Event: Wyncity Launch @ Point Cook

Gastrology attended the event as guests of WYNCITY.

Gastrology attended the media launch of WYNCITY over the weekend. WYNCITY is a brand-new world-class bowling and family entertainment centre which has just opened in Point Cook.

Offering the latest in tenpin bowling, world-class Laserforce laser tag, bumper cars, pool tables, mini golf and an amazing range of arcade games, WYNCITY is Australia’s newest venue for action-packed indoor recreation.

A short stroll from Williams Landing train station, WYNCITY is a multi-configurable 6000m² venue for both public entertainment and private functions.

Owned and operated by the Scolaro family, WYNCITY has been an iconic bowling and entertainment centre in Werribee for the past 30 years. The family’s decision to expand and move their successful business to the new Point Cook site has been five years in the making.

Designed by the renowned BB Design Group and incorporating murals by famed Canadian artist Trev Fury, the leading-edge Point Cook venue positions WYNCITY at the forefront of family entertainment in Victoria.

Combining the latest interactive entertainment technology sourced from across the globe with the Scolaro family’s expertise in leisure management, the new WYNCITY will draw crowds from far and wide.v

WYNCITY’s 24 lanes of QubicaAMF tenpin bowling feature 42-inch monitors, iPad scoring systems with Facebook check-in, latest PlayStation-like bowling games, built-in cameras and are serviced by virtual waiters. It will be bowling your way.

The Laserforce arena provides guests adrenaline-packed adventure. With capacity for 24 people per mission, WYNCITY’s technologically advanced laser tag is complete with awesome props, easy-to-use weapons and a pumping soundtrack.

Among the range of arcade games at WYNCITY is Australia’s first ever Time Freak attraction, a thrilling race against the clock in a vibrant UV-coloured room.

Spread over two levels, WYNCITY offers activities for everyone from small children to adults and offers facilities for kids’ parties and adult birthdays as well as corporate events and conferences for up to 70 people.

The new location includes a full service restaurant bar facilities featuring wood-fired pizza. WYNCITY has parking for up to 85 cars and is easily accessible by public transport. The venue is only a five-minute walk from Williams Landing train station, which is a 30-minute journey from Southern Cross Station.

Gastrology bloggers visited WYNCITY as guests.

Hop Harvest 2014 - Hop-inspired degustation dinner @ Circa The Prince

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Hop Harvest 2014 and Circa The Prince.

Gastrology attended an exclusive hop inspired degustation dinner at Circa recently where we enjoyed a bespoke menu designed by leading chef Ashly Hicks. The menu showcased natural flavours and complemented a range of beers selected by Lion master brewer, Peter David.

Led by the Beer Pilgrim, guests escaped on a journey through Tasmania’s luscious hop fields, expressed by a selection of surprising and delicious taste combinations – the fruits of this year’s bountiful hop harvest. 

Leading chef Ashly Hicks, Executive Chef at Melbourne’s Circa restaurant took the art of food and beer matching a step further, through an innovative approach by incorporating hops as an ingredient in the menu presented to us.

As Australian hops are receiving world-wide acclaim by brewers and beer lovers alike, and with the annual hop harvest taking place this month, there was no better time to wet our whistle by celebrating hoppy beers from near and far.

Ashly's menu brought our appreciation of beer to new heights while showcasing his technical genius in food pairing and preparation.

Heritage beetroots roasted in hops with barley curd & malted onions

Beer match: Pilsner Urquell, Beck's

The sweet beetroots complimented the smokey and savoury flavours of the roasted hops. The hops added a beautiful textural element to the dish. We thought the Pilsner Urquell matched this first course the best, with its biscuit and whole-grain cracker characteristics.

Blue cod with summer leeks, truffle and roasted hop broth

Beer match: James Squire The Constable Copper Ale, Spitfire Kentish Ale

The blue cod was an outstanding course. Superbly cooked, the piece of white fish was succulent and sweet. Its delicate ‘melt in your mouth’texture was sensational. The flavours were subtle and earthy. We loved matching this course with the Spitfire Kentish Ale which was a beautifully balanced beer with aromatic allure.

Robbins Island Wagyu with mustard, marrow & onion juice

Beer match: Little Creatures Pale Ale, Knappstein Reserve

The wagyu was cooked to perfection and matched both the Little Creatures Pale Ale and Knappstein Reserve well. The Knappstein was particularly interesting. Possessing wine-like balance, it had intense fruity characters of citrus and melon. The honeyed malt and hop finish made it the perfect accompaniment to the equally sweet onion juice and flavoursome wagyu.

