The Noble Experiment

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of The Noble Experiment.

The Noble Experiment presents an exciting departure from the mainstream by serving exciting cuisine influenced by Head Chef Cameron Bell’s haunts across North America and Europe.

Bell’s Michelin starred background brings a finesse and understanding of flavour combinations. His unique culinary signature has been instrumental in shaping the culture of The Noble Experiment, and his developed style is embedded in the heart and soul of every dish. Melding influences from across the US, France and the UK, the complex culinary enigma constructed by Bell leaves patrons with an unforgettable experience. 

The venue boasts a wonderfully relaxed vibe. The dining room is comfortably vast with a bar at its far end equipped with mixologists ready to serve you a delicious cocktail or some fine aged whiskeys and champagnes.

In line with its social setting, the menu items are primarily designed for sharing, from snacks to share plates, chefs menu to large format feasts.

12 hour lamb steamed bun 

The lamb buns were an absolute winner. The fluffy, moist and slightly sweet buns were filled with an addictive medley of red miso and peanuts. Sitting alongside this was the wonderful 12 hour slow roasted lamb. Having truly mastered the art roasting, the lamb had been succulently roasted and was tender, juicy and packed with flavour.

Burrata

This cheese sensation demonstrated that unforgettable dishes can sometimes be very simple. In this instance, a ball of unadulterated burrata simply paired with chargrilled bread and a fresh and slightly tart “green sauce”. When the outer solid mozzarella shell was cut, we loved how the creamy interior of soft, stringy curd and fresh cream revealed itself. The sumptuously rich yet sensibly balanced flavours were sensational.

Crispy brussel sprouts, coconut, lime, caramel

This was a well-conceived dish that would easily melt away any aversion to brussel sprouts. The wonderful morsels of coconut encrusted sprouts were wonderfully crisp and beautifully caramelised to develop a toffee-like outer shell.  Although vegetarian dishes are often easily dismissed, this particular gem is one that commands respect. More than a side dish, it was a jaw-dropping highlight of our evening. 

Lamb breast, green papaya, peanuts, spring onions

The lamb breast was tender and delicious falling away at the weight of our spoons. The salad was the perfect accompaniment. Fresh, vibrant and crisp, the salad provided acidity and texture. It was a magnificent dish.

Beef short rib, burnt onion, coffee

The beef short rib continued the trend of stunning dishes that preceded it. It was a memorable dish combining flawless texture with equally superlative flavours and was particularly noteworthy for its fragrant and complex beefy flavours and slight smokiness.

From left: Beetroot parfait, green peppercorn, sorrel; Maple custard rhubarb, shortbread, bacon

Both desserts were wonderfully executed. Each, a welcome departure from the mundane and each, offered its own unique characteristics. It was an exemplary display of Bell’s versatility.

The most exciting and memorable dining experiences tend to revolve around bold and innovative flavour combinations that seize the attention of diners from start to finish. This successful "experiment" manages to do just that. 

Location: 284 Smith Street, Collingwood
Phone: 03 9416 0058
Link: http://www.thenobleexperiment.com.au/
Cuisine: Bar, International, Modern

Pop Up Scroll

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Pop Up Scroll.

The latest creation from Julian Chew, former owner of the popular Lip Café in Ivanhoe, Pop Up Scroll, has just touched down in Smith Street and offers an old-fashioned reward that, remains one of life's greatest pleasures.

Each scroll is made using techniques learnt from Julian’s impressive fine dining pastry training but in a way that brings it to the every day. Lovingly made, the collection of scrolls is chemical and additive free and uses organic ingredients. 

Alongside freshly baked scrolls which are made on site each morning the store offers carefully prepared coffee courtesy of their shiny new La Marzocco.  

Our coffees were well made, with the slight sweetness of the frothed milk cutting through the residual brightness from the foundation espresso (from Coffee Supreme beans).  Each came with an intricate rosetta in the milk foam.

Cherry Gingerbread

Made with good quality ingredients, the product line includes Original cinnamon scroll with cream cheese icing, Coconut white chocolate, Peanut butter & banana, Chocolate & caramel and Cherry Gingerbread

Original cinnamon scroll with cream cheese icing, 

The original cinnamon scroll was one of our favourites. Julian weaves his magic and turns moist, light dough into fresh, aromatic cinnamon rolls topped with rich, cream cheese frosting and infused with cinnamon and brown sugar. The scrolls are a blissful indulgence. Perfectly sweet, they boast a beautiful cinnamon aroma and taste.

