Mr & Mrs Howell — Gastrology

Combining a unique modern and relaxed dining experience and a firm focus on affordable hospitality, Mr & Mrs Howell impresses.

The restaurant has been drawing in the crowds since April 2013 on Brunswicks’ Sydney Road with its fresh seasonal produce matched with a range of boutique beer and wines.

The ambience is warm and inviting with comfortable furnishings and fittings, exposed brick walls and accents of timber.

The kitchen is in safe hands with Chef and owner Mark Brozics’ leading the charge. The menu comprises an eclectic array of dishes inspired by a variety of international fare in particular Middle Eastern, Asian, European and African flavours.

From left: Almond crusted goats’ cheese; House made charcuterie

We started with the almond crusted goats’ cheese and house made charcuterie. The goats cheese was luxurious while the house made charcuterie was a respectable assembly of cured meats which were each excellently prepared.

Duck spring rolls

An Asian take on the cigar, the mouth-watering pastry rolls were delightful. Biting through thin, crunchy exterior pastry, our taste buds were greeted with a flavoursome concoction of tender duck, pine nuts and currants.

Tasmanian scallops, sweet corn puree, ginger, soy sauce

The scallops were perfectly seared and bursting with natural flavour, a flavour further enhanced by the restrained sweetness of the sweet corn puree and the slight bursts of heat from the ginger.

Indian spiced chicken with mango chutney and saffron rice

John Dory with macadamia nut satay sauce and seasonal vegetables

The quality of the John Dory was exemplary. The skin of the fish was perfectly seared to be very crisp while the flesh was delicate and moist. It was a wonderfully simple dish that allowed the natural subtle sweetness of the fish to be enjoyed.

From left: Mini doughnuts with salted caramel; Hokey Pokey cheese cake with ginger biscuit

The desserts at Mr & Mrs Howell were similarly well devised.

Lemongrass pannacotta with fresh mango and coriander

The Lemongrass pannacotta was excellent. A texturally perfect rendition, the pannacotta was silky smooth with the perfect hint of aromatic lemongrass. Just barely holding its shape, it was quivering on the plate.

Steamed lemon pudding with berry compote and ice cream

The steamed lemon pudding is another must-have from the desserts menu. Mastering the perfect amount of sweetness and tartness, this dessert was a truly ambrosial version of the classic steamed lemon pudding. The pudding was well made and decadently topped with a generous serve of luscious ice cream.

Mr & Mrs Howell offers uncomplicated, affordable, masterfully executed Modern Australian dishes within a highly contemporary fit-out which combines the best of old and new.