Product Review: Kenko Tea’s Matcha

Kenko Tea is a Melbourne-based, online retailer of high quality matcha teas and equipment. On a mission to bring top quality matcha green tea powder and accessories to Australia, their philosophy is simple - importing only the finest grades of matcha green tea available. 

Kenko Tea’s Premium Green Tea Matcha is pure and simple. We simply adored it. Intensely flavoured with a subtle sweetness, Kenko Tea’s matcha has a slight bitterness and a clear umami aftertaste. The tea certainly announces its presence on your taste buds. 

Matcha’s unique characteristics set it apart from traditional green tea. There is also an incredible array of health benefits associated with drinking matcha. As matcha is produced from the entire tea leaf, ground up (as opposed to being made from the liquid by steeping the leaves), the antioxidant and health benefits increase exponentially when compared to standard green teas. It also contains amino acids that naturally enhance your mood. 

Apart from making a delicious cup of tea, there is a whole lot more you can make with matcha especially when it comes to desserts. We made some steamed matcha cakes from Kenko Tea’s Cooking Grade Matcha Tea Powder...

Steamed Matcha Cake Recipe

Makes 12 cakes

Ingredients

2 large eggs 

2 tablespoons olive oil 

2 tablespoons honey

6 tablespoons greek yoghurt

3 tablespoons icing sugar

1/2 cup of self raising flour

3 teaspoon Kenko Tea’s Cooking Grade Matcha Tea Powder

Steps

1. Prepare a bamboo steamer or any other preferred steamer.
2. Whisk the egg and oil until combined.
3. Add honey and yoghurt into the mixture and mix well.
4. Mix sugar into the mixture and mix well.
5. Add flour into the mixture and stir thoroughly.
6. Fold in the matcha until the powder is thoroughly mixed into the mixture.
7. Pour the mixture into 12 silicon cupcake moulds.
8. Make sure the water is boiling and put the moulds that have been filled with the mixture in the steamer and cover the lid. 
9. Steam for 12 minutes or until skewer comes out clean.

Gastrology received the Premium Green Tea Matcha and Cooking Grade Matcha Tea Powder courtesy of Kenko Tea.

Sauced Pasta Bar opens in Chapel Street

Chapel Street’s bustling food scene has welcomed a new addition with the launch of Sauced Pasta Bar, located at the perpetually cool Windsor end of town.

Inspired by the lively hum of Italian espresso bars, Sauced’s mission is simple: to use good quality ingredients and provide healthy nutritionally balanced pasta meals that are rich in flavour and experience. 

Diners can choose between a selection of traditional sauces like Bolognese or Amatriciana, or for the slightly more adventurous why not choose from the gourmet range with sauce combinations including broccoli, chilli, pesto, garlic and lemon or the very surprising crème fraîche, green pea and lemon. 

The menu also boasts an array of ‘old favourite’ pasta options such as rigatoni and fettuccini, combined with a healthy dose of ‘raw’ zucchini and other slim pasta options for the calorie-conscious or gluten free. Or for something different again, try the filled ravioli or baked pasta ranges, which add just the right amount of reinvention while still staying true to tradition. 

 

Both the sauces and pastas are made fresh every day using seasonal produce, with an emphasis on either locally sourced, Australian ingredients or traditional Italian products. Dishes start from $6 for snack size and $10 for a regular serving.

Guests can either dine in at the expansive marble bar or communal table or take their pasta away. So grab your friends and experience pasta how it should be at Sauced Pasta Bar. Because life is definitely better when it’s Saucy. 

Sauced Pasta Bar is open for lunch and dinner daily from 11am – 11pm. Located at 148 Chapel Street, Windsor. www.saucedpastabar.com

Rocky Horror Show Launch

The 2014 Australian tour of Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show opens in January at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC, Brisbane followed by seasons at the Crown Theatre, Perth in February, the Festival Theatre, Adelaide in March, and the Comedy Theatre, Melbourne in April. 

The coveted role of Frank N Furter will be played by television and theatre star Craig McLachlan, fresh from shooting the title role in the second series of ABC TV’s top rating drama series The Doctor Blake Mysteries. 

Playing the roles of Janet and Brad, the naïve young couple caught up in a situation they don’t understand, will be musical theatre favourites Christie Whelan Browne (A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, Shane Warne The Musical) and Tim Maddren (Hi 5, The Addams Family). Reprising his role as Riff Raff, Frank’s loyal handyman, which he played in New Zealand and the UK will be Kristian Lavercombe, while his sister Magenta will be played by Erika Heynatz, who was nominated for a Helpmann Award for her debut musical theatre role in Legally Blonde. Columbia, the groupie in Frank’s entourage, will be played by Ashlea Pyke (Legally Blonde), and Eddie and Dr Scott will be Nicholas Christo (My Fair Lady). 

In his first leading role as Frank’s creation Rocky will be Brendan Irving (An Officer and a Gentleman). The Phantoms will be played by Vincent Hooper (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), Luigi Lucente (Wicked), Meghan O’Shea (A Chorus Line) and Angela Scundi (Spring Awakening), while the Swing/ Dance Captain will be James Maxfield (A Chorus Line). 

“We are thrilled to have found the perfect cast for the 40th Anniversary Australian tour of this much loved iconic musical,” said producers Howard Panter and John Frost. “There is no one who can play the character of Frank N Furter like Craig McLachlan. He oozes that risqué charm that an actor playing Frank needs, as well as bucket loads of sex appeal. And after an extensive audition process we have secured a group of exciting musical theatre talents to complete the cast. We know audiences are going to love doing the Time Warp with this wonderful cast again.” 

The Rocky Horror Show is a true classic and one of theatre’s most endearing and outrageously fun shows. It opened at London’s Royal Court Theatre on June 19, 1973, quickly developing a cult following, and was adapted into the 1975 film The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which has the longest-running release in film history. This iconic brand holds a unique place in theatre history, a show which has defied the decades and continued to grow in popularity. In 2010 the music of Rocky Horror was showcased in the smash hit TV show Glee, seen by over 20 million people world wide. Rocky Horror even has its own postage stamp. 

Millions of people all over the world have and continue to see productions of The Rocky Horror Show and sung along to classics like Sweet Transvestite, Dammit Janet, I Can Make You A Man, Touch-a Touch-a Touch Me, Over At The Frankenstein Place and of course The Time Warp. 

