The Green at St Columbs

/
Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Jesuit Social Services.
Located in the beautiful former chapel at the St Columbs church, The Green at St Columbs is the latest wholesome, community-minded project from Jesuit Social Services.
The Green at St. Columbs has all of the ingredients necessary for a premium Melbourne cafe - a comfortable and chic ZWEI interior, Code Black Coffee and a modern, all-day menu crafted by Head Chef Kevin Dick (of Cutler & Co. and St. Ali North esteem). 
This stylish social enterprise in Hawthorn is an extension of Jesuit Social Services’ hands-on hospitality training program, Ignite. The Ignite program operates over three cafes and provides mentoring and pre-accredited and accredited training programs to long-term unemployed people and disadvantaged job seekers, assisting them in gaining skills and experience so that they may make lasting positive changes in their lives. 
Each day, participants of the Ignite program further develop their skills alongside hospitality professionals at The Green. The café is developed to work towards self-sustainability, with all proceeds put back into the Ignite program.
The menu at The Green at St. Columbs is a versatile and exciting culmination of locally-sourced and seasonal produce, with dishes ranging from wholesome breakfast offerings to larger lunch plates.
Moroccan lamb salad –slow-roasted lamb shoulder, pulses and hummus

The lamb shoulder was deliciously tender. As expected, it was exceedingly flavoursome and just melted in our mouths having benefited from being slow cooked for hours. The rich house-made hummus tied lamb, pulses and grains together while the tangy sumac dressing added a lovely acidity to the dish.

House smoked salmon fillet gnocchi and poached eggs

Marinated, dried out and smoked, the salmon was superb. The gnocchi was wonderfully soft while the eggs were expertly poached. A memorable dish combining flawless texture with equally superlative flavours.
The house-made cakes and pastries were the perfect afternoon companion to a cup of Melbourne’s finest Code Black Coffee.
The Green at St Columbs is open Tuesday through Sunday and its hours of operation are 8:00am until 3:00pm, with the kitchen cooking all day long.


Location: 5 Saint Columbs St  Hawthorn
Phone: 03 9819 0890
Link: Facebook 
Cuisine: Coffee, Breakfast, Cafe


The Green at St Columbs on Urbanspoon

Top 7 treats to get this Easter!

/
Easter is just around the corner. Here’s a list of our top 7 must-have treats for the festive season.

1. Go retro with T Cavallaro & Sons marzipan Pascal Lambs
For centuries, Sicilians have been giving gifts of Easter lambs. 
Because of its historical and religious significance, Tony (owner of T Cavallaro & Sons) tells us this is one of the most rewarding things they make. Making the lambs reminds him of the days when he would watch his father produce these works of art. 

The moulds were brought to Australia by Tony’s father in around 1941 and would have been used by him since the 1900s.  Dusted lightly with cornflour, the moulds are then filled with marzipan. The larger ones are then filled with a layer of Madeira sponge which is placed just under a fruit mince of sultanas, cherries, orange peel and almond which adorns a third layer within the lambs.
The lambs are then covered with a butter cream to resemble the wool.
What: Pascal Lambs (sizes rangefrom 50 gms to 3 kgs)
Where: T. Cavallaro & Sons is at 98 Hopkins Street, Footscray. 
Price: Varies depending on size
How: Call 9687 4638 to ask for availability or to place an order. 
Read more about T Cavallaro & Sons here.


2. Go mod-Oz with Cafe Vue / Burnham Bakery hot cross buns
Cafe Vue offers two delicious varieties of hot cross buns this season: Spelt and Cranberry and Chocolate

The Spelt and Cranberry hot cross buns are absolutely delicious. Made from spelt wholemeal flour from Powlett Hill Mill with a selection of sweet dried fruits thrown into the mix, the buns have a lovely hint of mixed spice, ginger and orange. Full of fruit yet, retaining a fluffy and soft texture, these hot cross buns are divine. 

For the chocolate lovers, Cafe Vue’s chocolate hot cross buns are an indulgent mix of orange puree, ginger a hint of mixed spice, and smooth chocolate chips. Threading the delicate balance between bun and cake, these hot cross buns certainly satisfy.