Chocolate mousse with cherries, cocoa & shortbread

Beer match: Seven Sheds St Ella IPA, Feral Hop Hog

The hop-inspired degustation ended on a high with a decadent and absolutely stunning chocolate mousse. We found the Feral Hop Hog the perfect match for this dessert as it cut through the richness of the mousse with its aggressive bitterness and dry finish while complementing the sweet cherries with its citrus aroma. It was a commendable end to the dinner.

Left to right: Tim (the Beer Pilgrim), Peter David (Lion Master Brewer)

Over the course of the dinner we learned quite a number of interesting facts about Australian hops and how their unique flavour profile make them highly sought after in both local and overseas markets. This year’s hop harvest has been a hotbed of international interest, with approximately 60 per cent of the local crop earmarked for export.

Lion Master Brewer, Peter David, said while Australian hop varieties are gaining popularity in international markets, they are also warranting attention here at home because of their distinctive hop flavour and aroma.

According to Peter, the distinctive Australian lifestyle means that beer is arguably the perfect beverage to complement a meal. Hops have the ability to enhance the flavour and aroma of food, so matching food with beer can transform something ordinary into a memorable dining experience. We could not agree more.

Food and beer pairing unearths a natural approach to fine dining and beer appreciation which we love and hope will become more commonplace.

Images courtesy of Rob Daniel Photography.

Month of The Prince @ Acland St Cantina - Taco Tuesdays | Cantina Crab Shack Thursdays and MORE... [April 2014]

Location: 2 Acland Street, St Kilda
Phone: (03) 9536 1175
Link: www.aclandstcantina.com.au
Cuisine: Mexican
Overall Impression: 9/10 

Clear your schedule, prepare the palate, polish your crown and get set for a festival of the senses as the Prince of Wales celebrates Month of The Prince in April 2014. Not only does April see the arrival of Prince William and Kate Middleton to Australia, but it also sees a hive of activity invade the iconic Prince of Wales complex in St Kilda, with a spate of feature events, exclusive guest-chef dinners, street festivals, live performances, lunch specials and accommodation packages available throughout the month.

Our all-time favourite Mexican haunt, Acland St Cantina celebrates "Month of The Prince" this April with lots of exciting foodie specials.

Cantina Crab Shack - Every Thursday in April

Every Thursday, Acland St Cantina’s Crab Shack will feature an evolving menu of deep-sea delights from everyone's favourite crustacean.  Clamp your claws around spanner crab tostadas, soft shell crab tacos and stuffed zucchini flowers. 

What: Cantina Crab Shack

When: Every Thursday in April

How much: $25 for 3 Baja California-inspired crab bites;  $50 for 3 bites + Veracruzbraised whole blue swimmer crab

Taco Tuesdays - Every Tuesday (duh!) in April

Every Tuesday, Acland St Cantina will be offering up some Mexican delights, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla.

What: Taco Tuesdays

When: Every Tuesday in April

Cost: $20 for 5 tacos; $10 margarita specials 

Read our review of Acland St Cantina here.

Other highlights include...

Savages and Hicks, Circa The Prince, Monday 7th April

Sydney’s chef of the moment, Brent Savage from Bentley Restaurant + Bar, join’s Circa’s Ashly Hicks to showcase a night of outstanding seasonal produce and flavor-forward fare with a five course menu. Wines will be matched by Bentley sommelier Nick Hildebrandt and Circa’s Sally Humble.

Tickets: Priced at $195 including 5 courses + matched wine.

Circa Through The Ages, Tuesday 15th April

A degustation dinner that will bring together some of Circa’s most memorable heads chefs, who will each prepare a dish from their time in tenure. Guest chefs include Matt Wilkinson, Philippa Sibley, David Moyle, Jake Nicolson, Ashly Hicks and Stephen Burke. Wine matched by past and present Circa sommeliers including Sally Humble, Chris Crawford, Matt Brooke and Sarah Ward.

Tickets: Priced at $165 including 5 courses + matched wine.

Street Feud, The Deck, Sunday 27th April

A street food stand-off between Melbourne’s sticky finger specialists on The Deck at Circa, including Hanoi Hannah, Saigon Sally, Charlie Dumpling, Acland St Cantina, Newmarket Hotel and more. Street Feud invites the public to scoff and score Melbourne’s favourite side-walk serves.

Tickets: Priced at $39 including a dish from each participating vendor

Lunch Like a Prince, Circa, April

Circa invites you to lunch like a prince on a poor man’s budget with a $25 two course menu + wine, available every Monday to Friday in April.