Peanut butter & banana

Another winning flavour is Pop Up Scroll’s Peanut butter & banana scrolls. The scrolls were fluffy and moist on the inside and were topped and filled with velvety, decadent peanut butter and banana. The slightly savoury buttery flavour cuts through the richness of the scroll, resulting in a dessert that is not only incredibly indulgent, but very well balanced.

Coconut white chocolate

The Coconut white chocolate scrolls are a modern interpretation of the humble Malaysian coconut bun. Light and fluffy, filled with coconut shreds that helps provide a sweet taste and unique texture, we loved this clever rendition. 

Chocolate & caramel

Lovers of Chocolate rejoice! This one's for you... The Chocolate & caramel scrolls are decadent and possess a melt-in-your-mouth quality that is just heavenly. 

Scrolls may have been almost forgotten but Pop Up Scroll insists that they are indeed, ready to make their revival and we could not agree more. Marrying the concept of simple, sentimental baking and great coffee with playful, colourful interiors and retro styling, Pop Up Scroll is a welcomed addition to Smith Street’s bustling foodie precinct. The store is only new but is already full of patrons eagerly waiting to indulge themselves and fall in love with the smell and flavour of the scrolls.

As the name suggests, Pop Up Scroll is only around for a short time (until May to be precise) but there are already big plans in the pipeline for the next project due to open straight after the pop up closes its doors.  

EAT A SCROLL will be located just around the corner from the current location and will be a more permanent scroll house for customers to enjoyably follow them to. 

Location: 86 Smith Street, Collingwood

Link: http://eatascroll.com.au/

Cuisine: Bakery, Desserts, Coffee

The Voodoo Jerk Truck - You aren’t what you eat!

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of The Voodoo Jerk Truck.

Jabili Mchawala of Jabili’s Kitchen is turning up the heat with some mind-blowingly good Jamaican fare which features Jamaican jerk spice which is hot, packs a flavourful punch and can be rubbed on pretty much anything.

After absolutely loving Jabili’s Monday night African Feast, we were excited to try the new Jamaican food on offer.

Jerk Pork Ribs

Full plate - grilled jerk spiced ribs, mint yoghurt, salsa & cornbread 

The traditional Jerk Pork Ribs were absolutely delicious. These were expertly prepared and had juicy, succulent flesh. The outstanding ribs were crusted with a flavoursome spice mix and then perfectly fried to achieve a moreish crunchy exterior.  

The accompanying corn bread was more than just a side show. Charred, stacked, and with Escoveech and tamarind sauce, we savoured every bite. It was an unpretentious creation that was particularly memorable for its addictive sweetness and gritty texture.

Island Fried Chicken

The deep fried chicken (that had been thoughtfully deboned) had crisp outer skin and mouth-watering juicy flesh. Served with rum pickled veg and preserved lemon sauce which possessed a distinct depth of flavour that is far more alluring than your run-of-the-mill sauce, it was absolutely delicious. 

Caribbean Salad

An enlivening salad of creamy Junkanoo dressing, tangy pickled onions, fresh coriander and almond slivers to flavour beautifully roasted cauliflowers, the salad was a medley of exciting flavours and textures which will appeal to even the most carnivorous individuals.

Located behind Mr Wow's Emporium and Los Barbudos, Jabili’s food truck is bringing the bold, Jamaican jerks flavours to Fitzroy and resembles a yard you'd find in Jamaica. Grab a keg table and listen to the old school reggae delights pumping from their vintage AIWA boom box. However you have it, this jerk is hearty for winter and perfect for summer. 

What: Jamaican food

Where: Jabili's Kitchen @ Mr Wow's Emporium, 97b Smith Street,  Fitzroy - Enter via Smith Street through either Mr Wow’s Emporium or Los Barbudos and follow the neon food signs. 

Phone: 0421 483 464

Jabili has decided to keep his Monday Feast, where you can share five African flavours, injera bread and pickled veg for just $35 for two people. Read more about that here.