George Calombaris 'Greek' Book Launch

Written by Simon Ly.
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Out of all the restaurants in the Masterchef-driven empire of eateries, Hellenic Republic in Brunswick East was the chosen location to launch George Calombaris’s new book, Greek. In his latest book, Calombaris provides family recipes with a twist focusing exclusively on Greek food. The cookbook is beautifully presented, well-photographed and extensive in its list of recipes. If you don’t see yourself as much of a cook, it will at the very least be a wonderful addition to your coffee table.
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It was a star-studded affair of a who’s who of the restaurant industry, with presenters and attendees including Heston Blumenthal (who delivered a wonderful introductory speech), Gary Mehigan and Archie Thompson (leading striker for Melbourne Victory given Calombaris is the number one ticket holder), to name a few.
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As you would expect, it was a well catered affair, with many dishes drawing or exclusively coming from the kitchen of Hellenic Republic. Our favourite could have come out of a Survivor challenge, being a perfectly-crumbled lamb’s brain garnished and sauced delightfully.
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From the spit came a fatty and tasty pork belly in a fluffy pita bread. They came in appropriately finger food sized portions. So we ate two each.
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As the night drew to a close the waiters brought around two desserts, one being a Hellenic Republic favourite - the Risogalo, a rice pudding topped with almond shortbread crumble, pistachio and drizzled in salted caramel. 
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The second was less sweet and more alcoholic being compressed watermelon soaked in ouzo, with almond slivers and mint.
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All in all, it was a wonderful night that celebrated a chef continuing his ascension both in food and business. We can only anticipate this success continuing. You can get Calombaris’s Greek at the stores listed here.
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 Hellenic Republic Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato