Autumn @ Rochford Winery Restaurant

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Rochford.

Rochford possesses all of the requisite elements to deliver an enchanting experience not found in the hustle and bustle of Melbourne. Our expectations of Rochford are fostered not only by its excellent reputation, but by our own experiences on each of our previous visits. Our unwavering eagerness to return speaks volumes about how highly we regard this wonderful winery restaurant.

As the winter month approaches, the Yarra Valley is transformed into a stunning scene with golden autumn leaves adorning the vines.

Despite having eaten at Rochford countless times already, it continues to draw us back time and again and has rightfully claimed a spot in our favourite restaurants of all time.

The dining area is spacious, modern and elegant, exuding an air of calm. The glass windows encasing the dining area allow the sun to trickle in and present magical views out to the Rochford vineyard and the broader Yarra Ranges.

The sense of true hospitality is palpable, echoed in the modern Australian menu prepared using high quality, fresh ingredients which are often locally sourced. The service is always friendly and efficient.

 

We decided to share a bottle of the 2010 YV “La Droite”. A 50% Merlot 50% Cabernet Franc blend named with reference to the Bordeaux “Right Bank”, it was a beautiful drop.   

Not only does the arrival of the autumn season mean the beginning of Vintage harvest at Rochford Wines Yarra Valley, but it also marks the arrival of a new menu at Isabella’s Restaurant created by Head Chef Ciaran Butler. The menu is extremely well-priced. From $55 for 2 courses, the value proposition is compelling.

Galway born, Ciaran has worked in several Michelin star restaurants throughout Europe and Asia. His experience extends from working under the great John Kelly at Ardilaun House Hotel in Ireland to time spent at Crown Casino and the Yarra Valley Grand Hotel.

 As usual, each dish was cooked perfectly.

Kingfish ceviche 

a ceviche of Australian kingfish with sea grapes, pickled radish, yuzu jel & seaweed powder 

We commenced our dining experience with a beautifully presented ceviche. The citrus cured fish was embellished with sea grapes. The pickled radish added a wonderful touch to what was an enlivening combination of ingredients.

Local beetroots & Goats curd 

Local beetroots, with Yarra Valley goats curd foam, pine nuts 

The entrée of goat’s curd and beetroot had perfectly balanced flavours. Each element of the dish matched the other. The slight acidity from the beetroot brought a lovely tanginess that cut through the creaminess of the cheese. It all came together beautifully.

Tasmanian salmon fillet 

Oven baked fillet of salmon with Port Phillip Bay mussels, Rochford Chardonnay Marinières sauce, potato stones & sea asparagus 

The salmon skin was beautifully crisp and the flesh was deliciously moist and tender. The accompanying sea asparagus was a delicious addition. A coastal succulent, the sea asparagus provided delicious bursts of saltiness.

220g Wagyu Rump

Marble score 9 rump with horseradish potato puree, baby leeks, pearl onions and Rochford Pinot Noir jus 

The accompaniments of horseradish potato puree, baby leeks, pearl onions and the famous Rochford Pinot Noir Jus worked wonderfully to draw out the robust beefiness of the Wagyu. A light searing ensured that it was lined with a thin crisp layer packed with caramelised beef flavour. The meat was intense with characteristic wagyu notes and a deep earthy richness. Texturally, it was sublime with a decadent melt in the mouth, almost buttery, consistency.

Death by chocolate 

chocolate sponge, Belgium chocolate ganache, griottine cherries, hazelnut praline powder 

The visually attractive “Death by chocolate” was a magnificent layered creation. The mixture of the light chocolate sponge, together with the intense richness of the ganache and the tartness from the griottine cherries produced a balanced and delectable dessert.

Yarra valley apple pie 

Warm individual apple pie with crème anglaise, vanilla bean ice-cream & toffee apple 

The apple pie was a decadent end to our visit. The soft centre of caramelised apples combined with the perfect biscuit pastry and decadent vanilla ice cream was simply stunning. Served with crisp toffee apple, this dessert was sublime. 

Rochford Yarra Valley's delicious menu which showcases the freshest and finest Yarra Valley produce provides the perfect excuse to escape to Victoria’s Yarra Valley and enjoy the views overlooking the vineyards.

Location: 878 - 880 Maroondah Hwy Coldstream

Times and Prices: 

• Monday – Saturday Two course meal ($55) or Three Courses ($63)
• Sunday and Public Holidays Two course meal ($65) or Three Courses ($73)

Phone: 03 5962 2119

Cuisine: Modern Australian, French, Seafood

Link: http://www.rochfordwines.com.au/

Smith & Daughters - First taste feast

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Smith & Daughters.