What: Hot cross buns (spelt or chocolate)
Where: Order online or purchase at any Cafe Vue location and Burnham Bakery:
  • Cafe Vue 430 Little Colllins Street, Melbourne
  • Café Vue 401 St Kilda Road
  • Café Vue at Heide 7 Templestowe Road Bulleen
  • Burnham Bakery, Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke
Price: One for $3.50 or 6 for $18
How: Order online here


3. Artistic Chocolate treats @ T By LuxBite 
Bernard and Yen have recently opened up a new concept in the CBD, T By Luxbite. It is Luxbite’s new confectionery concept: a store dedicated entirely to the wonder that is the tart. Their speciality tarts and macarons push the boundaries in the most miraculous manner!

What: Various chocolate and other dessert creations
Where: T By LuxBite, 517 Flinders Lane, Melbourne


4. Bean to bar chocolate
Bright Chocolate are a small batch chocolate maker located in Bright NE Victoria. They use only premium single origin cacao and sugar to produce their range of bean to bar chocolate and have been awarded three gold, silver and bronze in the 2015 Melbourne Fine Food Awards, along with three silver medals at the 2015 Sydney Royal Fine Food Awards.

We absolutely loved the chocolate bars we sampled (pictured above)!

The single origin bars were each particularly unique. The Madagascar 72% Single Origin Chocolate possessed summary floral notes with a citrus undertone. On the other hand the Ecuador 72% Cacao Single Origin Chocolate boasted a heart-warming cinnamon, honey and vanilla flavour.

The Dominican Republic 70% Cacao Single Origin Chocolate was an enchanting chocolate which displayed earthy notes of tobacco and coffee, with a hint of cherry. The Trinidad 68% Single Origin Chocolate was our favourite chocolate. Beautifully balanced in flavour, it tasted of fresh spice, tropical fruits and had luscious caramel undertones.

Last but certainly not least the Bright Blend the 44% milk chocolate was a crowd pleaser - smooth, creamy but with half as much sugar as most milk chocolate!

Fnd out more at www.brightchocolate.com.au. 


5. Spread some cinnamon love with Box of Scrolls
Box of Scrolls have perfected the art of the humble cinnamon scroll. Turning moist, light dough made into fresh, aromatic cinnamon scrolls infused with the perfect cinnamon and filling, it is no wonder Box of Scrolls already have a cult following. 

Their Nutella & Banana scroll is perfect for indulging in the Easter festivities. The Nutella & Banana Scrolls are decadent and possess a melt-in-your-mouth quality that is just heavenly. The slightly savoury buttery flavour of the scroll cuts the rich taste of the Nutella and banana, resulting in a dessert that is not only incredibly indulgent, but very well balanced. 


 What: Cinnamon scrolls and various variety scrolls
Where: Scrolls can be quickly delivered to most cities around Australia.
Price: Varies. Check our their site for more details - http://www.boxofscrolls.com.au/


6. Classics with a twist
Brumby’s Bakery is baking a delicious variety of Hot Cross Buns this Easter:

  • hot Cross Bun with Nutella;
  • hot Cross Bun with Salted Caramel; and 
  • traditional Hot Cross Bun

Our favourite are the tasty Hot Cross Buns which are filled with generous amounts of Nutella -a twist on the good old fashioned Hot Cross Bun.


7. Cadbury Easter Chocolates - something the whole family will love
For something that both the kids and adults will love, Cadbury's Easter chocolate range will be a sure hit. 

