Indian banquet @ Tandoori Flames

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Tandoori Flames.
Tandoori Flames is an incredibly welcoming Indian eatery on Foootscray's bustling Barkly Street.
Gastrology recently enjoyed a banquet with friends which featured a flavourful array of authentic Indian dishes while relaxing in Tandoori Flames’ comfortable ambiance.
The menu is extensive - featuring a whole range of Indian dishes from distinct regional influences and tandoori specialties such as lamb seekh kabab out of their charcoal clay oven tandoor.
Chicken tikka

The Chicken Tikka was our favourite starter. The boneless pieces of chicken were tender, having been roasted to perfection in a traditional clay oven.

We also enjoyed the Seekh kebab which was made from minced lamb mixed with aromatic spices .
The goat curry was full of flavour, courtesy of being cooked on the bone.
The dal makhani was another enjoyable dish. Prepared by simmering black lentils overnight over the ambers of the Tandoori oven together with onions, chilli, ginger, fresh cream and butter, the flavours were strong and were a great pair with the fluffy naan.
Belly dancing (every Friday, Saturday & Sunday night)
Fish malabar

The fish Malabar was a beautiful yellow fish curry. It was a crowd favourite which had us fighting for the last morsel. 
Lamb biryani

The lamb was incredibly tender and the rice was flavoured with special herbs. We loved the generous portions of lamb that were dispersed throughout the rice.
The dessert menu at Tandoori Flames features a selection of popular Indian treats. All of the desserts we sampled were delicious.
Left: Gulab jamun
Right: Ras Malai

The Ras Malai was beautifully made – rich, creamy, and amply sweet with a generous hit of cardamom, it was the perfect winter indulgence.
Happy ending - Gulab Jamun served with Pista Kulfi

The cheekily named “happy ending” quite literally ended our meal on a happy note. We loved the steaming hot balls of khoya paired with the cold and creamy pistachio kulfi. 
Tandoori Flames serves up delightful Indian dishes in comfortable surrounds with excellent service and is a great place for a decadent banquet with friends over authentic curries and exotic delicacies.



Location: 583 Barkly Street, West Footscray
Phone: 03 9077 3733
Cuisine: Indian

Tandoori Flames on Urbanspoon

Bastille Day Feast @ Albert St Food & Wine| Time Out Food Awards | GI Cancer Institute - Gutsy Challenge story | #mealforameal turning food pics into real food


Bastille Day Feast @ Albert St Food & Wine

Chef Jason Rodwell will bring his love of regional French cuisine to Albert St Food & Wine with an extravagant hunter-themed Bastille Day feast.

The French-inspired dinner will take place on Sunday 13 July – the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille that sparked the French Revolution – from 12.30pm at a cost of $75 per person.

Inspired by his travels through regional France, Rodwell will present guests with a magnificent red wine-marinated boar, the perfect reward for a hunter after a tough day trawling French forests.

The beast – complete with apple in its mouth – will be immersed in Côtes du Rhône wine, juniper berries and bay leaves for three days prior to the event. The boar will be served with handmade buckwheat crozets, a type of pasta that is a specialty of the Savoie region, and a sauce made from Cacao Barry single origin chocolate.

During his stint in France, Rodwell worked as a chef at Michelin-starred restaurant Auberge du Bon Laboureur in the Loire Valley and Chalet Le Torrent in the Savoie. While living in France, Rodwell developed his passion for rural earthy flavours and spent many enjoyable hours sampling village produce and exploring the wine regions.

Before the mouth-watering boar is served on Bastille Day, Rodwell will showcase his culinary prowess with a selection of hors d’oeuvres and starters, including hare and foie gras royale, terrine de chasseur and raclette cheese from Australia.

To conclude the soirée L'Artisan's The Authentic cheese washed in-house with Chablis will be served along with a dessert of poached pears and hazelnuts, with a warm waffle and salted caramel ice cream.
Accompanied by matching Champagne and other French wines at an additional cost, Albert St Food & Wine’s Bastille Day rendezvous will be sure to ignite the Francophile in us all. 

Check out our review of Albert St Food & Wine here.
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Time Out celebrates Sydney and Melbourne’s best restaurants at annual Food Awards
 CREATOR: gd-jpeg v1.0 (using IJG JPEG v62), quality = 90
The annual Time Out Food Awards are back with a bang in 2014, returning to Melbourne on Monday 18 August and Sydney on Monday 25 August to celebrate each city’s hottest restaurants. The Awards, which are now in their sixth year in Sydney in and second year in Melbourne, recognise the best food offerings in each city, from tiny cafes to fine dining restaurants, fresh new talent and tasty cheap eats.