LYRIC THEATRE, QPAC, BRISBANE 

Season: From 8 January 2014 

Performance Times: Tuesday – Saturday 7.30pm Saturday 1.30pm, Sunday 1.30pm & 5.30pm 

Price: From $59.90* 

Bookings: qpac.com.au or phone 136 246 

Save with Groups of 8 or more (07) 3840 7466 

Premium Tickets & Packages visit showbiz.com.au or 1300 4 SHOWS 

CROWN THEATRE, PERTH 

Season: From 14 February 2014 

Performance Times: Tuesday – Saturday 8.00pm Saturday 2.00pm, Sunday 1.30pm & 5.30pm 

 Price: From $59.90* 

Bookings: Ticketek.com.au or 132 849 

Save with Groups of 8 or more 1300 364 001 

Premium Tickets & Packages visit showbiz.com.au or 1300 4 SHOWS 

FESTIVAL THEATRE, ADELAIDE 

Season: From 20 March 2014 

Performance Times: Tuesday – Saturday 7.30pm Saturday 2.00pm, Sunday 1.30pm & 5.30pm 

 Price: From $59.90* 

Bookings: bass.net.au or 131 246 

Save with Groups of 8 or more (08) 8205 2220 

Premium Tickets & Packages visit showbiz.com.au or 1300 4 SHOWS 

COMEDY THEATRE, MELBOURNE 

Season: From 24 April 2014 

Performance Times: Tuesday – Saturday 8.00pm Saturday 2.00pm, Sunday 1.30pm & 5.30pm 

Price: From $59.90* 

Bookings: ticketmaster.com.au or phone 1300 111 011 

Save with Groups of 8 or more 1300 889 278 

Premium Tickets & Packages visit showbiz.com.au or 1300 4 SHOWS

A round up of this month's hottest foodie news

We will drink to that!

Retail Savvy Group has been given the honor as a finalist for two of its CBD venues by the Australian Hotels Association.

Asian Beer Café as a finalist for “Best Theme Bar” category as well as its sister venue, Father’s Office. Father’s Office is also a finalist in the “Best Bar Presentation & Service category”.

“We are extremely honored to be nominated let alone be finalists in three categories for our two bars. We pride ourselves on keeping our concepts fresh and innovating all the time.” Says, Anna Carosa, Co-founder and Owner.

Asian Beer Café has been operating successfully for six years. It is themed 1920’s Shanghai with a mix of authentic and contemporary design. The 20-meter long bar caters for ever-increasing patrons. Tapas dishes are the choice with everything, $4-$10. $8 Jugs and $5 happy hour specials make this place a cool and affordable hangout for uni and corporates alike.

Father’s Office has only been operating for the past thirteen months and its already moving up the ladder so fast, it is unstoppable. With its classic 1920’s prohibition “speak easy” theme, its beautiful vintage architecture, making it the place to be. Father’s Office also caters for any kind of event or celebrations, including weddings.

The winners will be announced at the Australian Hotels Association dinner, which is held on Monday the 18th of November 2013.

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Radisson Flagstaff Gardens Melbourne New Spring Menu From Nationally Commended Chef

Spring has well and truly sprung at HQ’s Restaurant and Bar located on the ground floor of the Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens Melbourne with the release of its brand new Spring Menu from Executive Chef Leigh Robbins-- who was a finalist in this month’s national 2013 HM Magazine Hotel Accommodation Awards in the Hotel Chef category.

Leigh – who received a Highly Commended acknowledgement from the prestigious HM Magazine group - was voted in the top eleven chefs in the industry awards. He takes the construction of his seasonal menu very seriously - with weekly taste test panels which often make for a special guest experience.

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Mövenpick launches its QV Boutique store

On 20th September, Mövenpick launched  its QV Boutique store. Gastrology bloggers were invited to the QV Mövenpick Gallery to experience the art of Swiss ice cream. Gastrology bloggers will soon be reviewing a Mövenpick store so stay tuned!

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1806 wins 2 bar awards

After being nominated for an unprecedented 7 Bartender Magazine Bar Awards, Lisa Kelly and the teams at 1806 and The Understudy were absolutely thrilled to accept the following awards at the ceremony:

Victorian Cocktail Bar of the Year - 1806

Rookie of the Year – Daniel Warren

“We couldn’t be any prouder of Dan – he is an integral part of what makes 1806 and The Understudy such great venues. We send him the hugest congratulations and look forward to celebrating with him as soon as he gets back to Melbourne.”

1806 will celebrate their 6th birthday in October.

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Dimmi Awards 

Two of our favourite restaurants have received a Dimmi Award for September 2013.

Ayatana has been selected as a Top Rated Thai Restaurant, and La Svolta Hampton has been awarded in the Best For Families category.
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Iconic Partnership to Set Tongues Wagging

Renowned Melbourne patisserie and café Brunetti has joined forces with Di Bella Coffee, Australia’s leading specialty coffee company, to establish a roasting warehouse within its Carlton café and to service the café’s coffee account, one of the largest in the country.

Brunetti’s recent move from Faraday Street in Carlton back to its original home of Lygon Court has meant owners and brothers Fabio and Yuri Angelé have revamped the café and allocated space for Di Bella to establish an in-store roasting facility.
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Gelato World Tour

After the amazing success in Rome and Valencia, with more than 280,000 people in attendance, the sweetest challenge will soon land in Melbourne (25th-27th of October, Argyle Square).

Guy Grossi, the worldwide famous chef will select the 16 gelato artisans that will compete in the third stage of the Gelato World Tour, the first international competition of its kind

The expectations are extremely high. Immersed in the striking atmosphere of the Carlton Italian Festa, Gelato World Tour is almost ready to welcome the best Oceania gelato artisans and the worldwide media that have already shown a great interest for the event.   

Eight cities from the five continents will become gelato capitals. These cities will welcome thousands of people to their public squares and will contribute to highlighting artisans and local products. Up to sixteen gelato chefs will be selected for each stop and they will compete with flavours that combine tradition with innovation, bringing out the flavours of the best ingredients. 

Visitors to the Gelato World Tour Village will participate in short lessons in the art of gelato taught by instructors from Carpigiani Gelato University and how to open a new gelato shop (by IFI) and will see gelato produced right in front of their eyes, and will taste the fresh gelato by purchasing the Gelato Pass. Other activities include meetings about gelato trends, gastronomic workshops, and skill challenges between professional Gelato Chefs. 

For the first time in this sector, the public will vote to decide the winner of the contest will win prizes with the “Taste & Win” competition and will become “Gelato Artisan for a day”. The final standings will be based 50% on the public’s votes and 50% on a technical jury’s votes. Tonda Challenge, in which participants must prepare two “perfect cups” weighing 60 grams, will continue for the competitors. 

After Melbourne (25th-27th October 2013), the event will move to Dubai for the Middle East region, South America, North America, Asia, and then back to Europe. About 40 artisans will compete at the Grand Finale which will be held in Rimini in September 2014, vying for the title of World’s Best Gelato.