Share the joy and do a social media post: #CadburyEaster2015 #ShareTheJoy

St Kilda's Food-focused Amazing Race

/
Gastrology took part in St Kilda's Amazing race courtesy of Miss Jackson, St Kilda Rickshaws, Monarch Cakes, Babu Ji, Ichi Ni, Il Fornaio, St Kilda Bowls Club, Milk The Cow and Bar di Stasio.
Gastrology recently took part in St Kilda Tourism Association’s inaugural St Kilda Culinary Amazing Race Around The Globe which was organised by the lovely Jessica Williams from Tyrrell Publicity & Promotions.
Located 6 km from the city centre, St Kilda is Melbourne’s seaside playground and is much-loved by residents and visitors alike.  St Kilda is renowned for its expansive view of Port Phillip Bay, safe sandy beach, palm-lined Esplanade, huge range of beach activities, blue skies, gorgeous sunsets, lovely parks and gardens, great restaurants, bars and cafés, fabulous old buildings and stunning architecture, plus its colourful past and present.
The aim of the inaugural St Kilda Amazing Race was to showcase St Kilda as a major dining destination in Melbourne – profiling many different eateries and dining options on both Acland and Fitzroy Street. 




9.30 am – Miss Jackson
Location: 2/19 Grey Street, St Kilda
Phone: 03 9534 8415
Cuisine: Coffee, Modern Australian, Breakfast/Brunch

The first stop in the St Kilda Amazing Race journey was Miss Jackson. We loved the cafe's laidback vibe, laneway location, attentive staff and delicious fare. 
We especially loved the quality coffee on offer and the homemade crumpets. Soft, fluffy and moist, these crumpets were an absolute treat and were served with a decadent Raspberry Butter. 
We were also spoilt with fresh croissants from Woodfrog Bakery (located on Fitzroy Street). The croissants were baked to perfection. giving the outer layer a nice crisp bite and finding the perfect balance between sweet and savoury.
The Woodfrog Bakery on Urbanspoon
We were then introduced to our drivers for the morning who were waiting patiently out front, ready to escort us around the bay. 
Miss Jackson on Urbanspoon



Tour of St Kilda via Rickshaw
Phone: 0421 196 737
Link: http://stkildarickshaws.com.au/

The St Kilda Rickshaws is a new initiative in St Kilda – an exciting, safe and environmentally friendly, alternative mode of transport around St Kilda. 

Fifteen minute jaunts on one of the three wheeled cruisers costs $15.00 for two people – or, for $90.00, book a one hour voyage for a deep insight into the various pieces of St Kilda that makes it one of the most interesting areas in Victoria. 
With Nate leading the way, we were safely delivered to Monarch Cakes after a quick jaunt down The Esplanade.




10.30 am - Monarch Cakes
Location: 103 Acland Street,  St Kilda
Phone: 03 9534 2972
Link: http://www.monarchcakes.com.au/
Cuisine: Bakery, Coffee, Desserts/Ice Cream

Monarch Cakes have been doing what they do for over 75 years and the proof is, quite literally, in the pudding. Staying true to their Polish roots, many recipes have originated from their shop in Poland. Every cake is made fresh using raw ingredients in their most natural form.
We took home Monarch’s famous Chocolate Kooglhoupf. The cake is marbled with white cake and chocolate fudge and is beautifully soft and moist. It was certainly a special treat. 

Monarch Cakes continues to be a St Kilda gem. It is the perfect place for cake and coffee or, if you prefer, to takeaway for a guilty pleasure at home.  
Monarch Cakes on Urbanspoon



11 am - Babu Ji
Location: 4-6 Grey Street, St Kilda
Link: http://babuji.com.au/
Cuisine: Indian, Vegetarian

We were greeted at Babu Ji by owner Jesse and their Head Chef – alongside Hindu Disco music and quirky images of 1970s porno-moustached “Babus”.
We sat around the grand Chef’s table and enjoyed a variety of Indian meals. Each dish was an experience – a long way from the regular butter chicken experience Melbournians are so used to.
Papdi Chaat

The first course of Papdi Chaat, also known as India's "nachos and salsa", comprised of a generous shared plate of chickpea crisps, coriander salsa, potato and chickpeas, tamarind drizzles and yoghurt. It was absolutely delicious. With a slight kick and beautiful marrying of textures and flavours, we could not help going back for more.
Yoghurt Kebab

The Yoghurt Kebab was outstanding. A plump fritter-like sphere sitting atop a bright pink, unctuous sauce, we loved the balance between sweet and savoury that the dish struck.
Tandoor King Prawns

Straight from the tandoor, the King Prawns were beautifully charred and tasted incredibly fresh.
Gol Gappa