The cream of Sydney and Melbourne’s dining scene will be attending, hoping to win one of just ten awards including Best Bang For Buck, Best New Restaurant, Best Café and Restaurant of the Year. Each city’s rising stars will also be recognised with the Hot Talent award, and for the first time ever the industry’s driving forces will be celebrated with the inaugural Chef of the Year Award.

Myffy Rigby, Time Out Australia’s chief food and drink critic, explains: “Time Out is all about celebrating the best and brightest. Our sole agenda is to showcase how truly great our respective cities can be.”

Time Out readers can have their say with the People’s Choice Awards, and be in with a chance of winning a double pass to this year’s events by registering their favourite venue via the website.

The awards are open to all Time Out readers and food lovers in each city, giving them the rare chance to mingle with their favourite chefs and restaurateurs. Tickets are just $50 (plus booking fee) including drinks, canapés and good times!

All award nominees will be announced in Sydney on Monday 28 July and award locations will be announced shortly.

Time Out Melbourne Food Awards
Monday 18 August, 6.30-10.30pm
Location TBC
Tickets $50 (plus booking fee)

Time Out Sydney Food Awards
Monday 25 August, 6.30-10.30pm
Location TBC
Tickets $50 (plus booking fee)

For further information and tickets, visit www.au.timeout.com/sydney or www.au.timeout.com/melbourne
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Tom's changing lives the gutsy way


Eight-year-old Tom Soutar ate no fruit or vegetables for four and a half years thanks to an eating disorder which almost robbed him of his childhood.
His hair fell out in clumps, his skin was translucent, and he was hospitalised due to a collapsed bowel, leaving no question of going to gymnastics or swimming practice.
“As a young child he was very sick, every meal was a fight. Thanks to the Gutsy Challenge, that has all changed,” said Tom’s mother, Ms Jessica Soutar.
Tom saw a community service announcement promoting the Gutsy Challenge, a national healthy eating program, which transformed his life. The Gutsy Challenge, now in its 5th year, encourages children to eat two fruit and four vegetables a day for one week whilst raising money for Gastro-Intestinal (GI) cancer research.
“I saw a girl using carrot sticks as teeth, a boy boxing with broccoli and another wearing a watermelon helmet. I wanted to be a part of the Gutsy Challenge and raise money for cancer!” Tom exclaimed.
As children fundraise they can win great prizes including Shimano bike computers, iCute portable speakers, activity trackers, action cameras and more.
“I am very pleased with how the Gutsy Challenge has changed Tom’s life. He now takes an apple to school and has his own drawer in the fridge with his fruit and veg, and happily eats them,” said Ms Soutar.
“The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that one in four Australian children are either overweight or obese. The Gutsy Challenge is a practical way to reduce this statistic and decrease the risk of developing of gastro-intestinal cancers later in life,” said Mr Russell Conley, Executive Officer, GI Cancer Institute.
“Gastro-intestinal cancers are cancers of the bowel, pancreas, stomach, oesophagus, liver and gallbladder. GI cancer kills 26 Australians every day and three people are diagnosed with it every hour,” he added.
All funds raised support research to find better ways to treat gastro-intestinal (GI) cancer.
Tom and his best friend are doing the Gutsy Challenge again this year and are planning to throw a Gutsy Party to help change their friends’ eating habits.
To join them and take the challenge, visit gutyschallenge.com.au 
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#mealforameal turning food pics into real food

#mealforameal is a new campaign officially launching on Monday 14 July, which sees food photos turned into real meals for people in need. The campaign is called #mealforameal and is being launched by Virgin Mobile, alongside food rescue service OzHarvest. 


What is Virgin Mobile's #mealforameal Campaign?

Mobile phones have become as ubiquitous in the food industry as cutlery. While it was once considered rude to have your phone at the table, now it's normal to see smartphones taking pride of place amongst the plates of food or in the hands of diners as they snap their meals and post them on Instagram!
  
But while we're sharing meals on Instagram, we're not really sharing them where they are needed. $8 billion worth of food (4 million tonnes!) is thrown away every year in Australia, while more than 2 million Australians rely on food relief for their meals. It seems like such a waste!

So Virgin Mobile are on a mission to make it better with the #mealforameal initiative.

GET ON BOARD!

Every time someone snaps a photo of their food, posts it to social media with the hashtag #mealforameal, Virgin Mobile will donate to OzHarvest so they can put a real meal on the table for someone in need. Through this world-first initiative, Virgin Mobile aims to donate more than 400,000 meals to Australians who need it. 