Follow the stages of the Gelato World Tour here. 

Release the yeast!

Rustica Sourdough and Vinteloper have teamed up for a winemaker dinner experience. Brenton Lang, Masterbaker of Rustica Sourdough and David Bowley, Winemaker of Vinteloper, will lead guests through a flight of aroma, flavour and fantasy. Focus will be about wild yeast fermentation, authentic sourdough and the natural winemaking process while enjoying a sensual six-course experience from the savoury to the sweet, each paired with Vinteloper’s new releases.

When: 23rd October 2013 @ 7.30pm

Where: Rustica Sourdough Café 402 Brunswick St Fitzroy

Cost: $80 PP

Tickets: Call Rustica on 03 9417 7775 or book online

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.

Our favourite Melbourne desserts...

Desserts can make or break a meal. We share our favourite Melbourne desserts so you can make sure your dining experience ends on a sweet note.

Salted caramel ice cream churros tacos 

The salted caramel ice cream churros taco is Acland Street Cantina's dessert pièce de résistance. Piped into a flat "taco", the churros were puffy and light on the inside and deliciously crisp on the outside. And what other word can you use to describe velvety, decadent salted caramel ice cream apart from yum?

Madeleine filled with lemon curd 

The highlight of my breakfast at Cumulus Inc were these lovely madeleines filled with lemon curd. There is a 15 minute wait for these but they are well worth it! Perfectly shaped with a crisp exterior from being baked in moulded pans, the madeleines were fluffy and light. The lemon curd that oozed out of these had the perfect level of tartness - yum!

Mexican dark chocolate molten cake 

roast almond ice cream & spice poached pears

FOG Restaurant and Bar's Mexican dark chocolate cake was a decadent end to the meal. Extremely rich and moist, yet not overly sweet, and with an oozing chocolate centre. Pure indulgence. 

Mini Dutch pancakes (poffertjes)

Sezanas has the best Mini Dutch pancakes (poffertjes) in town. Served piping hot with vanilla ice cream and drizzled generously with Maple syrup, these little morsels of heaven are to die for.

Fruit and nut bagels with mixed berry mascarpone, strawberries and pistachio dust

Manchester Press' sweet bagel was excellent. The flavours were expertly balanced and the toppings generous. The creamy mascarpone had the perfect level of sweetness and complemented the acidity from the berries beautifully. The fruit and nut bagel itself was lovely – luxuriously dense, crusty on the outside and chewy on the inside with a delectable hint of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Milk chocolate and peanut sublime, candy bar style

As the name suggests, this Acland St Cantina dessert was certainly sublime. The candied nuts provided a lovely textural element and counterbalanced the smooth chocolate "candy bar". Rich and decadent, this was a naughty dessert.

Orange Blossom and Pistachio Cake with Cream Cheese Icing 

Bendigo St Milk Bar's orange blossom and pistachio cake was a particular standout. The cake was moreish, moist, perfectly balanced and beautifully textured as a result of the ground pistachios.

Sauternes Custard and Crostoli The Sauternes 

Pei Modern's Custard and Crostoli was the highlight of our visit. The custard was silky smooth and had the perfect level of sweetness from the bitter caramel and the crostoli was beautifully crisp.

Pacific Rim martini of pineapple, passionfruit and banana, liquorice ice cream and honeycomb 

Jacques Reymond does it again with this flavour explosion masterpiece. As far as pre-desserts go, this surpasses them all.

Banana bombolone with salted caramel sauce & toasted hazelnuts 

The bombolones served at Sapore are the best that we have ever had. The bombolones were puffy and beautifuly light on the inside and deliciously crisp on the outside. The banana flavour was tenaciously strong. The perfectly salty, sweet and creamy caramel sauce brought the whole dish together while the hazelnuts added a lovely crunchy element to the dish. It was sublime.

Macarons

La Belle Miette makes Melbourne's best macarons. Perfectly shaped with a range of beautiful flavours.








The desserts from Bar Nacional are TO DIE FOR. We particularly recommend the Baked sweetcorn cream, popcorn ice cream, toasted maize and brown butter – simply amazing. The saltiness of the pop corn ice cream contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the corn cream while the toasted maize provides earthy cues and texture.

Product Review: Bionade

Bionade is a unique, non-alcoholic, refreshing drink brewed via fermentation of 100% natural and organic raw materials. Bionade is also low in sugar and therefore calories, and contains the minerals calcium and magnesium.

Brewed in the Bavarian town of Ostheim vor der Rhön in Germany, Bionade abides by the same purity laws of German beer and is fermented in a similar way, but does not taste like beer and contains no alcohol.

Now one of the bestselling drinks in Europe, Bionade has recently become available in Australia and Gastrology bloggers jumped at the chance to taste Bionade and see what all the fuss is about!

And the verdict? Bionade is a winner. Bionade refreshes in a very special way that we have not encountered with regular carbonated beverages - tart, refreshing and with the perfect level of sweetness to delight a more mature palate.

In Australia, Bionade is available in 4 flavours - Ginger-Orange, Elderberry, Herbs and Lychee. The fermentation process is the key to Bionade's unique flavour. This biological transformation and maturation process makes for a beverage that is not sweet, rather it is tangy and fruity.

Bionade is built on the philosophy of providing “good refreshment”. The brand is well on its way to internationalisation and is a fantastic alternative to regular soft drinks which are packed full of sugar and artificial nasties.

We now understand why Europe has gone crazy for this uniquely refreshing, organic beverage and will be stocking up for summer!

Gastrology bloggers received the product courtesy of Bionade.

Restaurant Review: Old Kingdom

Location: 197 Smith Street, Collingwood
Phone: 03 9417 2438
Cuisine: Chinese
Overall Impression: 4/10

We love a good peking duck. Golden, crispy skinned duck, cucumber and spring onion, lathered with hoisin sauce and encased in a delicate pancake – when done well it can be truly delicious.

Unfortunately, Old Kingdom was [d]ucking terrible across all fronts - food, ambience and service. Our evening started badly when, upon arrival, we were ushered in by rude, dismissive staff. ​ 

The Peking duck arrived at our table promptly after ordering and the waiter began slicing it. However, just as soon as the duck arrived at our table, it was taken back to the kitchen leaving behind a few measly slices of skin. It is no exaggeration to say that the waiter left virtually no meat at the table, just skin.

We've never felt quite as ripped off by Peking duck before as we did at Old Kingdom. ​ We could see all the juicy meat still on the bone and hoped we would see that again in our next course (fried duck meat with beanshoot) but this was not to be. Where was all our duck?

