I'm all for seeing new restaurant concepts arise; the more the merrier in some respects, provided they have a discerning point-of-difference so they attract a varied clientele. So, it was nice to see Ms Elwood arise on Ormond Road as Asian Fusion is something you can't easily find in the area, and we liked the clean lines and finish of the decor. However, looks and polish are one thing, taste and value-for-money another. And that's where Ms Elwood needs to shine brighter than it does. We started off with the Ms Elwood Karaage with Wasabi Mayonnaise ($10) which was tasty, but short on the deep-fried chicken pieces.This was followed by two Szechuan Duck Ramen Bowls ($20 each) that were lacking in any "duck" flavour, as if someone forgot to add the duck to the broth. It was bland, rather tasteless and disappointing. Equally, the Spicy Tuna Bowl had about three slices of sashimi tuna in it the size of a 20 cent piece and sliced just as thin. The glass noodles were tough and chewy, although flavourful, but having to chew through them wasn't as pleasant as the experience should have been. The beers, fortunately, saved the day with Brooklyn Lager ($11) and Doss Blockos Fuck The Rent Golden Ale ($10) putting more of a relaxed vibe on the disappointment of the meals. Over my many years in the food and hospitality industry, I have witnessed many great restaurant concepts, which should have succeeded, fail because they relied too much on being a trendsetter rather than focusing on plating great food that's priced to meet its market...that's what keeps customers coming back. With its ridiculously small serving sizes, the waning "shared dishes" philosophy, and high prices, Ms Elwood has some work to do before it endears itself to the local Elwood and St Kilda community. And starting now would be a good, if not great, idea if it intends to "Stay Saucy." read more