Truffle Melbourne @ Caulfield Racecourse [12 & 13 July] | Win 3 x double passes to Truffle Melbourne

The Melbourne Truffle Festival Company is celebrating Australiaʼs position as the worldʼs fourth largest truffle producing nation with their inaugural event, Truffle Melbourne at Caulfield Racecourse on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th of July.

Attracting some of Australiaʼs biggest names in food, the event will host the likes of My Kitchen Rules favourite Manu Feildel, Vue de Mondeʼs founder Shannon Bennett, global cooking sensation Guy Grossi, renowned chef and TV personality Shane Delia and Truffle Melbourne Executive Chef and Melbourne food icon Philippe Mouchel.  
Over two huge days, Caulfield Racecourse will transform into a culinary heaven where the very best of Australian truffles and their artisan food partners will be on display. Meet truffle savvy dogs, discover truffle serving food trucks and master techniques for creating indulgent truffle dishes at home. 

Event organisers are predicting more than 8,000 visitors will flock to the event and a whopping $300,000 worth of truffles will be enjoyed over the course of the festival, cementing Australianʼs love for the decadent treat. 

Gates open at 10am both days and general admission tickets start from $26 with child, concession and two-day ticket discounts available. Please visit trufflemelbourne.com for the full program guide. 

Taste, hunt, learn … Truffle Melbourne is a festival not to be missed. 


Win 3 x double passes to Truffle Melbourne!

Gastrology has teamed up with The Melbourne Truffle Festival Company to give away 3 x double passes to Truffle Melbourne to 3 of our lucky readers!

The general admission tickets will provide our winners with entry to Caulfield Racecourse, a free truffle taster on arrival, access to the main stage to see the fantastic line up of celebrity and iconic Melbourne chefs including Manu, Guy Grossi, Philipee Mouchel, Shannon Bennett and Shane Delia, as well as access to a range of exhibitors showcasing Australia's best truffles and artisan food partners. 

Each general admission ticket is valued at $26 each. 

There is onsite parking available for $6 for those who would like to drive. 

How to enter 

All you have to do, is: 

  • Follow us on twitter (if you have not already) 
  • Send us an email answering “What is your favourite truffle dish or what would be your dream truffle dish and why?” 
The best 3 entries, as judged by the Gastrology team, will each win a double pass to Truffle Melbourne!

The competition will run from Wednesday, 2 July 2014 to 3:00pm Friday, 4 July 2014 (winner to be announced on this post on Monday, 7 July 2014. 

The fine print: 
Only entries made using a valid email address are eligible. Your email address will not be published. This competition is a game is of skill not chance. This giveaway is open to readers in Australia only. Prize is not transferable or exchangeable or redeemable for cash. The Promoter is not responsible for prizes once they have been dispatched to the winner. The image of the prize is purely representative and the actual prize is subject to change. 

***************

[7/07/2014] Announcement: Winners of the Blog Giveaway: 3 x double passes to TRUFFLE MELBOURNE

Thank you to everyone who entered! The 3 winners are…


D. Schwarze with the following entry:

 "My favourite truffle dish was an experience with Lobster tails, Champagne foam and truffles freshly shaved at the table (white gloves and all!) at Icebergs Restaurant (NSW) some years back. The thought of a delicate seafood dish with a strong element such as truffles was a new experience – almost confronting but worked very well together. #memorable"

 C. Rothschild with the following entry: 

 “I dream of a softly poached egg, infused with local Victorian truffles served on the lightest polenta with some fine shaving of truffle and a little olive oil from Victoria. Simple and sublime.”

D. G.-McDade with the following entry: 

"Slithers of Herb crusted lamb with truffle gnochi and honeyed shallots.." 

...

Congratulations, the winners have been contacted via email. Competition Now Closed.

New Shanghai opens its first Melbourne restaurant | Win free dumplings for a year!

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of New Shanghai.
Sydney’s favourite dumpling house has expanded its empire once again with a new restaurant in Melbourne’s lavish Emporium shopping centre.
Upper right: Drunken chicken
Bottom left: Garlic cucumber
Bottom right: Shanghainese sweet and sour pork rib

Serving up New Shanghai’s signature Chinese cuisine inspired by traditional delicacies found on the streets of Shanghai, the chain has earned great critical acclaim across Australia. 
The Melbourne restaurant has a relaxed ambience which exudes an atmosphere of authenticity, transporting diners straight to a 1930s Shanghai street. 
Vintage Chinese posters adorn the walls and plants wrapped around ornate metal screens and hand-laid cobblestone tiles create clever accents throughout the dining area. 
Diners can see the chefs in action via a live dumpling making theatre. 
Xiao Long Bao – Steamed Pork Dumpling