After our 3 duck courses we were still very hungry and so, we decided to order another dish and a whole lot of rice. Unsurprisingly, the dish was mediocre at best. ​We will never return. 

Restaurant Review: Mr Huang Jin

Location: Ground Floor, Rialto Building, 525 Collins Street, Melbourne

Phone: 03 9077 7937 

Cuisine: Asian, Taiwanese, Yum Cha

Overall Impression: 8/10

With chefs from Din Tai Fung, the legendary Taipei-based global chain, it is not surprising that Mr Huang Jin has rapidly gained a cult following.

Casual sophistication is the name of the game, with the triple height ceiling paying homage to Mr Huang Jin's Rialto Towers location. 

The immaculately made xiao long bao are perfection. Showcasing the skill of the chefs, the xiao long bao skins are elastic, translucent, of consistent thickness and don't tear or unravel. In order to achieve such results, incredible discipline and extreme quality control are prerequisites. 

The pan-fried chicken dumplings, which we are told are the latest addition to the menu, were equally impressive. As were the potstickers, which had beautifully silky skins and perfectly crispy bases. The lemon grass chicken dumplings were also of note - bursting with a deliciously complex splash of lemon grass, they were an absolute delight. 

We also had some beautiful rice paper rolls. Once again, these were bursting with freshness and were finely assembled. 

The Taiwanese tapas were lovely with wine - and you definitely can't go wrong with Taiwanese fried chicken. A popular dish in Taiwanese cuisine and the mainstay of Taiwanese night markets, Taiwanese fried chicken is a very guilty but delicious pleasure. 

Mr Huang Jin’s rendition of the Taiwanese Fried Chicken is commendable - beautifully balanced from the use of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, rice wine and five-spice. 

Our dining experience at Mr Huang Jin ended with classic Taiwanese pan fried buns filled with brown sugar and walnuts. These are pillow-soft in places and crispy in others, and are filled with a sweet, warm, nutty filling. 

While many Chinese restaurants in Melbourne serve xiao long bao, Mr Huang Jin’s variety are a cut above. The fillings are lean, not fatty, and the technique used to produce them is impeccable. Aside from dumplings, Mr Huang Jin serves up a delicious mix of Taiwanese main courses and tapas offerings. Combined with the stylish location, excellent drinks menu and warm service, Mr Huang Jin is a compelling lunch and dinner time destination.

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Mr Huang Jin.

Celebrate Spring with lazy Sundays @ Royal Saxon

Location: 545 Church Street, Richmond
Phone: 03 9429 5277
Link: http://www.royalsaxon.com/
Cuisine: Italian, Pub/Bar Food, Coffee
Overall Impression: 8/10 

After the success of Spins, Spits and Swallows in July and August, the restaurant is continuing these Lazy Sunday sessions over spring!

Every Sunday from 12 pm to 8 pm this Spring, the Royal Saxon serves up succulent spring lamb panini from the courtyard spit and a special 2 course, Sunday Spring Lamb Roast set menu on top of their delicious a la carte menu. 

Buzzing for lunch on a Sunday, the Royal Saxon is a great place to finish the weekend off, especially given the Sunday specials include $5 Heineken, $5 Coldstream Cider, $12 Laurent Perrier and $20 Pink Lemonade cocktail carafes. 

Royal Saxon's hearty modern Italian menu and sharp, friendly service makes it a perfect Sunday lunch destination. Head down to the Royal Saxon for a spring celebration with Spins, Spits and Swallows over a cheeky cocktail and some delicious Spring Lamb Roast.

Hammer and Tong's new spring menu

Location: 412 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Phone: 03 9041 6033
Link: http://www.hammerandtong.com.au/
Cuisine: Breakfast/Brunch, Modern Australian, International
Overall Impression: 8.5/10

Located just off Brunswick Street, Hammer & Tong is a unique new all-day eatery right in the heart of Fitzroy. Industry pros Simon Ward and Dennis Ferreira have moulded a contemporary take on the traditional culinary experience, boasting a decadent wine menu and exceptional service combined with an industrial chic interior that is quickly making Hammer & Tong a Fitzroy food institution.

Gastrology bloggers were invited to attend an intimate gathering to celebrate Hammer & Tong's new spring menu, hosted by Simon and Dennis. There we savoured the taste of spring with a six course degustation with matching wines in celebration of the restaurant’s new season menu.

Simon and Dennis showed off their signature style and love for fresh and simple ingredients, resulting in an evening of sheer indulgence.

The dining area is cleverly divided into three; the main dining hall and coffee bar, the corridor bar and the sunroom to create the feeling of intimacy. The décor is chic and informal. Each area is unique in its design and ambience, lending to a unique drinking and dining experience.

The kitchen is open, putting the chefs and their creations on display. 

Oyster & pearls 

 Medley tomatoes, black garlic, buffalo mozzarella noodle & rye 

Yabbies, fois gras, watermelon & yuzu 

This dish provided a range of harmonising flavours and textures. The yabbies tasted fresh and were well flavoured. 

62 degrees duck egg yolk, asparagus, croutons & truffle 

The highlight of our evening, this was a triumph of a dish both in terms of texture, with the tender asparagus contrasting nicely with the croutons and the creamy duck egg yolk, and in terms of flavour, with the asparagus and yolk enhancing the earthiness of the truffle shavings.

Quail, parmasen, rocket & salad onions 

The quail was prepared with precision - medium pink, juicy and tender on the inside and crisp on the outside. The skilfully prepared quail paired classically with the fresh rocket to great effect. 

Rangers Valley wagyu tri-tip, avocado, bone marrow & shallot vinaigrette 

The wagyu was similarly well executed. The wagyu had been expertly seared and was superbly complemented by the bone marrow and the sweet shallot vinaigrette. 

 Raspberry & yoghurt 

A delicious raspberry and yogurt dessert concluded our evening. The yoghurt was rich, smooth and well balanced by the acidity of the raspberry compote. 

Hammer & Tong’s spring menu certainly delivers. With an emphasis on tried and true flavour combinations with a modern twist, Hammer & Tong celebrates what true casual dining is all about – simple and fresh ingredients done well.

Images courtesy of Dansk Photography
Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Hammer and Tong.

Restaurant Review: Taketori Fusion Japanese

Location: Shop 1, 225 King Street, Melbourne
Phone: 03 9939 8152
Link: http://www.taketori.com.au/
Cuisine: Japanese
Overall Impression: 8/10

From its unassuming location at the top of King Street, Gastrology bloggers were astounded last week to find that Taketori is serving up some of the finest sushi and sashimi in Melbourne.