Live Music, Prince Bandroom and Prince Public Bar

Keep your ear buds on a high post Grand Prix, as April cranks up the decibels with huge local and international acts rocking the Prince Bandroom, including The Fratellis (April 4), Kodaline (April 5), Michael Franti & Spearhead (April 16), Devendra Banhart (April 17) and Yacht Club DJÕs (April 18). Get down and grungy at the Prince Public Bar with free live gigs by Drunk Mums, The Mighty Boys, Mimi V and Denver Maxx on April 4, plus a formidable line up including Gossamer Pride, Harvey Cartel, The Tarantinos, Papa G & The Starcats and Arthur Penn & The Funk Ten on April 26.

Live Like A Prince, The Prince Hotel

Live like royalty at The Prince Palace (Hotel) for stays in April, with a regal accommodation package that includes twin share accommodation, dinner for two at Circa, royal cocktails for two at Circa Bar and breakfast for two at Acland St Cantina.

Package Price: $450 per couple.

Check out more information on Month of the Prince here. 

Tunes & Tapas @ Sooki Lounge

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Sooki Lounge.

Sooki Lounge opened its doors late last year. The venue is baroque-themed and has a relaxed vibe, setting itself apart by offering a unique hangout spot for locals in the area.

Prior to establishing Sooki Lounge, owner, Suzana Pozvek ran a gourmet deli and established an organic Moroccan restaurant in the Eastern suburbs. With experience on her side, Sooki Lounge’s service runs like a well-oiled machine.    

Sooki Lounge is an excellent venue which features live music, artist exhibitions and assorted entertainment. Their tapas menu complements these aspects of the venue and features organic/free range produce where possible. Inspired by modern Spanish and Mexican fusion flavours, Head Chef Mudit Kumar recommends the Garbonzas con espinacas, which he believes represents his menu the best. The dish is a traditional chickpea dish cooked with pimenton, spinach and picada da pan.

The cocktail menu is impressive, boasting a wide selection of old and new favourites. The bar also offers a solid selection of wines and craft beers. 

Bands are booked through Jeff Springfield, Sooki Lounge’s event manager with live music scheduled every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For the adventurous, belly dancing and burlesque workshops are also held at the venue (usually on Tuesdays and Wednesdays).

With experienced and engaging bar staff ready to make you a cocktail of your choice, Sooki Lounge is a relaxing spot to unwind with friends and family over live music.

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.

Restaurant Review: Pure South

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Pure South during our Good Food Month visit.

Location: Shop 2/3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank

Phone: 03 9699 4600

Cuisine: Modern Australian, Steakhouse, Seafood

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

Overall Impression: 9/10

Pure South is a restaurant that offers exceptional modern Australian cuisine to the Melbourne dining scene. The restaurant serves superbly fresh produce, all sourced directly from Tasmania, King Island and Flinders Island.

With Head Chef Ashley Davis heading the kitchen, it is no wonder the food is amazing. Having spent the last decade manning the kitchens of Michelin star restaurants in the UK, Ashley Davis brings a world of culinary expertise and love of Tasmanian produce to his role as head chef at Pure South.

We began our meal with beautifully fresh oysters.  

Both our mains were delicious - showcasing premium ingredients; each perfectly executed with expertly balanced flavour combinations. 

 The premium nature of our Pure South meal was reinforced at its conclusion with delicious desserts.

Our dessert of bay leaf panna cotta, strawberries, strawberry sorbet was of particular note. The panna cotta was a well-executed and enjoyable dessert that was notable for the fresh and sweet fruits and its flawlessly smooth and creamy texture.

Pure South's exceptional menu of fresh and flavoursome cuisine will take you on a culinary journey across the southern islands which will leave you wanting more.

Restaurant Review: Meatmother

Location: 167 Swan Street, Richmond

Phone: 03 9041 5393

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

Cuisine: American, Barbecue

Overall Impression: 7.5/10

  

Meatmother offers some of the best American BBQ that Melbourne has to offer.

Smoked over oak for over 12 hours, the meats have attained a delicious smokey flavour across the board (think sticky ribs, slabs of pork and melt in your mouth beef brisket).

The eatery also offers up a good selection of American and Aussie craft beers which go wonderfully well with the BBQ meats on offer and a selection of true blue American sweet treats.

Highly recommended for any carnivore!

Event Review: Meatopia 2014 @ Middle Park Hotel

Meatopia is a farmer's market-come-street festival, celebrating rare breed and artisan meats, local gourmet produce, Victorian fine wine, boutique beer, cider and classic Aussie rock.

This year's festival was juicier than ever, with fresh new meat Huxtaburger and Fancy Hanks joining the Middle Park Hotel kitchen, to headline an all-star line-up of Victoria's top meat suppliers and providers.

Huxtaburger

The leader of the burger-revolution in Melbourne, Huxtaburger served up their famous burgers and southern fried chicken ribs. 