Highlights from our dinner at New Shanghai included New Shanghai’s famous dumplings, including the xiao long bao, a mini steamed pork bun with gingery-sweet broth and a juicy pocket of pork made using a secret family recipe; and the pan-fried pork bun, a New Shanghai delicacy made using a generations-old family technique.  
Upper left: Steamed Vegetarian Dumpling
Upper right: Rainbow Beef
Bottom left: Shanghainese Fried Noodle with Shredded Pork & Vegetable
Bottom right: Stir-fried String Bean with Dried Shrimps & Soy Sauce
Sheng Jian Bao – Pan Fried Pork Bun

While many Chinese restaurants in Melbourne serve the Sheng Jian Bao, New Shanghai’s variety are a cut above. The skin of the fried dumplings possessed the perfect thickness and signature crispy and fluffy texture without being overly doughy.  The Ground pork and chopped cabbage filling was well seasoned and each bun possessed a wonderfully golden, crispy bottom.  
Shepherd’s Purse & Pork Wonton with Red chilli Oil & Peanut Sauce

The Shepherd’s Purse & Pork Wonton was yet another highlight. We loved the velvety wonton pastry which was beautiful in texture and the accompanying sea of sweet soy, peanut sauce and dried chilli was pleasantly appetising. Cooked with the perfect amount of heat, these wontons tantalised our taste buds.
Salt & Peppered Soft Shell Crab

The Salt & Peppered Soft Shell Crab was amazing. The deep fried crustacean pieces were coated in a semi-thick crisp batter that encapsulated firm, sweet flesh. With a touch of fried garlic and a myriad of spices, it was simply superb.  
Upper left: Crispy Turnip Cake
Upper right: Shallot & Smoked Ham Sesame Puff
Bottom left: Braised Pork Belly with Sweet Soy Sauce
Bottom right: X.O. Sauce Fried Rice

The Braised Pork Belly with Sweet Soy Sauce was comfort food at its best. It was a well-conceived dish that took full advantage of the pork belly’s most notable characteristic – its supple fatty meat. The unctuous pieces of pork were creamy and melted in our mouths.
Fragrant & Crispy Duck with Steamed Bun

The dish of Fragrant & Crispy Duck with Steamed Bun had us fighting for the last morsel. The fluffy and moist buns were a lovely canvas for the velvety duck flesh and its perfectly crisp skin. 
Dessert - Shaved Ice with Seasonal Fresh Fruit
New Shanghai is a gem of a place for casual dining. With its superb execution of Shanghainese cuisine and affordable pricing, there is no doubt that New Shanghai will soon be a firmly entrenched Melbourne dining institution.


Location: Third floor, Emporium centre 287 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Phone: 02 9412 3358
Link: www.newshanghai.com.au
Cuisine: Shanghainese, Xiao Long Bao, Pan-fried Pork Bun


Win free dumplings for a year!

New Shanghai are currently running a competition through their Facebook page, which gives fans the chance to win free dumplings for a year at the Melbourne Emporium restaurant. Find out more here.

 New Shanghai on Urbanspoon

Lazy lunch @ the Boathouse

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of the Boathouse.
Located on the banks of the Maribyrnong River, the Boathouse’s dining room consists of a large airy space with wide windows that provide a view of the picturesque river, gum trees and sloping grass banks - a resplendent backdrop against which to dine.
A collaboration between Gary Mehigan (from MasterChef fame) and Steve Bogdani, the café pleases patrons with life’s simple pleasures done well. 
With a relaxed, unpretentious and uncomplicated approach, the food features sharing plates, pizzas, grills and sweet treats for those who want to pop in for a chat and enjoy the friendly ambience and river views.
The Boathouse’s dining room is marshalled by excellent service staff who are knowledgeable, friendly and humble. 
Miso lamb ribs w garlic, ginger & eggplant pickle

Packed with umami, the ribs were nicely caramelised, succulent and crusted with flavoursome spices. 
200g Swordfish w chickpeas, raisins, cauliflower, almond & herb oil 

The swordfish was outstanding. This seemingly simple dish was not only complex with layers of flavour, it was also perfectly balanced. The swordfish was cooked to perfection. Moreish and tender, it was matched beautifully with spiced cauliflower. The fruity acidity and texture of the raisins provided balance, as did the creaminess of the yogurt.
Desserts at the Boathouse are a must.
Gary’s cheese cake, toasted nut crumble & rhubarb syrup 

A unique and perfectly constructed take on the traditional cheesecake, the dish comprised of a perfect quenelle of cheesecake mousse atop a mixture of nut crumble and biscuit which provided texture and earthy cues. The rhubarb syrup had a lovely acidity which balanced the creaminess and sweetness of the cheesecake mousse. It was both well thought out and executed.
Smashed meringue with hazelnut cream & crushed fruit

This was a fascinating dessert which balanced a number of elements, culminating in an explosion of flavours. We loved the different textures which percolated the dish. The smashed meringue added a chewy texture while the hazelnut cream was decadent.
Serving good food at affordable prices, the Boathouse is not just for special occasions and unsurprisingly has become a favourite choice for locals. A lovely and versatile meeting place, the Boathouse caters for lunching families to business people calling in for a quick bite.