The salmon, tuna and scallop sashimi we experienced were staggeringly fresh and exquisitely textured. 

The nigiri was expertly crafted and the plump, sweet scallops beggared belief - they were some of the most delicious we have encountered, ever. It is clear that Taketori is using only the freshest, highest quality seafood. 

Although it is easy to get carried away with the sushi and sashimi on offer, Taketori also serves up Japanese favourites of the non raw variety. 

The soft, melt in your mouth flesh of the Unagi was delicious and the glistening glaze balanced the elements of salt and sweet perfectly. 

The dramatically presented prawns were fresh, juicy and sweet and were encased in an ethereally light and crispy tempura batter. 

Having only opened around 6 weeks ago, Taketori is the new kid on the block. Whilst unassuming and casual in its decor and ambience, Taketori sets itself apart by offering extremely high quality sushi and sashimi as well as comforting favourites such as tempura and unagi. Quite simply, we are counting down the days until we can return to this deliciously secret sushi lovers' destination.

 

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Taketori

Nuffnang's Food Blogger Meet up & Tasting @ Cacao Green

Location: Lower Level, Chadstone Shopping Centre, Chadstone
Phone: 03 9563 3355
Link: http://www.cacaogreen.com.au/
Cuisine: Frozen Yogurt, desserts

Gastrology bloggers attended a Nuffnang Food Blogger Meetup and Tasting at Cacao Green to celebrate the opening of Cacao Green’s Chadstone Store. We were treated to delicious samples of some of the best offerings from Cacao Green’s menu while learning why organic, fair trade, and all-natural ingredients make their froyo so good.

Every Cacao Green store uses organic yogurt, milk, chocolate and coffee beans. Their unique frozen yogurt is made from organic non-fat milk and yogurt which means it has all the natural goodness of yogurt such as calcium, protein and live cultures.

Cacao Green proudly promotes fair trade and sustainable ingredients to help create a better and brighter future for both their consumers and the farmers and workers in the developing world. We were pleased to hear that Cacao Green’s froyos do not contain any artificial colours, flavours, preservatives, additives or high-fructose corn syrup. And everything including the toppings are freshly prepared daily.

The menu features Organic Frozen Yogurts, Parfaits, Smoothies, Yogurt Drinks/Frappe, Organic Brazillian Chocolate drinks, tea and coffee.

Frozen yogurt: Matcha (green tea) 

The yogurt was beautifully creamy and there was an ample amount of sweetness that did not overpower the twang that comes with a good frozen yogurt. The green tea flavour was surprisingly light. We should note that the green tea frozen yogurt tastes very different to green tea ice cream. So don't expect something that is texturally dense with intense green tea flavour. This is a lighter, much more refreshing version. As expected, the froyo was very creamy and tasted very natural.

Frozen yogurt: Italian Original

The Italian Original froyo was a winner. It is no wonder that this is Cacao Green's signature flavour. We were delighted by every moreish mouthful that melted in our mouths. The sweetness and the tanginess of the yogurt was perfectly balanced. Highly recommended!

Tropical parfait: cacao green original frozen yogurt, mango, pineapple, banana and granola clusters 

Mixed berries parfait: cacao green original frozen yogurt, strawberry, blueberry, banana and granola clusters 

The parfaits were fabulous. Think layers of frozen yogurt, fresh fruits and granola clusters – just beautiful.

We ended our tasting at Cacao Green with some fair trade cappuccinos. 

Fair trade and organic, Cacao Green is frozen yogurt heaven.

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Nuffnang Australia and Cacao Green.

2013 Mission Mexican Festival launch @ Mad Mex

Gastrology bloggers were privileged to attend the launch of the 2013 Mission Mexican Festival (that will be held on Sunday!) last night.

The Mad Mex (QV) restaurant was temporarily shut down for this special event and we were delighted by an array of Mexican-themed surprises. 

Our evening stated with a behind the scenes look at this year's Mission Mexican Festival. We were given the opportunity to hear all about the good things the Mexican Festival Committee have in store for all Victorians and their taste buds this year. Last year, the inaugural Mission Mexican Festival, which coincides each year with Mexican Independence day, attracted over 25,000 people to Federation Square.

This year it is set to be even bigger, brighter and more delicious. Melbourne food and culture lovers are invited to attend the free family event, which is supported by MEXVIC (The Mexican Social & Cultural Association of Victoria). The Hon Nicholas Kotsiras MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship and Minister for Energy and Resources will officially open the event. 

We also learned a bit about Mad Mex and what has made the chain so successful. Since opening its first store in December 2007 in Crown Street, Sydney, Mad Mex has remained true to its founding principles: Fresh and Healthy, Fast and Delicious, Authentic and Exciting. Today, it is one of Australia’s most respected Mexican brands. 

Next, we were treated to a tequila taste testing which was a great component of the evening. We learned about the history of the drink, the different varieties of tequila, and the traditional ways to drink it and, of course, sampled different types of the popular Mexican spirit. 

The night ended with everyone rolling up their sleeves and getting down and dirty, burrito-style. Attendees were given the opportunity to create their very own Mad Mex burrito! 

We were pleased to see and taste what Mad Mex had to offer. The food served is gourmet Baja style Mexican food that is healthy, hearty and full of flavour. Think fresh produce, flavour filled salsas, authentic slow roasted and grilled meats wrapped up in fresh tortillas or tacos – Yum! And if you’re thirsty, Mad Mex offers a selection of imported Mexican beers, cocktails and soft drinks. 

Federation Square comes to colourful life on Sunday September 15 with the authentic smells, tastes and sounds of Mexico. More details here.

Event review: Spring Graze @ Ayatana [24th September]

Location: 97 Chapel Street, Windsor

Phone: 03 9533 8813

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

Cuisine: Thai, Asian 

Overall Impression: 8.5/10

Ayatana celebrates Spring Graze with a delicious five course modern Thai feast prepared with fresh, local Victorian produce sourced from some of Prahran Market's star traders. Also partnering with Oakdene, each course is perfectly matched with one of the winery’s wines.

One of our favourite Thai restaurants in Melbourne, Ayatana serves Modern Thai cuisine with bold and authentic flavour combinations.

1st Course: Hot & sour portobello & flat mushrooms soup

Sourced: Damian Pike - Prahran Market

Matched with: 2010 Oakdene ‘Yvette’ Methode Traditionelle Sparkling 

The sweet and sour soup was flavoursome and had the perfect hint of chilli. It was a lovely start to the meal. 