Location: 175 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

Phone: 03 9939 3293

Link: http://www.smithanddaughters.com/

Cuisine: Latin American, Southern/Soul, Vegetarian, Vegan

Overall Impression: 8/10

Smith & Daughters is a commitment to expanding and perfecting the dynamic food culture of plant-based cuisine. Owned by chef, Shannon Martinez and business gal, Mo Wyse, Smith & Daughters' offering is entirely vegan.

With Shannon heading the kitchen, the restaurant is in safe hands. Shannon is an award-winning, former head chef of The Sweetwater Inn, South (Collingwood's People's Market), and The Gasometer Hotel. Together with business partner and front-of-house manager, Mo, the pair share over thirty years of hospitality, food preparation, cooking, marketing and management experience between them. What is evident is the passion they bring to the table and a belief that their unique product will inspire change.

Located on a historic corner on Brunswick Street (former headquarters of the pacifist movement during World War Two) the space has a moody ambience and a brilliant vibe.

The menu features Latin cuisine, highlighting small plates and mains from Spain, Central and South America featuring favourites like Pazole, Paella, Chorizo, Ceviche, and Croquetas, with their alcoholic significant others: Aqua Frescos, Jalapetio Lemonade, Sangria, Margaritas, and Caipirinhas. The ingredients used are locally-sourced and organic where possible.

As vegan as the dishes are, they are concocted without a single sacrifice to flavour. Every dish was a wonderful vegan interpretation of the original. We particularly loved the “tuna” and pea croquetas. Each morsel had a perfectly crisp crumbed layer which encased a silky smooth filling which was beautifully flavoured. 

Smith & Daughters is the collaboration of two women with a strong commitment to bring the world delicious food without a single animal product on site. Their compassion, commitment and sense of empowerment make this restaurant one to watch.

Discover Footscray

Gastrology bloggers were taken on a foodie tour of Footscray recently as part of the 'Your Footscray' campaign which brings together all aspects of life in Footscray including safety, transport, holidays and most importantly—food...

Coffees @ Cafe Cui

Location: 58 Leeds Street, Footscray 

Phone: 03 9687 6967 

Link: http://www.cafecui.com.au/

Cuisine: Breakfast/Brunch, Modern Australian 

We met our chaperone, Jack at Cafe Cui (pronounced Café Q). Located just opposite Footscray Station, the café sources all its vegetables and meat from the Footscray Market.

Having only opened its doors in June last year, Café Cui has already gained a loyal following as a result of its location and freshly sourced produce.

The menu boasts a variety of delicious brunch options including the popular Shakshuka eggs bake, the chef’s own invention, with braised capsicum, tomato and middle eastern spices.

The cafe's modern and relaxed fit out makes it a perfect spot for a caffeine hit. Our coffees contained a perfect layer of silken froth, complete with a flawless rosetta, and tasted terrific.

 
Footscray Market

Melbourne's best cannoli @ T. Cavallaro & Sons

Location: 98 Hopkins Street, Footscray

Phone: 03 9687 4638 

Link: http://www.tcavallaroandsons.com.au/

Cuisine: Coffee, Bakery 

As soon as we stepped through the doors of T. Cavallaro & Sons, we were immediately swept away by the aromas of baked pastry, roasted nuts and sweet syrup. 

A Footscray institution, T. Cavallaro & Sons was founded by Tommaso Cavallaro in 1956 and proudly catered for the Melbourne Olympics in the same year. The cafe proudly represents the European migrant families who made Footscray their home in the ’40s and ’50s. Since 1956, the cafe has been open every Easter and every Christmas, making sure their customers are well taken care of. 

Today, Tommaso's sons, Tony and Carmelo (who has worked on the premises since its inception in 1956) continue the legacy. 

Behind the shop front is where the magic happens. There, endless trays of freshly baked sweet treats and pastries are being made. The contents of which scream only one thing – decadence.

With recipes that have not changed since 1956, use of time-old techniques and fresh ingredients, the proof is in the tasting...

The sweet treats at T. Cavallaro & Sons are baked to perfection and we can confirm that T. Cavallaro & Sons' certainly serves the best cannoli that Melbourne has to offer.  Every bit is handmade and absolutely moreish. The cannolis are filled with either patisserie cream or ricotta and dusted with a sprinkling of almonds. The cannoli casing was perfectly crisp and we fell in love with the traditional ricotta filling. It was decadent, creamy and had a beautiful citrus finish. 