Location: 7 The Boulevard, Moonee Ponds
Phone: 03 9375 2456
Cuisine: Modern Australian, Pizza, Coffee
Link: http://www.theboat-house.com.au/

The Boathouse on Urbanspoon

There's a new kid on the block that's MELT[ing] the hearts of pizza lovers

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of MELT.
A new concept in fast-casual dining, MELT has opened just in time for winter.
A creation of Dan and Elise Gold, MELT uses an assembly line format that lets patrons order one of the menu’s classic pizzas or create one of their own, choosing from a wide selection of fresh, artisanal toppings. 
The generously sized personal pizzas are then sent to a blazing 400 degree hot stone oven, where dedicated pizza makers ensure that the thin-crust pizzas are “super-fast baked” in a scant 120 seconds. 
MELT’s fast-casual environment is comfortably hip with architectural notes inspired by fire and foundries such as the terracotta tiles which adorn parts of the bright walls and the hot stone oven, the centrepiece of the eatery. Borosilicate glass hanging vases provide a clever accent against the comfortable wooden furnishing.
We loved how the pizzas are freshly made in every sense of the word. Each pizza starts with a perfectly proofed dough ball and is pressed into a pizza base right before your eyes.
Custom pizza: Crushed tomato base, chicken & prawns, mixed mushrooms, goats cheese, garlic oil

Made from fresh produce, each element on our custom-made pizza was delicious. The house-made dough which was made from a recipe that does not utilise any oil, fat or sugar resulted in a pizza base which was light-as-air and crisp. We loved the use of this simple base which was the perfect canvas for the, meats, vegetables and sauce.
Classic pizza: Italian sausage - Free range Italian sausage, friarielli, fresh mozzarella, crushed tomato, extra virgin olive oil

The Italian sausage pizza was picture perfect in appearance and outstanding in taste. Layers of mozzarella were teamed with juicy crushed tomatoes and mellow friarielli leaves. Encircled with a puffy crisp crust, this pizza was superb.
Meatballs - Grass fed free range beef meatballs, spicy tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, oven roasted capsicum, rocket
Superfood salad - Oven roasted sweet potato, beetroot, broccoli, red quinoa, white quinoa, red rice, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, almond flakes with a yoghurt and tahini dressing. 

The superfood salad was yet another highlight of our evening. We savoured every moreish morsel.
Gelato by 7 Apples

For dessert, a selection of gelato by 7 Apples are available to end your visit on a sweet note. One of Melbourne’s premium gelato stores, 7 Apples’ gelato and sorbets are made fresh daily using fresh ingredients. We loved both the salted caramel and hazelnut gelato we had. The salted caramel gelato which Elise described as “life changing” was velvety and decadently sweet while the hazelnut gelato was a well-made and refreshing classic.
Dan and Elise are on to a winner - unbelievably good pizzas, lightning fast, at affordable prices, what’s not to love?

Location: 171 Chapel Street, Windsor
Phone: 03 9533 7110
Cuisine: Pizza, Salad, Sandwiches/Subs

 7 Apples Gelato on Urbanspoon Melt Pizza on Urbanspoon

Tourism Australia launches 'Restaurant Australia' campaign in Melbourne @ Vue de monde

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Tourism Australia.
Tourism Australia has unveiled the latest evolution of its global campaign – ‘There’s nothing like Australia’ - with exceptional food and wine experiences from around the country playing a starring role in an effort to convert the global appetite for Australia as a travel destination into more visits.
Gastrology attended the Melbourne launch of the campaign last week at Melbourne’s award-winning Vue de monde. Local and international chefs, Shannon Bennett, Sanjeev Kapoor and Alla Wolf-Tasker were in attendance as Tourism Australia MD John O'Sullivan shared how the campaign would cast the spotlight on Australia's culinary experiences.
It was exciting to hear about the new $10 million campaign, 'Restaurant Australia', which is based on the idea of Australia being the world’s greatest restaurant.
The campaign activity has begun its roll-out in 12 key international markets with high profile events and consumer promotions. In addition, an international media familiarisation program will be hosted for ‘Restaurant Australia’ in partnership with all States and Territories in November this year.
It was interesting to hear that according to research conducted by Tourism Australia in 2013 (in 15 of Australia’s key tourism markets), only 26 per cent of people who have never visited Australia associate the destination with good food and wine offering. But for those who have visited Australia, they rank us second in the world for food and wine experiences (60%) after culinary giant France and ahead of Italy. 