2nd Course: Sweet crunchy roasted tamarind bio-dynamic brown rice salad

Sourced: Ripe The Organic Grocer - Prahran Market 

Matched with: 2012 Oakdene ‘Jessica’ Sauvignon Blanc

The salad of sweet crunchy roasted tamarind brown rice had an intriguing combination of crushed cashew nuts, green apple, bean shoots, mint, coriander, red onion and crispy noodles. All the dazzlingly fresh ingredients blended harmoniously, resulting in a clean and bright dish with a perfect salt-sour-heat balance.

3rd Course: Caramelised crispy free range berkshire pork belly (Greta Valley free range pork)

Sourced: Gary's Quality Meats - Prahran Market 

Matched with: 2012 Oakdene ‘Peta’s’ Pinot Noir

The pork belly was excellent, with a crispy but well-proportioned layer of fat sitting atop a succulent layer of tender, juicy meat. The balance of sweet and salt exhibited great skill.

4th Course: Slow cooked sher wagyu rump massaman curry 

Sourced: Neil's Meats - Prahran Market 

Matched with: 2010 Oakdene ‘William’ Shiraz

The sher wagyu rump in the masaman curry had been cooked gently, the tender meat falling off the bone and combining wonderfully with the sweet potato pieces and kaffir lime. 

5th Course: Salted caramel ice cream sundae, sliced steamed banana, roasted honey macadamia

Sourced: Fritz Gelato - Prahran Market 

Matched with: 2013 Oakdene Pinot Grigio

The banana was deliciously soft, gooey and sticky and was infused in a delectable spiced palm sugar caramel. The fritz gelato ice cream was desirably smooth and the toasted honey macadamias plus the salted caramel topped off this killer dessert.

Enjoy a Thai fine dining experience with a modern twist at Ayatana. 

The restaurant’s Spring Graze menu will see you on a delectable journey guided by the Thai food compass of 'Hot', 'Sweet', 'Sour', and 'Salty' flavours. The 5 course menu is cleverly designed and incorporates premium produce from Victorian producers (sourced from Prahran Market) delightfully matched with Oakdene wines. 

When: Tuesday the 24th of September from 7:30pm to 10:00pm 

Where: Ayatana, 97 Chapel Street, Windsor 

Phone: (03) 9533 8813 

Price: $95.00 per person for 5 courses with matching wines 

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Ayatana.

Review: HERO - Born in Brooklyn Raised in Melbourne

Location: Stewart Street at the back of 445 Swanston Street, Melbourne (RMIT SAB Building 80)
Phone: 03 9995 4655
Link: http://www.herosubs.com.au/
Cuisine: American, Fast Food, Sandwiches/Subs
Overall Impression: 8/10

A revolution of the sandwich kind has arrived in Melbourne. 

Since the opening of The Grain Store, Michael and Eleena have been busy putting together their new food concept called HERO, now open at Stewart Street. 

Taking its inspiration from gourmet ‘Hero-style’ sandwiches made famous in and around Brooklyn-Queens, New York, HERO has taken the art of the simple sandwich baguette and applied the Melbourne shuffle to its big sandwich flavours. 

The HERO baguettes are oversized sandwiches with big, bold flavours and gourmet fillings to match. HERO has worked closely with some of Melbourne's best artisan food suppliers to develop unique flavours, from the bread (Empire bakery) right through to the meats (Castricum), veggies (Biviano & Sons) and NYC-style bagels (Five & Dime Bagel Co). 

We were pleased to enjoy some HERO baguettes at their new neighbourhood over the weekend. 

Apart from delicious subs, HERO also serves some delicious Brooklyn-style treats including maple chipotle (smokey, sticky and spicy BBQ wings) and hot ball donuts which have unique fillings and are sprinkled with flavoured sugar toppings.

Spreading love, the Brooklyn way, HERO subs are taking Melbourne by storm. Their hand-made over-sized gourmet baguettes are filled with the freshest produce and ingredients and this is evident in how it tastes. Big, bold sandwich flavours which are delicious and affordable – what more could you want?

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of HERO.

Product Review: Spiral Foods Organic Coconut Sweet Spread

Australia’s leading supplier of quality Traditional Foods, Spiral Foods has released a coconut spread. 

Spiral Foods Organic Coconut Sweet Spread is 100 percent certified organic, has no artificial colours or flavours, and boasts the versatility to act as a spread, a topping, a sugar substitute or even just a sneaky spoonful snack.

The coconut spread is made entirely of coconut that has been crushed in a way that creates a paste, which is then blended with the nectar from the coconut flower. Coconut oil has been proven to reduce hunger, aid in weight loss, have powerful medicinal properties and is rich in lauric acid. 

Taste: 

Upon tasting the spread on some Rustica bread, we found the coconut taste just beautiful. It spreads like butter and melts in your mouth like chocolate. The richness of the flavour is surprising, as is the sweetness. We loved this richness in taste and texture.

Ingredients: 

Organic coconut, organic extra virgin coconut oil, organic coconut nectar. 

Shelf life: 

Two years 

Packaging: 

350g glass jar 

What to use it with: 

If you are constantly craving butter or cream cheese, this is a much healthier alternative. We liked it especially on homemade bread, or organic crispbread. Spiral’s Coconut Spread is perfect for the pantry as an alternative or as an add on to your other spreads. You can smooth and melt it on crumpets or pancakes instead of using maple syrup, as a sandwich filling, or on toast. 

Verdict: 

For those avoiding dairy products or simply wanting to try something different, this is a great alternative. While it still contains quite a lot of fat and calories, it uses higher quality organic ingredients. The coconut oil it contains is also associated with a ton of health benefits.

Gastrology bloggers received the product courtesy of Spiral Foods

A round up of this month's hottest foodie news

Zumbo pops up

Gramercy welcomed Adriano Zumbo last week with a pop-up "stand" at the restaurant featuring his famous sweet treats. Zumbo is set to open his latest patisserie on north Chapel Street this month, cementing South Yarra as Melbourne’s hottest new food destination.

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Spring Graze

Weekends in September just got better. Spring graze is back. Here are some of our top spots to get your graze on:

Ayatana celebrates Spring Graze with a delicious five course modern Thai feast prepared with fresh, local Victorian produces sourced from some of Prahran Market's star traders. Also partnering with Oakdene, each course is perfectly matched with one of the winery’s wines

When: Tue 24 Sep from 7:30pm to 10:00pm

Phone: (03) 9533 8813

Where: Ayatana 97 Chapel St, Windsor

Pricing: $95.00

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This September, La Svolta welcomes Spring through the marriage of Italian cuisine and authentic flavours with local ingredients with a Spring Graze menu.

When: The Spring Graze menu is available on Sunday, September 22nd from 11.30am - 4pm 

Where: both La Svolta venues

How: Call (03) 9510 3001 to book. 