Although it is very easy to over sweeten ricotta fillings, it seems that T. Cavallaro & Sons have found the perfect balance. Their cannoli is truly divine. 

If you have a sweet tooth, we certainly recommend taking the trip down to Footscray to see what the fuss is about. 

Sugarcane juice @ Vy Coffee Bubble Tea

The sugarcane juice is made before your eyes!

Location: 44 Byron St, Shop 4, Footscray (near Little Saigon Market)

Cuisine: Sugarcane juice, coffee, tea, bubble tea

We were immediately transported to the streets of Vietnam as we explored Footscray's Little Saigon Market. What better way to enhance that experience than a refreshing sugarcane juice by the vibrant bustling streets.

The juice was deliciously sweet and refreshing. We loved the addition of kumquat in the juice which added a delightful acidity and balance to the beverage. 

Ethiopian cuisine @ Konjo Cafe & Restaurant

Location: 89 Irving Street, Footscray 

Phone: 03 9689 8185 

Link: http://konjo.com.au/

Cuisine: Coffee, Ethiopian/Eritrean, Vegetarian 

A recent addition to Footscray’s Ethiopian food scene, Konjo Cafe and Restaurant already has a cult following. A welcoming ambience and delicious Ethiopian food mean that this eatery is popular among young and old alike. 

If you're not sure what to choose from, Konjo does an amazing platter which consists of 2 vegetarian dishes, 2 lentil dishes, 1 mild lamb stew, 1 spicy lamb stew and 2 beef dishes served on a tray of injera and an extra basket of injera.

We enjoyed how flavoursome each dish was. The beautifully made injera which we used to pick up bites of the little dishes was the perfect canvas for the rich and spicy flavours.

The platter was the perfect introduction to Ethiopian food and was simply delicious. 

We also tried Konjo's specialty dish (which you will not be able to find anywhere else) which is a finely-minced beef dish called Kitfo which owner, Abdul prepares by hand and serves with a special clarified butter.

Footscray Train Station

Our tour of Footscray was a culturally rich and eye-opening experience. It was amazing to see how passionate the small business owners we met along the way are about their suburb and hear their stories. We look forward to returning to Footscray and experiencing more of what this amazing suburb has to offer.

Special thanks to Jack Walden from The C Word for being a brilliant chaperone.
Gastrology bloggers discovered Footscray courtesy of Regional Rail Link.

Melbourne's best vegetarian eateries

Go vege with a selection of Melbourne's best vegetarian spots...

Bay City Burrito

Whether you’re looking for a snack or a meal, Bay City Burrito offers a diverse menu to suit everyone’s taste and dietary requirements (gluten free, vegetarian and vegan). The entire menu can be converted into a vegetarian option. Read more.

Vegie Bar

All in all, the food was enjoyable. It is honest, wholesome food. Nothing fancy but it certainly does the trick. Everything is well-priced and the place has a great atmosphere. Read more.

Enlightened Cuisine 

If you like  faux fish and meat Enlightened Cuisine’s menu will hit the spot. Read more.

Nyala African Restaurant

Our Vegetarian dishes included Furari (a Tanzanian vegetarian dish of cabbage, potato, carrot and seasonal vegetables cooked with mild spices, topped with coconut milk) and Gomen (freshly cooked silver beet and potatoes with garlic, ginger and other spices). These were delicious. They really do know how to immerse and infuse flavour into their vegetables. Each vegetarian dish was different in flavour but they all shared one thing in common - all the vegetables had been cooked to the point where they simply melted in your mouth and were incredibly tender. The flavours from the herbs and spices were unique and very enjoyable to eat. Read more.

Om Vegetarian
For super cheap and cheerful vegetarian, this place will give you the soundest bang for your buck. Read more.

BrimCC

Oddly named “BrimCC”, we were told by the smiling staff that “Brim” comes from their soup cups always being filled to the brim which leads to customer happiness and “CC” varies in meaning depending on the seasons. In winter, “CC” stands for Chunky and Cosy and in summer, “CC” stands for Cool and Colourful. Read more.

Yong Green Food

Boasting animal-free goodies, Yong Green Food is proudly Vegan in its offerings. Tucked away on lively Brunswick Street, this humble eatery has gained considerable popularity over the years. Run by two lovely Korean sisters with a passion for food, the restaurant has a sense of warmth and cosiness. Read more.

Lentil as Anything

There is such a buzz about the place. Located in trendy St Kilda, Lentil As Anything has managed to maintain a humble presence. The concept is interesting.

