A dual-language rapper based in Melbourne, Cris Gamble has been super productive in 2023 releasing a string of singles.
His newest track is 'Oscuro'. An atmospheric, grimy yet lush beat is matched to Gamble's flow, the artist of Chilean and Anglo-Indian heritage rapping as well as singing in English and Spanish, interchanging between the two languages throughout the track.It's an intoxicating rhythm with Cris mixing up vocal delivery between harsh, abrupt raps and melodic, soothing singing, the song detailing the hustle involved in pushing your personal brand forwards to make that extra bread.
'Oscuro' follows previous 2023 singles 'Snow', 'Domo' and 'Champan' that highlight an indie artist carving out his own niche within the local hip hop scene while adding a distinct flavour.
Here, the Melbourne local feeds his passion for food listing his favourite foodie spots that are absolutely necessary to visit.
1: Master Lanzhou Noodle Bar
So I'm pretty sure there is a few of these around Melbourne – or Australia for that matter – but my local one is at Chadstone.Me and my girl used to be obsessed with Japanese ramen and even though I still love it, I'm going to go as far as saying that Lanzhou is better. Big call I know, but give the braised beef noodle soup a try from this spot. Be sure to get your noodles THICK. Pause. Thank me later too.
2: The Afghan food strip in Dandenong - Thomas Street
There's two main restaurants that most people go to: Balkh and Sahar. These two restaurants are side by side and look EXACTLY the same. Only difference is the colour of the walls inside.After all these years I still don't know which is the main one that I go to with my family. The sh.t is super confusing to me. We actually tried a new one on the same strip called Najimi I think? I don't know. Moral of the story here is try new things.
3: Las Peñas Chilean Bakery
Noble Park used to be home to a few Chilean bakeries and this one is the last one standing. Good thing it's probably the best one. I guess it was survival of the fittest for the bakeries. This place is home to some super authentic Chilean Empanadas, bread, liquor, wine and other grocery products.I would recommend trying a classic Empanada de pino, Empanada de queso and a Empanada de carne mechada. Top it it with some Aji Pebre, which they also sell and lunch is settled.
Please don't eat a Empanada de pino con un poquito de pebre for breakfast please. You will be insulting a lot of people with your garlic/ onion breath.
4: Up There Store
I'm aware that all my top five spots have been about food but hey, what do you want from me. I love food. Up There Store is my only exception on this list just so I could mix it up a little.You know when you start looking everywhere for those limited release New Balances, Asics or Nike collabs and it's just f...ing with you trying to find them? Guaranteed Up There Store has them.
Super nice crew too and one of the homies working there even kept my son company while I was choosing out my kicks. Not that me or my girl can't do it ourselves. It was just cool to see. So shoutout to this spot for being so reliable.
5: Maison Arnaud French Bakery
Every single Saturday and Sunday morning, without fail, a Chilean breakfast is being made. I'm up at 7:30am looking at my phone for 15 minutes, get briefly ready to step out and head over to the bakery to cop the most authentic baguette this side of the hemisphere.The homie provides me with the French bread so I can make my family their favourite breakfast that has nothing to do with France. Works though. Highly recommended. Ask the staff if they have any hot baguettes or request one that's just come out of the oven. Supercharges the experience.