Price: $30 which includes two courses (entree and main or main and dessert) and a glass of Di Stasio Wine (either Chardonnay or Pinot Noir). 

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Spring Graze specials will run across Albert Park, Middle Park and Newmarket Hotels while Circa will feature a stunning menu of wood BBQ king prawns, spring lamb and a bitter chocolate mousse to finish. Call (03) 9536 1122 to book. 

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Royal Saxon heralds the arrival of Spring with ‘The Venetian Connection’; a three course seasonal dinner inspired by the Italian region of Veneto. The Venetian Connection will take place on Wednesday 18th September and tickets are priced at $50 per person. For tickets contact phone (03) 9429 5277 or email info@royalsaxon.com 

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Beef Experience @ Steer

If you love a good cut, Steer Bar & Grill at The Olsen have introduced something for meat lovers the 'Beef Experience'. A plate to share for three, the chefs will select the finest fare available.

Weekend rotisserie @ ASC

Acland Street Cantina is heating things up with their weekly rotisserie. Each weekend will feature a different roast. You might see 12 hour roasted lamb with ancient grain salad, quesco oaxaca and blue corn tortillas, all for $20pp. Available for lunch and dinner both Saturday and Sunday. 

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Mount Mary Wine Dinner @ Circa

Mount Mary, a family owned winery established in the Yarra Valley in 1971 is joining Circa, The Prince on September 17 to showcase their wines alongside the stunning food from the Circa kitchen. 

Wines like their 2011 chardonnay will be paired with hay smoked quail with new season morels and asparagus, while the evening will be rounded off with a Cabechou style goat's cheese with quince marmalade and hazelnut toast, paired with the Mount Mary 2011 Quintet. 

Tickets are $150 for four courses with paired wines. Booking essential. Call (03) 9536 1122 to book.
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Melbourne Market Awards, the results are in! 

Last night Melbourne's market community gathered together to celebrate the inaugural Melbourne Market Awards. Presented by Lee Chan of Coxy's Big Break and My Kitchen Rules, Melbourne's Favourite traders as voted by their loyal customers from the Queen Victoria, South Melbourne, Prahran and Dandenong Markets, came out in style as the city honoured them. 

The awards were presented by the expert panel of judges including food writer Hilary McNevin, Chef Nicky Riemer from Union Dining and Russell Zimmerman, Executive Director of the Australian Retailers Association was represented by his colleague Garry Terrill. 

And Melbourne Best Market Traders for 2013 are...

COFFEE

Padre Coffee of South Melbourne Market

DELICATESSEN

Curds & Whey of Queen Victoria Market

FRUIT & VEGETABLE

Georgie's Harvest of South Melbourne Market

POULTRY

The Chicken Pantry of Queen Victoria Market

MEAT

Gary's Quality Meats of Prahran Market

SEAFOOD

Happy Tuna Seafoods of Queen Victoria Market

SPECIALTY

Peanut Market of Dandenong Market

GENERAL MERCHANDISE

The Pet Grocer of South Melbourne Market

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Tick off the weekend checklist, Mexican style!

What: 2013 Mission Mexican Festival

When: Sunday 15 September, 10am-6pm

Where: Federation Square

Read more here.
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Market Week returns this September to celebrate Melbourne’s Markets' iconic status

Market Week returns this September . For more than 120 years, Prahran Market, South Melbourne Market, Dandenong Market and Queen Victoria Market have each been cemented as iconic symbols of food, trade and community. This will be the first time Dandenong Market has joined in the celebrations, making them even bigger than previous years!

The Markets of Melbourne Market Week kicked off on September 7 and will run through to Sunday September 15 at Prahran Market, South Melbourne Market, Queen Victoria Market & Dandenong Market. Here's a summary of notable events upcoming: 

The Great Icon Giveaways will be a memorable highlight of Market Week with iconic produce being given away absolutely FREE during selected times and dates (while stocks last). There is sure to be some manic, freebie madness ensuing! 

• South Melbourne Market Dim Sims: Friday September 13, 10am - 11am.
• Queen Victoria Market, Hot Jam Doughnuts from the American Doughnut Kitchen: Saturday September 14, 9am - 10am. 
• Dandenong Market, assorted nuts and spices from Peanut Market: Saturday September 14, 9am - 10am.
• Prahran Market, Cupcakes from Mr Nice Guy Cupcakes: Sunday September 15, 11am - 1pm, Fruit & Veg Hall.

Prahran Market - Foodie Event: Traders Tuesday. 

Tuesday September 10, 10am - 4pm.  

See some of Prahran's star traders in action including Damian Pike, Gary McBean and Terry from Theo and Son's Seafood demonstrating their trade and favourite cuisines in the Blanco Kitchen. FREE.

South Melbourne Market - Kids Play at the Market: Bike n Blend. 

Wednesday September 11, 10am - 2pm. 

Saturday September 14, 10am - 2pm. 

Make your own smoothie using pedal power. Healthy, great for the environment and quite a spectacle. The kids will love it. Cecil Street. FREE. 

Dandenong Market - Tastes of Dandenong, Indian Street Food at The Kitchen.

Friday September 14, 1pm - 2pm. 

Take a food journey through Western India with resident chef Russell Bald and Chaat Corner chef Chintan Shah. Watch them demonstrate techniques to conjure the delectable flavours of this region. The Kitchen events always draw a big crowd. FREE.

Queen Victoria Market - Spanish Churros Eating Competition. 

Sunday September 15, 1.30pm - 2pm. 

The annual Market Week eating comp is back! Last year it was oysters, this year we're embracing all things Spanish with a Churros eating competition! Also known as Spanish donuts and usually dipped in chocolate sauce, these fried sticks of doughy goodness have people forming long, orderly queues every Market day. If you're a fan - prove it! Register on the day!
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Taste of Melbourne 2013

Melbourne’s premier restaurant festival Taste of Melbourne arrives for 2013, once again gracing Pelican Lawn at Albert Park, November 14 – 17. The food and wine celebration sees Melbourne’s favourite restaurants return, as well as new movers and shakers on the dining scene; Taxi Dining, Longrain, Burch & Purchese dessert restaurant, MoVida, Albert St Food & Wine, The Smith, and Huxtable, with more to be announced shortly. 

Taste of Melbourne 2013 endeavours to bring many new attractions and visitor learning opportunities to enrich the festival experience including Tasmanian Pavilion, Lurpak Cookery School, an impressive line-up of local and international chefs who will host free skillery sessions across all four days and a Beer Hall where festival goers can taste local and imported beers, meet the brewers and participate in the free masterclass.