A popular Indian street snack, the Gol Gappa was addictively delectable - tangy, spicy, sweet and surprising.
Fish Curry with Flathead with Premium Aged Basmati Sella Rice

The Fish Curry arrived at the table for our “Guess the Ingredient Challenge”. While we failed miserably in guessing the ingredients, we had no trouble putting this dish away.
Babu Ji on Urbanspoon



12 pm - Ichi Ni
Location: 12 The Esplanade, St Kilda
Phone: 03 9534 1212
Link: http://www.ichini.com.au/
Cuisine: Japanese, sushi

Before we knew it, we were back in the Rickshaws and on our way to a second lunch at Ichi Ni. 
Located on The Esplanade overlooking the bay, Ichi Ni's alfresco dining area is the place to go for Japanese food in summer. It was exciting to hear that Ichi Ni has a future operation in the works, Ichi Ku, in Fitzroy which is due to open in the next two months. 
We loved the beautifully fresh rice and ingredients that Ichi Ni uses to make their sushi and were excited to learn how to "roll" for our next challenge - sushi rolling.
Sushi rolling proved more difficult than expected – but it gave us the opportunity to discover just how delicious really fresh sushi can be. 
Ichi Ni Izakaya on Urbanspoon



1 pm - Il Fornaio
Location: 2 Acland Street, St Kilda
Phone: 03 9534 2922
Link: http://www.ilfornaio.net.au/
Cuisine: Modern Australian, Coffee, Breakfast/Brunch, Desserts/Ice Cream

After 2 lunches, we welcomed a caffeine hit at Il Fornaio.
Barista Matt told us all about the Official Coffee Competitions – where it is all about flavour, symmetrical patterns and colours and perfectly stretched milk.
It was back to breakfast time when Il Fornaio Head Chef Simon Turner arrived at our round table with the Coffee and Orange Juice Bircher and a pile of bacon.
Coffee & orange juice bircher

The Coffee and Orange Juice Bircher Muesli was stunning. Flavoured with sweet blood orange juice, heady St Ali coffee, creamy yogurt, hazelnut, coffee crumb,  date confit and blood orange crackers, this was an amalgamation of breakfast favourites that wow-ed the senses.
Simon Turner has an impressive background with upmarket restaurants like the Royal Mail Hotel, Attica and Aria – and is now a spokesperson for Kindred Organics Quinoa and a consultant for PROOF – Pasture Raised On Open Field – eggs, promoting cutting edge pastoral techniques with much stricter parameters then free-range.
His bacon was also to die for – the pigs are purchased as piglets in Castlemaine, fed to Simon's grain profiles, ethically butchered, cured and cut in house.

Il Fornaio was included in 2013’s Melbourne's Best Cafe` Bakery, Melbourne's Best Cheese Shops, and Melbourne's Best Pies and received 1 cup in The Age Good Food Guide 2014.
Simon is also about to launch a new set of products available to consumers from his business “The St Kilda Preservation Society” – in which a selection of condiments – that are already used in select St Kilda businesses – will be marketed to the public with St Kilda based labels like Luna Park, The Esplanade etc. 
Il Fornaio on Urbanspoon



1.45pm - St Kilda Sports Club
Location: 66 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Phone: 03 9534 5229
Link: http://stkildasportsclub.com.au/

After all that food it was time to work some of it off with a game of Lawn Bowls at St Kilda Sports Club – which will celebrate its 150th year in 2015. 
A bowling lane can be hired for $200.00 for two hours – and drinks are available from the bar at bar prices – darts and pool can also be played inside the clubhouse. 
We also got to have a special sneak peak of the original locker room of St Kilda Sports Club – which is still in its original form from when it was built in 1876. 
With the dropping out of the old Fitzroy green (in 1927) and the old Prahran (in the early seventies) St Kilda has become the second oldest existing club in Victoria, and in Australia.