Huxtaburger with istra bacon

Damn these buns were good. The decadent brioche buns were deliciously melt-in-your-mouth and the ingredients used were of a high quality.

Southern fried chicken ribs with jalapeno mayonnaise 

The fried chicken ribs were well-seasoned and very tasty.

Fancy Hank’s BBQ

Food truck Fancy Hanks celebrates the tastes and techniques of traditional southern style BBQ. 

Their Meatopia menu reflected their love for American style food...

Carolina style smoked whole hog, 100g pulled pork with jalapeno cornbread, apple & pomegranate slaw

 Kansas City style pork ribs 150g with fancy BBQ sauce

The pork ribs were of particular note, imparting a unique flavour that comes only from genuine slow cooking over charcoal. The outstanding ribs were nicely caramelised and were laced with crispy charred bits. Flavoured well by the decadently sweet and savoury sauce, it was absolutely delicious.

Middle Park Hotel

With a focus on bringing the best Victorian produce from ‘paddock to plate’, event host, Middle Park Hotel offered an array of carnivorous delights.

Spit roasted Flinder's Island lamb souvlaki, hummus, autumn tabbouleh, tzatziki

The souvlaki was delicious. The juicy lamb was encased in pita bread which was slathered with delectable hummus, tzatziki and fresh tabouleh. 

BBQ St Louis cut pork rib with Newmarket BBQ sauce & peanuts, apple slaw

Left: Tasting plate of the John Dee sirloin, Warialda Belted Galloway bolar blade and Sher Wagyu rump. 

Right: Twice cooked + smoked pork jowl ‘b.l.t.’ sandwich on sourdough w. hot mustard

The tasting plate of the John Dee sirloin, Warialda Belted Galloway bolar blade and Sher Wagyu rump was beautiful. Each cut was cooked perfectly, very tasty and full of flavour.

Images courtesy of Brook James.
Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Middle Park Hotel.

Review: Top Paddock | Centonove | Yu-U | Mr Hobson | Locanda

Top Paddock

Located on Church Street in Richmond, Top Paddock is one of Melbourne’s hottest Sunday brunch spots.

There is a lot to like about Top Paddock – relaxed space, great atmosphere and a brilliant breakfast/brunch menu that is different from the norm (in a good way). 

I had the gin and lime cured ocean trout fillet with pickled baby beetroots, potato galette, poached eggs, leaves, goats curt and toast. Each element was cooked beautifully and came together very well.

The only problem is the no booking policy - you wait an hour for a table – something I’m definitely not a fan of. But if you’re not like me and don’t mind waiting in line, then you’ll be rewarded for your patience.

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Centonove

One of Melbourne's culinary institutions, Centonove aims to please and does.

We loved the modern techniques and traditional Italian flavours from each dish. Everything was executed very well.

A gem of a place, it is no wonder Centonove has gained the acclaim it has.

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Yu-u

Yu-u is as authentic an izakaya experience as you will get outside Japan.

The food is prepared with the utmost precision and the sashimi is amazingly fresh. The location is very hidden but it is well worth the search!

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Mr Hobson

Set in a prime location, Mr Hobson boasts fabulous views.

The food is executed reasonably well. Our visit was however tainted as we realised the next day that we had been overcharged. We sought to rectify the situation with the restaurant but they unfortunately refused to refund us the overcharged amount.

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Locanda Steakhouse

The food is of a reasonable quality and the prices reflected are "higher end of town". We were reasonably pleased with the food but thought the service left much to be desired. We looked for assistance when it came time to pay the bill but found it frustrating getting any attention. Finally, one of us mustered up the courage and walked up to the bar where there were a few wait staff chatting and asked to pay our bill. We then left the restaurant and were chased down the road by another staff member shouting that we had not paid our bill. We quickly showed our receipt for the meal. Bizarre. 

Tasting plates at Southgate: Tutto Bene | Waterfront

As part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, we were invited to discover a couple of delicious tasting dishes at Southgate’s participating restaurants, inspired by the festival theme of water.

Tutto Bene

Location: Shop M28 Southgate Plaza, Southbank

Phone: 03 9696 3334

Cuisine: Italian

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

“Tutto Bene” is an Italian phrase that translates literally to “everything’s good”. Our previous visits to Tutto Bene suggest that it is a highly appropriate name - one which evokes memories of the warm familial atmosphere, of the consistent excellence of its cuisine and, inevitably, of their revered risotto.

As part of the Southgate Fiesta, Tutto Bene served up their interpretation of Acqua Pazza. Meaning ‘crazy water’, this dish originated from fishermen of the Neapolitan area, who would sauté their catch of the day in seawater together with tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil. 

