Fhred Batalona has been busy with the opening of his first restaurant, Palay, in Fitzroy. “For me, this isn’t a job, it’s my dream and has been in the making for the last 10 years,” he told Broadsheet when we reported on the opening. But when he’s not making silog and banana ketchup, he can be found eating his way around town. We caught up with Batalona to find out where (and what) he’s eating in Melbourne these days

What’s your favourite bakery?
To Be Frank. I really love going there at 9am when they still have almost every single pastry available.

What’s the best place for a quick lunch?
Rose Garden BBQ on Elizabeth Street. I love the crispy chicken ribs – and they bring them out fast.

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Where do you take visitors?
I mostly take people to Gelato Messina in Fitzroy so I can show them a lot of flavour variations. It’s slightly boring, but I always get the passionfruit sorbet and gianduja. Then I take them for a walk along Smith Street or around the neighbourhood and find a feed.

If you’re recommending a date spot, where do you tell people to go?
Bar Liberty is in Fitzroy. I really like the relaxed ambience, and it has a banging set menu.

What’s the best place to eat when you’re with a big group?
Ssam, Goon, Pubcha, Jang Gun – anything Korean barbeque.

Where do you go for special occasions?
I usually take my family to Melba, the buffet restaurant at Langham Melbourne. Being Filipino, we are a massive fan of buffets. I think Melba has some Filipino influences too, with the wood interior. Plus, who doesn’t love the staircase they have with the fountain at the entrance?

What’s the most underrated restaurant in Melbourne?
Punjabi Curry Cafe in Collingwood. They have the best butter chicken and rogan josh I’ve had in Melbourne.

Where can you find your favourite dessert?
Raya. There’s this pandan chiffon cake that is so fluffy and really gives you the full taste of pandan. The green looks cute, too.

What’s the best place to eat as a solo diner?
I think it’s anywhere. I like eating out on my own, but I’m weird.

What’s the best place for a late-night feed?
Jang Gun. When I worked in the city and finished work at 12am, it would be hard to find a feed – Jang Gun always solved the problem.

Where do you go for Filipino food?
I would say Palay, but I’m biased! I really like Lutong Pinoy in Footscray. It’s a real hole in the wall. There’s something really special about the titas (aunties) that make the food there. Plus, sometimes they say I’m gwapo (handsome).

What’s a fine diner in Melbourne you’d love to go to (or go back to)?
Attica, hands down. The service and food was everything I imagined it to be.

What’s your bucket-list restaurant?
I really want to eat at Chae. One day I’ll work hard to get there. I’m aiming to dine there for my birthday next year.