"The pay as you feel philosophy is simple – we invite you to pay what you think the food and the experience is worth."

The food is hearty, the service is warm. Read more.

Attica

If you have something fancy in mind, spoil yourself with a vegetarian degustation at Attica. Read more.

Morroccan Soup Bar

With dishes that will please herbivores and carnivores alike, it is no wonder that Moroccan Soup Bar has a loyal band of followers. Its popularity is exhibited by patrons lining up on St Georges Road, patiently waiting for a table at the small establishment. We were excited to finally dine at Moroccan Soup Bar and ordered the celebrated $25 banquet.

The meal started with an assortment of dips and a plate of pita bread. The selection  of dips were very tasty.

The highlight of our meal was Moroccan Soup Bar’s signature dish, the chickpea bake. An unpretentious creation that was particularly memorable for its addictive bread crisps, it is delicious and hearty.

For a mere $25 for the banquet, Moroccan Soup Bar serves a good variety of dishes in generous portions. Highly recommended!

 

Acland St Cantina

For a restaurant that serves equally delicious meat and vegetarian dishes, ASC is the way to go. Read more.

Trippy Taco

An all-vegetarian cantina, Trippy Taco will have you tripping back for more. The menu boasts a delicious variety vegan and vegetarian options.

The tofu asada burrito, is quite special – with bold and spicy notes, it is a comforting and hearty treat. 

The restaurant has a nice and casual vibe with a delightfully friendly service to match. It is certainly a vegetarian place meatlovers will be able to enjoy.

Restaurant Review: Spirit of India

Location: 401 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne
Phone: 03 9682 6696
Link: http://www.spiritofindiamelbourne.com/
Cuisine: Indian, Vegetarian
Overall Impression: 5/10

Spirit of India is a reliable eatery with a vast dining area and friendly wait staff.

The food served is of an average standard and quality although their beef vindaloo is a particular stand out. If you’re looking to take-away we recommend calling in advance as there is usually a 30-40 minute wait on take-away items.

Touché Hombre launches ‘Livin on the Vedge’ Mondays

Vegetarians rejoice! Touché Hombre has just launched ‘Livin on the Vedge’ Monday nights with a menu featuring tasty new vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes.

Restaurant Review: Gekkazan @ GPO

Location: 28g Postal Lane, 350 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Phone: 03 9663 7767
Cuisine: Japanese, Vegetarian, Sushi
Overall Impression: 8/10

From the people that brought you Kenzan on Flinders Lane, Gekkazan @ GPO is a delight.

The menu features the most authentic and fresh tasting Japanese food which justifies the slightly dearer prices.

I can never go past the spider sushi – the crispy morsels of tempura soft shell crab are to die for. 

The only downfall is its popularity. It is almost impossible to get a seat during the weekday lunch hour rush but if you don’t mind takeaway, Gekkazan certainly delivers. 

Restaurant Review: Noodle Kingdom

Swanston Street Noodle Kingdom 
Location: 264 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Phone: 03 9650 1818
Cuisine: Chinese, Noodle Shop, Vegetarian
Overall Impression: 6/10 

Russell Street Noodle Kingdom
Location: 175 Russell Street, Melbourne
Phone: 03 9654 2828
Cuisine: Chinese, Noodle Shop, Vegetarian
Overall Impression: 4/10

I’ve had unpleasant experiences at the Russell Street Noodle Kingdom. Simply put, the staff were miserable, the food was below average and I remember waiting unreasonably long for my food to arrive. As a result, I was particularly sceptical when my friends told me that the Swanston Street Noodle Kingdom is one of their favourite lunch time spots. 

I’m happy to say that my fears (while reasonably grounded, given the Russell Street Noodle Kingdom) were alleviated very quickly by my visit to Swanston Street Noodle Kingdom. 

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The service was prompt. The noodle dishes tasted fresh and the dumplings were of a reasonably good standard. 

The menu provides the soundest bang for your buck – the servings are generous and every dish is around the $10 mark. While this is also true of the Russell Street restaurant, the Swanston Street Noodle Kingdom is miles ahead. So, don’t let a bad experience from the Russell Street restaurant deter you from visiting the one on Swanston Street!

Restaurant Review: Attica

Location: 74 Glen Eira Road, Ripponlea
Phone: 03 9530 0111
Link: http://www.attica.com.au/
Cuisine: Modern Australian, Vegetarian
Overall Impression: 9/10 

On Tuesday nights, Attica serves new ideas and test dishes that challenge and please. The menu is different every week and seasonal. Priced at $95 a head for 5 courses, it is no surprise that there is a consistently long waiting list.

