I must begin this post to say we had tried to go Lebanese a few weeks ago, but all to no avail as we couldn't get a car park within a bull's roar of East Brunswick, so bad luck Lebanon. Therefore, inspired by a Seinfeld episode in which Latvia was featured, we ventured to the Crimean, a thoughtfully renovated restaurant housed in the former Sir Robert Peel Hotel in North Melbourne. As the restaurant encompasses those countries encircling the Black Sea, Latvia itself is but one of those Russian republics featured.
Many people stagger OUT of restaurants, but on this occasion Mr X staggered INTO one. He had decided to wear a pair of shoes which had been hiding in the back of his wardrobe for a lengthy while, and unbeknowns to him (and mankind), they had developed leprosy during their enforced isolation! No kidding, his heels were literally falling apart as he walked, beginning with huge chunks being left behind on the car floor, followed by a leather trail a-la Hansel and Gretel along the footpath. It was extroadinary how both shoes basically exploded as he walked. Ms X saw the funny side of it while Mr X tried at least to appear sober as he entered the restaurant. 
Once inside, we were shown to our table where Ms X ordered a wine and Mr X a Lasso pilsener from Slovenia (no breweries in Latvia apparently). A free Herring appertiser quickly appeared, followed by an entree of potato and quark vareniki for Ms X and chicken kiev croquettes for Mr X. Main course consisted of a Balkan filo pie full of zucchini, feta, dill, smoked tomato and honey sauce (guess who had that), and lamb meatballs with yoghurt sauce (for the other one). We also ordered a side plate of roast potatoes with paprika and kaskaval. very yummy and extremely filling, so much so that sweets were unbelievably eradicated from the menu on this occasion.
Whilst we my have taken a bit of political license with the Latvian side of things, it does crack a mention on their web-site and I'm sure I saw George Costanza dining in the corner with his Latvian hat on (he did kindly pose for me, as you can see). Waiting for the bill, Mr X attempted to sweep different sized chunks of leather under the table, and upon exiting he maintained excellent balance for someone who appeared to be walking on wafer-thin ice.
Scores: Mr X Ms X
Accessibility 9 9
Service 8 8
Ambience 4 6
Value for Money 5 7
Food 8 8
Total: 72
Never knew Latvia was on the Black Sea!
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