3 pm - Milk The Cow
Location: 157 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Phone: 03 9537 2225
Link: http://www.milkthecow.com.au/
Cuisine: Cheese, Coffee, Desserts/Ice Cream, Wine Bar

After some time barefoot on the green – we crossed Fitzroy Street to Milk The Cow for some wine and cheese. 
Laura and Andrew, the cheese and wine connoisseurs of the venue, introduced our cheese and wine flight pairings.
We savoured and devoured our wine and cheese tasting flight which included a red wine soaked cheese, a creamy blue, a Dutch delicacy and a six month old Manchego (which was everyone’s favourite).
Milk the Cow on Urbanspoon



4 pm - Bar di Stasio
Location: 31 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Phone: 03 9525 3999
Link: http://www.distasio.com.au/about/bar-di-stasio/
Cuisine: Italian, Cocktails

And lastly – it was time to finish the day with some Italian inspired cocktails and Negroni at Bar di Stasio – the relatively new addition to St Kilda cullinary institution, Cafe di Stasio.
Featuring an elegant stone bench top and knowledgeable and cheerful waitstaff, the space is perfect for casual drinks in a sophisticated environment. 

Restaurant Manager Mallory looked after our group with some refreshing bitter alcohol, eggplant chips, fried potato skins and chicken pate toasts. 
We loved the classy and elegant setting. 
Bar di Stasio on Urbanspoon
The Amazing Race ended with six incredibly satiated and happy foodies, chatting in Di Stasio Bar. We all left with a new appreciation for the food venues of St Kilda and cannot wait to come back for more!

The Pantry Delicatessen Re-opens!

/
Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of The Pantry Delicatessen.
The Pantry Delicatessen is back with a stunning new fit out and a colossal selection of delicious and healthy take-home food.
The huge range of seasonal take-home meals provides for everyone. Salads, soups, pastas, wet-dishes, roast; the list goes on! Restaurant quality food, cooked by restaurant chefs, caters to every taste.
The Pantry Delicatessen offers dozens of sweet choices. Pantry pastry chefs custom design unique treats which are only available at The Pantry Delicatessen.
The Pantry Delicatessen offers a large range of gluten-free, vegetarian and dairy-free options which makes the Delicatessen the perfect option for a healthy, hearty meal – prepared with love daily by our dedicated and talented chefs.
Recipes inspired by the world’s best chefs are adapted to the season and feature fresh and high quality ingredients.
The stunning new interior features timber-clad walls and a slick silky charcoal theme throughout; the decorative props, a mix of new and vintage were sourced from as far as the south of France.
There are many exciting food collaborations to come this year at The Pantry Delicatessen. Some will take the form of interactive food experiences with others hosting Australian food icons.
During our visit we selected a few delicious items: Sourdough from Burnham Bakery Bread, Miso Salmon with soba noodles and 2 delicious sweet treats – a cinnamon tea cake and a lemon meringue pie.

We loved the sourdough which was made using traditional techniques and baked in state-of-the-art ovens. Featuring a lovely thick crust, it was delicious when served with generous splashes of extra virgin olive oil.
The salmon and soba noodles were a healthy and delicious option. The salmon was tender and juicy and had a lovely umami flavour from the miso. The noodles were slippery and flavoured well.
The cinnamon tea cake and lemon meringue pie was absolutely lovely. The cinnamon tea cake was moist and had just the perfect level of sweetness while the lemon meringue pie struck the right chords with an expertly balanced sweetness from the meringue and tartness from the lemon.
We loved this new comfort food destination and cannot wait to return and further explore what The Pantry has to offer.

Location: 1 Church Street, Brighton
Phone: 03 9591 0393

Pantry on Urbanspoon

Top 6 treats to get this Easter!

/
Easter is just around the corner. Here’s a list of our top 6 must-have treats for the festive season.