This perception gap presents a real opportunity to bring Australia’s culinary credentials to the fore which is where the ‘Restaurant Australia’ campaign comes into the picture.
Vue de monde was the perfect backdrop for discussing food and wine and most importantly, for getting excited about the new 'Restaurant Australia' campaign.
Pork, onion, mint
Matched with: 2010 Granite Hills Pinot Noir, Macedon Ranges, Victoria

Our first course consisted of unctuous morsels of pork accompanied by sweet onion and silky mint sauce. The centrepiece pork morsels possessed a beautiful depth of flavour, with the acidity in the vegetable components helping to alleviate its richness. 
Blackmore Wagyu beef, beetroot, apple
Matched with: 2010 Mount Langi Ghiran Hollows Shiraz, Grampians, Victoria

The wagyu course was the perfect example of a straightforward dish done well. Served medium-rare, the wagyu fillet was well seasoned and retained a juicy, tender consistency throughout. The "brick" of tender pulled wagyu on the other hand had a beautiful melt-in-your-mouth texture and was full of flavour.
Duck yolk, pear, truffle
Matched with: 2011 Tarrawarra Chardonnay, Yarra Valley Victoria

A dish we have had privilege to indulge in on previous occasions, the dish of duck yolk, pear and truffle was as expected, an absolute delight. The velvety egg yolk and truffle sauce combined to produce an intensely rich dish. It was an excellent dish which typified the multi-faceted Vue de monde style of cooking.
Vue de monde Pavlova
Matched with: 2013 Delatite ‘Catherine’ Gewurtztraiminer, Mansfield, Victoria

We loved Vue de monde's take on the humble Aussie pavlova. This striking dessert was an explosion of intense fruity flavours. The meringues were crisp on top and addictively sweet and chewy in the centre. The tartness of the passionfruit curd produced a balanced dessert.
An absolute highlight of our time at the launch was meeting Australia's pre-eminent wine critic, James Halliday and Wagyu pioneer, David Blackmore.
Vue de Monde on Urbanspoon

Upcoming Event: The Progressive Greek | The best of Greek wines to be uncorked during the month of July

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Douglas Lamb Wines, Longrain, Pei Modern and Gazi.
Food and wine lovers will have the opportunity to taste the finest drops from Greece during the month of July, matched with fine dining, to uncover the truth behind one of the world’s oldest wine-making countries.

Premier Greek wine importer, Douglas Lamb Wines, is hosting The Progressive Greek – specially designed wine and food matching evenings, across Sydney and Melbourne throughout July.

Third generation wine importer and business owner, David Lamb, delivers an opportunity for diners to taste wines from the northern Amyndeon region and the renowned Kir Yianni winery paired with delicious dishes from some of Australia’s finest restaurants including, Longrain, Pei Modern and Gazi in Melbourne and Alpha and Danjee in Sydney.

Gastrology was invited to join a progressive dinner hosted by Douglas Lamb Wines for a sneak peek into what will be in store for the month-long event, 'Amyndeon Oenos’ (Amyndeon, being a wine region in northern Greece and Oenos, the Greek word for wine). At each venue a different glass of Greek wine was matched to a dish, highlighting the versatility of Greek wines across different cuisines.



First stop: Longrain

Selected items were chosen from Longrain’s extensive menu to showcase the ability of the 2013 Kir Yianni ‘Petra’, Macedonia, Greece to match bold, spicy Asian flavours.
Longrain has distinguished itself by South East Asian cuisine that marries polished Western training with fiery Eastern flavours in an informal and relaxed setting. 
Sashimi of Kingfish, caramelised cashew nut nahm jim, trout roe, micro herbs
Filled eggnet, pork, prawns, peanuts, caramelised coconut, cucumber relish
Larp of prawn with lime and chilli

The Sashimi of Kingfish showcased the delicate texture of the Kingfish. The classically Longrain Filled eggnet was, as always, enjoyable and highlighted by the superbly cooked prawns and the gentle tartness of the cucumber relish.  Similarly, the Larp of prawn with lime and chilli was expertly prepared and had juicy, succulent morsels of prawns interwoven with a multitude of intense flavours. 
The feature wine (2013 Kir Yianni ‘Petra’, Macedonia, Greece) matched the dishes perfectly. A wine with citrus notes and a beautiful freshness, it possessed a crispness that managed to cut through and complement bold South East Asian flavours. 
It was a wonderful first stop with rich, flavoursome food in loud, bustling surrounds.
Longrain Melbourne on Urbanspoon