Tutto Bene’s version of Acqua Pazza was stunning. Living up to its picturesque presentation, each element of the dish was perfectly cooked and absolutely delicious – the seafood tasted fresh and the light, fragrant broth had a lovely depth of flavour. 

Acqua Pazza - a selection of seafood poached in a lightly herbed broth.

As always, our meal at Tutto Bene was of excellent quality. With a commitment to sourcing organic and biodynamic fresh produce and wine and brilliant execution, Tutto Bene showcases traditional Italian cuisine with stunning views of Melbourne’s skyline. 

Waterfront

Location: 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank

Phone: 03 9686 9766

Cuisine: Seafood, Modern Australian

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

The latest restaurant to have opened at Southgate, Waterfront, is a restaurant with a fantastic ambiance located on the ground level opening to the river promenade.

Waterfront’s four tastes of the sea

As part of the Southgate Fiesta, Waterfront served up a tasting plate consisting of Pacific Oysters from Coffin Bay SA, tempura Queensland tiger prawns with romasco mayonnaise, sashimi salad and a seafood chowder. The seafood chowder was well-made and the seafood was very fresh.

Waterfront is a restaurant which focuses on the fresh 'from the sea' and 'from the farm' to the plate philosophy.

Find out more about what's happening at Southgate here!

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Tutto Bene and Waterfront.

Adriano Zumbo Patisserie Review | Zumbo's Tim Tam creations | Autumn Scarf Dinners | Love from Oriental Venice @ David’s | Bindi rare collection wine event

Location: 12 -14 Claremont St South Yarra
Phone: 1800 858 611
Link: http://www.adrianozumbo.com/
Cuisine: Bakery, Desserts
Overall Impression: 7.5/10

Australian and French-trained patissier, Adriano Zumbo is best known for his elaborate, delicious desserts and has developed a cult following thanks to a debut on MasterChef in 2010.

We enjoyed our visit to Zumbo’s Sydney patisseries and are glad to report that the Melbourne patisserie in South Yarra, which is the newest addition to the Adriano Zumbo family, lived up to expectations.

We tried a few cakes and desserts – all reflective of Adriano’s style – appealing to the eye and quirky. 

The colourful Zumbarons, while not our favourite macarons in Melbourne, definitely are the most interesting and different.

If you haven’t already, this patisserie is certainly one that is worth a visit.

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Zumbo's Tim Tam creations...

In a collaboration sure to whip dessert-lovers into a frenzy, Zumbo has teamed up with Arnott’s Tim Tam to create a limited edition range to celebrate Tim Tam’s 50th birthday. 

Available in stores this March, Adriano Zumbo’s Tim Tam creations include three indulgent new flavours: tantalizing ‘Raspberry White Choc’, seriously addictive ‘Salted Caramel’ and the deliciously decedent ‘Choc Brownie’.

The new range is inspired by Zumbo’s unique and whimsical take on desserts and provides a tempting variation to the classic chocolatey varieties. 

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Social Enterprise Scarf Announces Seasonal Partnership with Kerala

Scarf Community is a social enterprise that borrows top restaurants to provide front-of-house hospitality training, mentoring and employment to refugees, asylum seekers and other young people who face barriers to fair training and employment. 

Scarf mentors work at restaurants such as Cumulus Inc and Mamasita, have operated dinners from restaurants including Union Dining, Markov and Epocha and three quarters of Scarf graduates go on to get jobs at places such as No 35 The Sofitel, Ladro and The Atlantic Group.

Scarf are excited to announce their new seasonal partnership with ethical caterers, Kerala, for their Autumn dinner series, starting on March 17th at Top Paddock, Richmond. The seasonal partnership follows the success of the trial at the end of 2013 which saw dinners book out weeks in advance and record numbers for the season.

Diners can expect Scarf’s Autumn menu to be South Indian influenced without being constrained by tradition typified by dishes such as crispy skin pork belly with spiced chickpeas and green mango curry or desserts like coconut rice pudding with cardamom, pistachios and candied papaya. 

What: Autumn Scarf Dinners

When: March 17 - April 14

Why: Help refugees, asylum seekers and other young people who face barriers to fair training and employment

Bookings: bookings@scarfcommunity.org

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Love from Oriental Venice @ David’s

As part of the Melbourne Good Food and Wine festival David's is hosting a five course dinner with a focus on seafood – mainly prawns.

Capturing all the romance of a city on water, but with a village distinctive Chinese flair, Zhouzuang provides the ideal muse for David’s Love From Oriental Venice feast. 

What: Five course dinner with a focus on seafood

Where: David's 4 Cecil Pl, Prahran

When: Tuesday 11th March, 7pm - 9.30pm

Costs: $45 or $65 with matched wines.

