Hudson is passionate about Thai food, its complex mix of hot, sweet, bitter and sour." - Julie Powell