1. Go retro with T Cavallaro & Sons marzipan Pascal Lambs
For centuries, Sicilians have been giving gifts of Easter lambs. 
Because of its historical and religious significance, Tony (owner of T Cavallaro & Sons) tells us this is one of the most rewarding things they make. Making the lambs reminds him of the days when he would watch his father produce these works of art. 
The moulds were brought to Australia by Tony’s father in around 1941 and would have been used by him since the 1900s.  Dusted lightly with cornflour, the moulds are then filled with marzipan. The larger ones are then filled with a layer of Madeira sponge which is placed just under a fruit mince of sultanas, cherries, orange peel and almond which adorns a third layer within the lambs.
The lambs are then covered with a butter cream to resemble the wool.
What: Pascal Lambs (sizes rangefrom 50 gms to 3 kgs)
Where: T. Cavallaro & Sons is at 98 Hopkins Street, Footscray. 
Price: Varies depending on size
How: Call 9687 4638 to ask for availability or to place an order. 
Read more about T Cavallaro & Sons here.

2. Go mod-Oz with Cafe Vue’s hot cross buns

Cafe Vue offers two delicious varieties of hot cross buns this season. 
Spelt and Cranberry hot cross buns

The Spelt and Cranberry hot cross buns are absolutely delicious. Made from spelt wholemeal flour from Powlett Hill Mill with a selection of sweet dried fruits thrown into the mix, the buns have a lovely hint of mixed spice, ginger and orange. Full of fruit yet, retaining a fluffy and soft texture, these hot cross buns are divine. 
Chocolate hot cross buns

For the chocolate lovers, Cafe Vue’s chocolate hot cross buns are an indulgent mix of orange puree, ginger a hint of mixed spice, and smooth chocolate chips. Threading the delicate balance between bun and cake, these hot cross buns certainly satisfy.

What: Hot cross buns (spelt or chocolate)
Where: Order online or purchase at any Cafe Vue location:
  • Cafe Vue 430 Little Colllins Street, Melbourne
  • Café Vue 401 St Kilda Road
  • Café Vue at Heide 7 Templestowe Road Bulleen
Price: One for $3.50 or 6 for $18
How: Order online here  

3. Not quite molecular gastronomy with Heston's buns
Heston's Lemon Myrtle Hot Cross Buns are just moreish. Filled with plump sultanas, spicy ginger and aromatic lemon myrtle, the buns have a brioche-like texture and consistency and are the ultimate treat.

What: Lemon Myrtle Hot Cross Buns
Where: Coles
Price: 4 for $8

4. Brumby's Nutella hot cross buns - something the whole family will love
For something that both the kids and adults will love, Brumby’s twist on the good old fashioned Hot Cross Bun will be a sure hit.

The tasty Hot Cross Buns are filled with generous amounts of Nutella and baked fresh in store daily. 

What: Nutella Hot Cross Buns
Where: Brumby's
Price: One for $1.30 or 6 for $6.60

5. Spread some cinnamon love with Box of Scrolls
Box of Scrolls have perfected the art of the humble cinnamon scroll. Turning moist, light dough made into fresh, aromatic cinnamon scrolls infused with the perfect cinnamon and filling, it is no wonder Box of Scrolls already have a cult following. 

Their Nutella & Banana scroll is perfect for indulging in the Easter festivities. The Nutella & Banana Scrolls are decadent and possess a melt-in-your-mouth quality that is just heavenly. The slightly savoury buttery flavour of the scroll cuts the rich taste of the Nutella and banana, resulting in a dessert that is not only incredibly indulgent, but very well balanced. 


 What: Cinnamon scrolls and various variety scrolls
Where: Scrolls can be quickly delivered to most cities around Australia.
Price: Varies. Check our their site for more details - http://www.boxofscrolls.com.au/
Read more about Box of Scrolls here.

 6. Easter-themed cakes and biscuits from Michel's Patisserie 
With the Easter bunny’s annual visit fast approaching, Michel’s Patisserie is celebrating the magic of Easter with a range of Easter-themed products like their Party Cake, a delicious Chocolate Sponge Cake topped with milk chocolate Easter eggs, or their scrumptious chocolate flavoured gingerbread Easter Bunny biscuit.
What: Easter-themed cakes and biscuits
Where: Michel's Patisserie
Price: Varies. Check out their site for more details: http://www.michels.com.au/products/


Gastrology bloggers sampled the products for the purposes of this review courtesy of T Cavallaro & Sons, Cafe Vue, Box of Scrolls, Brumby’s and Michel’s Pattiserie.