Now in its 6th year, Taste of Melbourne is firmly established as an annual ‘must attend event’ that celebrates the city’s ever evolving food, wine and dining scene. Learn more here.

What: Taste of Melbourne 2013

When: Thursday November 14- Sunday November 17, 2013

Where: Pelican Lawn, Albert Park Lake

Price: Tickets start from $25.00 from Ticketek

When Italy met Yea – Spring Graze @ La Svolta [22nd September]

Location: 3/5 Cecil Place, Prahran and 450 Hampton Street, Hampton

Link: http://www.lasvolta.com.au/
Cuisine: Italian
Overall Impression: 8/10

This September, La Svolta welcomes Spring through the marriage of Italian cuisine and authentic flavours with local ingredients with a Spring Graze menu. Gastrology bloggers were privileged to attend a dinner which featured a tasting of each dish on the spring graze menu.

La Svolta is a restaurant with a proud reputation forged over many years of operation. The exposed kitchen at the far end of the dining hall proudly displays both the chefs and the prominent pizza oven, lending to the wonderful atmosphere. The dining room is modern with polished timber finishes and exposed brick walls – the perfect setting for rustic Italian food. 

Beef Carpaccio with wild rucola and shaved parmigiano 

Simple and delicious. The beef had a beautiful melt-in-your-mouth texture. 

Verdure Pastellate mixed seasonal vegetables in a light batter 

The tempura vegetables were pleasant. The batter encasing the vegetables was ethereally light and very crisp. Combined with the various dips the dish was a delight to eat. 

Risotto Burrata with fresh basil and salsa di pepperoni 

The rice in the risotto was puffy and al-dente and had a nice flavour. 

Pasta Carciofo homemade pasta with artichoke, guanciale and chilli 

Atop the superbly cooked, wonderfully textured pasta were delectably crisp shreds of Guanciale (unsmoked Italian bacon prepared with pig's cheeks). The perfectly cooked artichoke and chilli provided freshness. 

Background: Agnello Alle Erbe grilled herbed lamb cutlets with artichokes, lime and mint 

Foreground: Bistecca grilled porterhouse steak with spring onion mash and madeira sauce 

The herbed lamb cutlets, topped with artichokes, lime and mint, was moist and very flavoursome. It was a well made and homely dish that was thoroughly enjoyable. 

The succulent steak was well cooked with the adorning strip of fat providing an additional indulgent burst of flavour. The madeira sauce added a delightful savouriness to the steak which enlivened the relatively heavy dish. 

After the rollicking ride provided by the savoury courses, the first of our desserts arrived. 

Zablione with biscuits and fresh fruit 

The biscuits were highlighted by a light and airy, soufflé like, consistency with a subtly sweet flavour while the Zablione was smooth and fragrant. Providing excellent balance to the relatively sweet and heavy items were the beautiful fresh fruits. 

Vanilla Panna Cotta with berry compote 

The panna cotta was smooth and well-executed. It was a decadent end to a delightful meal. 

As they say at La Svolta, mangiare e felicita - eating is happiness, and this Spring celebration was no exception. In a match made in gastronomic heaven, the menu crafted by La Svolta's Valerio Calabro and Pino Russo is absolutely scrumptious and showcases local produce sourced from the Yea farm of friend and fellow restaurateur Carmine Constantini. The meal is also paired with a glass of delicious Di Stasio Wine. We highly recommend you spoil yourself with this afternoon of Italian indulgence. 

Details

When: The Spring Graze menu is available on Sunday, September 22nd from 11.30am - 4pm 

Where: both La Svolta venues

How: Call (03) 9510 3001 to book. 

Price: $30 which includes two courses (entree and main or main and dessert) and a glass of Di Stasio Wine (either Chardonnay or Pinot Noir). 

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of La Svolta.

2013 Mission Mexican Festival [15th September]

What: 2013 Mission Mexican Festival

When: Sunday 15 September, 10am-6pm

Where: Federation Square

Tick off the weekend checklist, Mexican style!

1. Comer (eat)

2. Beber (drink)

3. Bailar (dance)

The Mission Mexican Festival has your weekend checklist covered. Come and enjoy the best things in life, Mexican style, when Federation Square comes to colourful life on Sunday September 15 with the authentic smells, tastes and sounds of Mexico.

Last year, the inaugural Mission Mexican Festival, which coincides each year with Mexican Independence day, attracted over 25,000 people to Federation Square.

This year it is set to be even bigger, brighter and more delicious and Melbourne food and culture lovers are invited to attend the free family event. Highlights will include:

Comer! (Eat)

Some of Victoria’s best Mexican restaurants will be in attendance along with a collection of famous Melbourne taco trucks. They will feature traditional and modern Mexican cuisine. Among the restaurants attending: Chingon Taqueria y Cantina, Chido Taco truck, Blue Corn, Santa Ana Tapas Bar, Mamasita, Taco Bill Mexican Restaurant, Touché Hombre, Los Amates, Mexico City, Mad Mex, The Black Toro, South American Barbecue, Lulo, Salsa’s, Dos Por Favor and Guzman y Gomez.

Beber! (drink)

The Mexican Cantina is a place to taste traditional Mexican drinks like tequila, beer, Mexican soft drinks and fruit juices.

Bailar! (dance)

A special guest this year will be Abbie Cardwell and the Chicano Rockers – Abbie is an award winning songstress from Melbourne, Triple J Unearthed Winner, ABC Contemporary Music Award Winner, BMI USA Song Winner, Australian Music Week Winner, Music Oz Award Winner. She was also a contestant on The Voice in 2012 and flew to Mexico to record her album, which will be released at the end of this year. Spanish- Australian Comedian and actor, best known for his character "Ricky" in Acropolis Now, Simon Palomares is Master of Ceremonies on the Main Stage and will introduce a long line of entertainment from Mexican musicians and folk dancers including the Mariachi 'Los Romanticos', the Mexbourne Dance Company, Sin Frontera Band, Los Mas Altos and Esmeralda Araiza, Zumba and Latin music.

The Festival will also feature a Mexican Market with traditional produce, art and jewellery and activities for kids including piñata making, craft and Mexican music lessons. Among the vendors are Guacamall-e (online Mexican groceries), Tasty Delights (traditional Mexican sweet bread), Vikki G (Mexican sterling silver), La Llorona (Mexican clothing), La Calaca (wrestling Mexican masks), My Adventure Store & G Adventures (travel agency), Sugar Shack (bubble blowers and rock candy), Funtastic Parties (partyware) and Botella del Sol (agave nectar).  CAE (Centre for Adult Education) will be giving free Spanish Language workshops every hour during the festival.