Bookings: (03) 9529 5199

Read more about David's here.

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Bindi Rare Collection Wine Event

Renowned winemaker, Michael Dhillon is hosting an exclusive and intimate long lunch showcasing rare vintages matched to a bespoke 5 course reversed degustation, designed by Cory Campbell.

View menu here.

Review: Sakura Kaiten Sushi | Fairfield Park Boathouse & Tea Gardens | Koutouki Cafe | Pud Thai Vs. Pho | China Bar

Sakura Kaiten Sushi

Sakura Kaiten’s sushi train has become a popular and distinctive eating out experience in Melbourne.

Prepared by chefs and instantly send on your way, Sakura Kaiten’s sushi train is a dining encounter that satisfies all types. 

Sakura Kaiten is certainly worth a visit for any avid sushi eater. While we found what was on offer on the pricier side and lacked traditional sushi styles, we enjoyed the modern Japanese fusion take on some of the selections.

Fairfield Park Boathouse & Tea Gardens

Set in an amazing location, Fairfield Park Boathouse is the perfect place to laze the afternoon away. What is on offer is simple but the food is not the main reason for its popularity.

We loved the incredibly friendly service and the coffee is not bad too. With a view like that, it's quite a special spot.

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Koutouki Cafe

Koutoki Cafe is a neighbourhood gem. 

Serving good Greek food in seriously generous portions, in a welcoming environment it is one of our favourite places to visit. The restaurant immediately welcomes you and you feel like you've come home.

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Pud Thai vs Pho

Pud Thai Vs. Pho serves cheap, cheerful and delicious Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. Located on lovely WTC South Wharf, the restaurant allows for BYO too. 

A brilliant place to catch up with friends that won't break the bank. 

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China Bar

China Bar is a family-friendly, all you can eat Chinese eatery. The desserts are not great, but the savouries are of a pretty good standard. We enjoyed the roasts in particular.

Where quantity is a quality in itself, China Bar reigns supreme. All in all, a great place to stuff your face.

Event: Cupping with Charlie Lovett

Charlie Lovett is on a mission to rid the world of bad coffee, by roasting quality and carefully sourced beans and educating the public with their coffee cupping sessions.

Gastrology were delighted to attend Charlie Lovett’s Coffee Cupping Session where our senses were awaken  by the flavours and aromas of coffee beans. 

At the session, we joined roaster, Adam Brady and fellow coffee enthusiasts for an intimate experience, where we participated in the practice of observing the tastes and aromas of brewed coffee.

The coffee cupping experience was both educational and fun. We found ourselves deeply sniffing  coffee and loudly slurping it too! 

Located by the Yarra’s edge, Charlie’s cupping sessions are the very first of its kind in South Wharf. Come along and discover a reason to hold your coffees near and dear. All the food is prepared on site and the coffee is available in a variety of ways. There’s the Charlie house blend, the single origin and also micro lot offer.

What: Twilight Coffee Cupping Session

Where: Charlie Lovett, 43 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf

When: Runs every Friday between 6 to 7pm

Bookings: Contact Adam Brady (Roaster) at 96966886 or adamb@charlielovett.com.au

Cost: $30 pp - includes a choice of sample coffee pack and informative 1 hour session on coffee beans.

Restaurant Review: Twee's Hut

Location: Shop 26 343 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Phone: 03 9917 2017 $
Link: http://tweeshut.com.au/
Cuisine: Asian, Vietnamese
Overall Impression: 7/10

Twee’s Hut’s mission is simple: to serve authentic Vietnamese fare under $10 in a contemporary setting. 

The menu is authentic, affordable and takes you on a trip around Vietnam, all the way from up north to down south (from Grenades (rice paper rolls) to Bombs (vermicelli noodle bowls, or bún).

Captain Baguette

Freshly made Captain Baguettes, also known as bánh mì, come lathered in pâté (picked up by the Vietnamese during the French invasion), vegies and your choice of everything from vegetarian to traditional pork meatballs.

Soul Bowl

Signature dish, Twee’s Soul Bowl, (available dry or in soup) is a combination of egg noodles, dry rice noodles, pork, prawn, quail egg, lettuce, fried shallots, spring onion, coriander and peanuts and served with Twee’s special prawn cracker, fresh lemon and chilli.

Twee’s Hut menu also features 100 per cent natural, freshly squeezed Fru‐G Lifter juices. Each purchase of a Fru-G Lifter results in a charitable donation that goes towards improving the lives of others. 

With favourites such as Pa Pa Pho and Ma Ma Spicy Beef (spicy beef noodle soup, or bún bò hue) coupled with speedy and friendly service Twee’s Hut is a winner.

 

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Twee's Hut.

