Express Lunches @ Asian Beer Cafe & Father's Office​

$9.50 Bento Lunch Box @ Asian Beer Cafe
The Asian Beer Café at Melbourne Central needs no introduction. Well known for its Asian inspired interior, central location, bustling ambience and amazing views out to Swanston Street, the Asian Beer Café is a great place for a bite to eat or a drink with friends.

Gastrology bloggers were recently invited to sample the new $9.90 lunch bento boxes. There are 4 different options to choose from such as Chicken, Vegetarian, Beef and Seafood, each of which adopts the Japanese concept of bento boxes but are distinctly south east Asian and Indian in terms of their contents.
Chicken bento
Beef bento

We found both were very flavoursome, the portions were big and each box had a great variety of flavours. Definitely a great value for money lunchtime proposition.

$15 Corporate lunch @ Father's Office

Located on Little Lonsdale St, Father’s Office Speakeasy Bar & Restaurant is designed in the style of a prohibition era, 1920s American bar.

The drinks menu continues this theme with a wide range of whiskeys and rums, as well as a variety of beers on tap. The food menu is largely American inspired and comprises both a more traditional a la carte menu as well as a bar menu.

Gastrology bloggers were recently invited to sample the new $15 express lunch menu. The wide range of options available for $15 includes a soft drink which can be upgraded to an alcoholic beverage for $2 extra.
Garlic and leek sausages 
Chargrilled Victorian free range pork sausages topped with fresh spring onion and a house made stick jus laid on a bed of Californian mash
Roasted winter vegetable salad
Selection of seasonal winter vegetables roasted and tossed with baby spinach and cherry tomatoes through a house made balsamic vinaigrette then finally topped with pan fried Haloumi

We found the express lunch enjoyable, generously proportioned and great value – overall, a great workday option that won't break the bank.

Asian Beer Cafe on Urbanspoon Father's Office Speakeasy Bar and Restaurant on Urbanspoon
Gastrology bloggers dined at Asian Beer Cafe & Father's Office​ courtesy of Retail Savvy Group.

A taste of France with Gabriel Gaté & Gaté tasting menu at Harry's [14 - 20 October]

On Sunday, Gastrology bloggers joined Gabriel Gaté (a chef with an international reputation as a cookery author, television presenter and cookery teacher) for a decadent lunch hosted by Stamford Plaza Melbourne and Reader's Feast Bookstore.
Gourmet yabby salad, pear & walnut
alternating with
Grilled duck, sautéed potatoes, curly salad
French Chef Gabriel Gaté took us on a gastronomic adventure through the different regions of France as we savoured a 3 course lunch menu of traditional French dishes featuring hearty recipes from two of Gabriel’s latest cookbooks and heard from the man himself as he talked about the inspiration behind them. 
Left: Cherry clafoutis, crème anglaise
Right: Rum savarin
The food that we indulged in on Sunday is available in a tasting menu that will be served at Harry’s Restaurant this week from 14 to 20 October, for just $55 per person for those who cannot get enough of his authentic fare!

Gabriel Gaté tasting menu at Harry's Restaurant & bar

Continue the love affair of authentic French cuisine!
Price: $55 per person
Book now: Harry’s Restaurant on 03 9659 1592 or harrys@spm.stamford.com.au
Reservations are essential.

Gastrology bloggers attended the Gabriel Gaté luncheon as guests of Stamford Plaza.