Second stop: Pei Modern

This time, the dishes were chosen from Pei Modern’s menu to match the 2012 Kir Yianni ‘Paranga’ Macedonia P.G.I. Greece.
Pei Modern is three hatted chef, Mark Best’s first Melbourne venture.
Duck egg, Jerusalem Artichoke & Truffle Sauce
Beans ‘a la Grecque’, Wood Grilled Killara Rise Lamb

The lamb was cooked to perfection while the dish of Duck egg, Jerusalem Artichoke & Truffle Sauce was lovely. The Truffle Sauce and the velvety egg yolk combined to produce an intensely rich and beautiful dish. 
The feature wine (2012 Kir Yianni ‘Paranga’ Macedonia P.G.I. Greece) was a great match. A blend of 50% Merlot, 25% Xinomavro and 25% Syrah, the wine was refreshing. With a merlot background and spicy Syrah notes, the acidity of the wine made it a lovely match for both the rich lamb meat and the velvety duck egg.
Pei Modern on Urbanspoon


Third stop: Gazi
Our delicious dinner concluded on a high note at Gazi. An entirely different side of Greek cuisine, Gazi offers earthy, Athenian ‘Street’ food partnered with exciting and experimental cocktails and spirits.
‘Acropolis Now’ Strawberry mousse, coffee & mastic

‘Acropolis Now’ was a strawberry centric dessert which provided a different mix of pleasant flavours. We loved the velvety smooth consistency of the “cake” which served with Greek coffee soil with refreshing hints of pine forest flavour from mastic.
The 2012 Kir Yianni ‘Akakies’ Brut Rose was our favourite match of the night. It was a playful number with complimentary strawberry aromas and bright acidity which cut through the sweetness of the dessert in a delicious fashion. 
Gazi on Urbanspoon

What
Progressive Greek - A self-guided tour complete with detailed tasting notes 
When
Each restaurant will be pouring a different a Kir Yianni wine from Amyndeon for the month of July. Each wine will be matched to a small dish. 
Participating restaurants: 
Longrain Melbourne  Wine: 2013 Kir Yianni ‘Petra’
Recommended dish: Prawn salad with mint, chilli, lime and roasted rice.   
Pei Modern Wine: 2012 Kir Yianni ‘Paranga’
Recommended dish: Duck Egg, Jerusalem Artichoke & Truffle (entrée) or the Beans a la Grec, Killara Rise Lamb (main).  
Gazi
Wine: 2012 Kir Yianni ‘Akakies Brut Rose’
Recommended dish: “Acropolis Now” strawberry mousse with coffee and mastic.

Winter @ Royal Saxon

One of Melbourne's best bars, Royal Saxon offers a large selection of cocktails, beers and wine in a dynamic, bustling environment. Royal Saxon’s versatility is highlighted by the fact that it also operates as an Italian restaurant (and an amazing one at that).
Royal Saxon's dining area has a relaxed ambience with a large central bar that dominates the interior. Striped napkins sit atop the bare wooden tables with views to Church Street or the Royal Saxon courtyard (where on Sundays, you might catch a glimpse of the delicious spit roast).  
Under the guidance of head chef Simone Righetto, the kitchen serves consistently excellent Italian cuisine. All the pasta is handmade daily and the salumi and other cured meats are lovingly produced from scratch. 
Chef Righetto’s resume is impressive, previously holding high profile roles including stints with ‘Gamberro Rosso’; a 2 Michelin Star restaurant in Tuscany, ‘Perbellini’; 2 Michelin Star Restaurant in Verona and ‘Murano’; a 1 Michelin Star restaurant in London.
Margherita - tomato, oregano and fior di latte

Royal Saxon serves some of the best pizzas in Melbourne. The delicately thin crusts have the perfect balance between crispiness and chewiness and the expertly judged toppings are always impeccable. We love their classic margherita - think layers of mozzarella teamed with delightfully fresh basil and juicy ripe tomatoes. Encircled with a puffy crisp crust, this pizza is consistently superb.
Duck ragu parpadelle 

As expected of any great Italian eatery, Royal Saxon is particularly good at producing quality pasta dishes. The parpadelle that we had was no exception. The parpadelle was expertly cooked and retained a slight residual bite. The other ingredients combined to create a wonderful complexity of flavour – the duck ragu was deliciously flavoursome and tender.
Pan roasted barramundi fillet with new season artichoke trifolati, mint and broad beans

Seared beautifully on the outside and wonderfully moist on the inside, the barramundi was stunning. The broad beans and the buttery, soft artichoke were the perfect accompaniment. A profoundly delicious dish displaying great technique. 
Our favourite dessert from the new winter menu was the delightful tiramisu. Well made, with its flavour heavily dominated by the constituent alcoholic component, it was a simple and traditional dessert that was well executed and thoroughly enjoyable.
The chefs at Royal Saxon deliver highly memorable, superbly executed Italian cuisine and service with panache and precision - every dish we have ordered from our numerous visits has been perfectly seasoned and consistently excellent. The new winter menu is no different.