Product Review: uTaste

uTaste is a decadent collection of gourmet treats sourced from Australia's top producers, boxed and delivered to subscribers on a monthly basis. 

Each month uTaste will scour the country for deliciousness, box it up and ship it to offices and homes across the country. Subscribers pay a small monthly fee of $29.00 (plus shipping) and in return receive a regular delivery of decadence. Boxes will feature the best of the best; chocolates, wines, macarons, cheese, coffee, teas, cupcakes and whatever else can be found in this great world of deliciousness.

uTaste is part of GOOD44.com. GOOD44 is a marketplace for specialty food and wellness producers. Great producers set up online shop fronts making it easier than ever to access the growing community of top local specialty producers.

We loved our February uTaste box which featured the following goodies:

• Baylies of Strathalbyn | Rosemary Lavash 
• The Spice Peddler | Lemon Pepper Seasoning
• Riverina Grove | Gusto Chilli Salsa
• Gourmet Lovers | EVOO & Balsamic Vinegar
• Cairns Highlands Tea | Misty Mountains Tea
• El Cielo | White Corn Tortillas

We particularly enjoyed the Misty Mountains Tea. An elegant and fine Tea, the tea is grown on volcanic hillsides draped in misty clouds. Only the first new tender tips and bud of each tea plant are carefully picked to create this rare and delicate tea.

What: Fine producers all together in one box delivered to your door

How: Subscribe online here

Costs: $29 per month (plus shipping)

Gastrology bloggers sampled the product courtesy of Good44.

Event: Meatopia Festival [Sunday 2nd March, 12pm – 4pm]

Meat-lovers rejoice! Meatopia returns to the Middle Park Hotel this Sunday!

This year's festival promises to be juicier then ever, with fresh new meat Huxtaburger and Fancy Hanks joining the MPH kitchen, to headline an all-star line up of Victoria's top meat suppliers and providers.

Meatopia is a farmer's market-come-street festival, celebrating rare breed and artisan meats, local gourmet produce, Victorian fine wine, boutique beer, cider and classic Aussie rock.

What: Meatopia 

When: Sunday 2nd March, 12pm – 4pm 

Where: Middle Park Hotel, 102 Cantebury Rd, Middle Park

Costs: $60 - Includes 3 dishes + 3 drinks + additional tastes from local suppliers and producers
Buy tickets here! 

Product review: Love Beets

Australian grown baby beetroot is now available in a new, convenient format – Love Beets.

Love Beets is produced by an Australian family-owned and operated business. The packs are filled with ready to eat 100% peeled and cooked beetroot and contain no sugar, salt or additives - which makes it a really convenient way to add this super food to any dish!

Love Beets are available in major supermarkets, independent supermarkets and greengrocers and will costs you approximately $3.00 for a 250g pack. 

No more purple fingers (all the hard work is done!). Find some delicious Love Beets recipes here:

http://www.lovebeets.com.au/recipes.aspx

Gastrology bloggers sampled the product courtesy of Love Beets.

Event: Southgate Fiesta - Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (plus wine tasting tips by wine curator, Lyn Gent)

Southgate will be kicking off the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival with a day of food, wine and music! Be part of a riverside food and wine celebration in the heart of Melbourne at the Southgate Fiesta.

From 12noon – 6pm, discover delicious tasting dishes at Southgate’s participating restaurants, inspired by the festival theme of water. Purchase a tasting plate for only $15, and receive a complimentary wine tasting voucher* to enter the boutique winery area on the promenade from 3pm – 8pm.

Up to twelve boutique Australian wineries will be showcased on the Southgate promenade, offering wine tasting from 3pm – 8pm**, as the sun sets over the magnificent city skyline.

There will be free wine education sessions throughout the afternoon on Southgate’s upper level, as well as musical entertainment on the promenade.

As evening settles in, head up to the Southgate Cinema from 8pm and enjoy free foodie screenings, providing a magnificent and festive backdrop to celebrate the best of Melbourne’s food and wine. Southgate Fiesta will be held on Saturday 1 March 2014 from 12pm – 8pm as part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.

*Wine tasting vouchers are limited to one voucher per person per tasting plate. Patrons must be 18 years of age or older to enter the wine tasting area.

**Last entry into wine-tasting is at 6.30pm.

Date: Saturday 1 March

Time: 12:00pm-8:00pm

Where: Southgate restaurant and shopping precinct

What: Tasting plates at Southgate restaurants, boutique winery tastings, wine education sessions. Music on the promenade and a foodie film screenings at Southgate Cinema from 8pm.

Cost: $15 tasting plates are inclusive of a wine tasting voucher to taste wines from some of Australia’s celebrated boutique wineries and meet the wine makers. Wine education sessions and the Southgate Cinema foodie films are both free.