It was a privilege to trial some of the latest cooking ideas from the Attica kitchen. I dined here with a few colleagues so the photos are secret shots I have taken with my phone (I keep my food blogging antics a secret from my work life - I fear this may be career limiting as it may conjure images of me obsessing about food every hour of the day and not being able to concentrate properly at work although this may very well be the case?). Needless to say (although I will say it) the photos are of a less than desirable quality. 

The food on the other hand was quite simply, fantastic. Well-balanced flavours, creative and beautifully presented. I look forward to returning with J to test drive the weekend dining menu! 

Restaurant Review: Yong Green Food

Location: 421 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
Phone: 03 9417 3338
Cuisine: Vegetarian, Korean, Asian, Vegan
Overall Impression: 6/10

Boasting animal-free goodies, Yong Green Food is proudly Vegan in its offerings. Tucked away on lively Brunswick Street, this humble eatery has gained considerable popularity over the years. Run by two lovely Korean sisters with a passion for food, the restaurant has a sense of warmth and cosiness. 

The highlight of our meal was the Rawsagna – their take on what a lasagne would be in a vegan world. It was absolutely delicious. The decadent cashew sauce paired with the delicately sliced zucchini and marinated eggplants made for a delectable combination of flavours. It would have been the perfect summer dish.

Tuna served with brown rice and steamed vegetables

Korean Stir-fry "beef"

The other dishes we ordered were far more simple and unfortunately, lacked seasoning.

Blueberry Cheesecake

Pecan Pie

Chocolate Brownies

We were excited when it came to dessert time and at the risk of appearing greedy, decided to order three desserts to share between the two of us. Considering the desserts had to omit common ingredients like eggs or dairy products (think cheesecake without cheese) we were curious to see what they would taste like. We were pleasantly surprised by how good the desserts tasted. They were very different to their “original” counterparts but were unique and delicious in their very own way.

All in all, Yong Green Food delivers all that it promises to both Vegans and non-Vegans. I know I will certainly be back for their Rawsagna (especially when the weather is warmer).

Restaurant Revew: Vegie Bar

Location: 380 Brunswick St, Fitzroy

Phone: (03) 9417 6935 

Link: www.vegiebar.com.au

Overall Impression: 6/10

During my first visit to Vegie Bar, BB and I were meeting A's new found love (in the form of a Russian investment banker from Sydney) for the first time. We thought lunch would be a good option as it would be a lot more casual. A has been slowly but surely turning vegetarian and her favourite restaurant of late has been Vegie bar. Vegie Bar has been gaining quite a following, especially with the skinny jeans and retro sun glasses crowd. So, in an attempt to be part of the "in crowd" the four of us decided to have lunch there.

Threading the delicate balance of my omnivorous existence, I would say I am more carnivorous than I am herbivorous. As such, I wasn't particularly excited about the thought of eating at Vegie Bar.

The food was surprisingly much better than I had expected. I quickly forgot that I was having a vegetarian meal. Although simple, the food was hearty and smacked with flavour. Nothing revolutionary but it was honest and good food. My positive experience has brought me back time and time again. Last weekend, J and I decided to go back and it is as good as the first time I was there.  

Cuppucino

Sangria

Sha He Fen Noodles

The noodles were delicious! I am always slightly weary about ordering “Asian” style dishes from non-Asian eateries but this has certainly changed my mind. Although the faux chicken tasted like tofu and was fooling no one, it was still very enjoyable. The only criticism I have of this dish is – where are the mushrooms I was promised per the descriptions on the menu?

Cajun Stew

I love that it was served with brown rice. There’s something about the texture of brown rice that gives a rustic edge to a dish. That said, I could not help but think that the stew was simply glorified baked beans. OK, maybe that is a bit harsh. Baked beans with a twist? However, I must say that although it resembled baked beans, the stew was in fact enjoyable to eat. It was hearty and had very good flavour.

Berry Cheesecake with soy ice cream

The desserts here are particularly good. I tasted their soy ice cream the first time I visited. Nobody else was a fan of the soy ice cream but I certainly was. A and BB even joked about how everything in life is relative and only someone who had never had ice cream before would find the soy ice cream good. So, be warned! It is certainly an acquired taste.

 All in all, the food was enjoyable. It is honest, wholesome food. Nothing fancy but it certainly does the trick. Everything is well-priced and the place has a great atmosphere. Unfortunately, this is let down by the fact that service is poor. Every time that I have visited Vegie Bar, I have had to wait very long for my food to arrive.