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Five Tips on how to taste wine and not alienate people

by Lyn Gent, Southgate Fiesta wine educator, trained sommelier and food technologist. 

1. There is no need to hold your glass on an angle when being served wine. It won't make any difference to the amount of 'head' your wine 'won’t' get.
2. Hold your glass like a normal person, by the stem. You can hold the base between your thumb and index finger, but it's easier to wear a badge that says, "I really want you to think I'm a wine expert."
3. We all like to swirl and sniff before tasting. Drawing the aromatics up into our olfactory bulb. We only have one, and both nostrils lead to it, so put your whole nose into the glass, not one nostril at a time.
4. A little bit of knowledge is a good thing or can make you sound pretentious. Be judicious with your " fluttering of Damson plum with a whimsical hint of smoked pomegranate essence."Don't judge people who love cheap wine, they're probably happier and richer than you.

Find more information on the Southgate Fiesta here!

To enjoy the amazing wine tours Perth has to offer visit  http://www.dvinetours.com.au/ just 25 minutes from the city centre.

Media launch of the Noosa International Food and Wine Festival 2014 @ Union Dining

Location: 270 Swan Street, Richmond 

Phone: 03 9428 2988  

Link: http://www.uniondining.com.au/ 

Cuisine: European, Modern Australian

Recently, Gastrology bloggers attended the launch of the Noosa International Food and Wine Festival 2014 at Union Dining. Jim Berardo, founder and director of the festival, was thrilled to announce the most exciting and comprehensive line-up to date as this world-class festival continues into its eleventh year.

Well regarded for their warm hospitality and hands on approach, Union Dining offers a provincial dining experience that evokes the brasseries and trattorias adored by chef Nicky Riemer, with a distinct Melbourne identity. The menu combines traditional and contemporary European fare. 

The lunch was held at the top floor of Union Dining - the Wine Room. Furnished with oak barrels, the area is spacious, elegant and exudes an air of calm. The wide windows present views of bustling Swan Street and allow the sun to trickle in.

Pastis cured Huon Atlantic salmon, soft egg, horseradish cream, salmon roe

The cured salmon was the highlight of our meal. Complemented with a savoury horseradish cream and salmon roe, this was a well formulated dish of bold and vibrant flavours.

Hopkins River beef blade tagine, pickled cauliflower, coriander & dukkah salad 

The texture of the beef blade was excellent, falling apart at the touch of a fork. The flavours of the dish were subtle, drawing attention to the pickled cauliflower which complemented the aromatic coriander and dukkah salad.

Yoghurt & buttermilk panna cotta, raspberries, mint & pomegranate 

Under the guidance of Head Chef Nicky Reimer, Union Dining offers a memorable dining experience that focuses on fresh and local produce. It was the perfect backdrop for discussing food and wine* and most importantly, for getting excited about this year's Noosa International Food and Wine Festival!

Read more about the Noosa International Food and Wine Festival 2014 here.



*including whether food bloggers should be able to deduct food expenditure on an apportionment basis per Ronpibon Tin NL v FC of T (1949) 78 CLR 4.

Event: eat.drink.westside

eat.drink.westside is proudly presented by the Maribyrnong City Council and forms part of this year's Melbourne Food and Wine Festival - Australia's internationally acclaimed celebration of food and wine.

The eat.drink.westside program unveils a host of local events from 28 February to 16 March 2014 that reflect the inner west's rich cultural diversity and love of food.

To promote Eat.Drink.Westside, we were taken on a wonderful tour of Footscray. Our tour started at 1+1 Mandarin Dumpling, where we had a taster of one of the festival events, "Steamed Silk Road Delights". 

The lovely Amy of 1+1 guided us through how to make traditional Western Chinese lamb dumplings.

We loved the lamb dumplings (which we devoured for dinner). The dumplings were filled with a dense pocket of finely minced lamb, onion and spring onions. The medium-thickness skins had a lovely chewy texture which we enjoyed. It is no wonder, 1+1 Mandarin Dumpling is well regarded as one of Melbourne's best dumpling purveyors. 

Our tour concluded with a gorgeous Ethiopian feast at Dinknesh Lucy.

Our feast featured beautiful house-made injera bread and a host of Ethiopian delights. Each dish was full of flavour and absolutely delicious.

After the decadent feast, we participated in a traditional coffee ceremony. 

Get on board...

eat.drink.westside is part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival and offers a festival program that is diverse, delicious, and a fantastic showcase of Footscray and its surrounds.

Get more information about eat.drink.westside and the festival program here and more about Footscray here!

Special thanks to Lauren Wambach from The Footscray Food Blog for being a brilliant chaperone.