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

Read about #SaxItUp @ Royal Saxon here // Read about Sunday #SpinsandSpits @ Royal Saxon here.

Royal Saxon on Urbanspoon

American BBQ Dinner @ Third Wave

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Third Wave.
Inga and Greg have struck smoky southern gold with the American BBQ offerings which have taken centre stage on their Prahran cafe's dinner menu. 
The Slow Smoked BBQ section of Third Wave's menu boasts 5 different meats and Smoked Salmon - all of which are smoked with different woods to impart specific flavours and are prepared using dry rubs. 
We opted for the pork ribs, lamb shoulder and beef brisket - all of which were absolutely delicious. 

Pork Ribs 

The pork ribs were stunning - Tender, falling off the bone, juicy and packed with flavour. Prepared in the Southern tradition using dry spices only, the ribs were served with Spicy iQ BBQ sauce and Apple Bourbon sauce which added an extra punch. We loved the smoky flavour imparted from being smoked in Maple wood for almost 6 hours. 
Lamb Shoulder

Flavoured with a proprietary blend of mildly spicy herbs and spices, the lamb was superbly slow roasted. A memorable dish combining flawless texture with equally superlative flavours. 
Beef Brisket

The beef brisket was a standout. Particularly noteworthy for its fragrant and complex beefy flavours which were enhanced by being marinated for 48 hours prior to being smoked for around 10 hours using Hickory wood. The meat was both soft and delicate.
Smoked Mac and Cheese

Smoked with Hickory Wood, we loved this classic twist on the mac and cheese which incorporated house smoked crispy bacon. 
Georgian Salad

The Georgian salad was an enlivening salad with bold tastes and textures. A mixture of 5 herbs (parsley, coriander, dill, mint and basil), the salad was a beautiful and fresh addition which went well with the meats.
Pecan pie 

It was everything you would want and expect from a pecan pie. Making wonderful use of America’s native nut, the dessert was all about those delicious nuts and was served with espresso cream and a decadent scoop of ice cream for contrast. We loved the rich crumbliness and complementary nuttiness of the pastry which perfectly contrasted its gooey richness. 
Cherry Cheese Blintzes 

Inga’s delightful Russian "accent" made an appearance as we concluded our evening with the cherry blintzes. Well-made with well-balanced flavours, it was a lovely treat.
Third Wave Café surprises with authentic American BBQ meats which are slow-smoked over real hard woods, delicious side dishes and an uncompromising commitment to service. 

Third Wave on Urbanspoon

Rustic Italian @ Capovolto

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Capovolto.
Capovolto encapsulates the Italian style of dining, urging patrons to "Mangia! Mangia!" in an intimate gathering while cherishing a meal which honours classical Italian flavours and quality ingredients.
With a head chef from Brescia in Italy's North, Capovolto’s diverse menu of regional Italian cuisine changes regularly. This allows the chefs to use the finest ingredients – taking into account availability and seasonal variations as well as tempt regulars with something new and interesting.
Arancini 
Deep fried Sicilian rice balls
Left: Funghi ripieni - Baked mushroom filled with pancetta & Italian cheeses
Right: Polpettine - Italian meatballs in tomato sugo, parmesan

Traditional comfort-food classics, both the arancini balls and the polpettine were beautiful. Each morsel was sufficiently seasoned and flavoursome.
Agnolotti riplena d’Anatra 
House made duck agnolotti, duck reduction
Canederli
Beetroot dumplings, spinach & Italian cheeses

As expected of any good Italian restaurant, Capovolto is particularly good at producing quality pasta dishes. The canederli pasta that we had was no exception. One from the chef’s northern Italian background, the dumplings had a stunning depth of flavour and delectably chewy texture from the beetroot. The flavours were complex and rich. Our waiter presented it to us as “a wonderful dish” and we could not have agreed more
Involtino di pesce spada
Swordfish filled with smoked mozzarella
Timballo di Parmagiana di Melanzane
Oven baked eggplant parmagiana, burrata cheese

The Timballo di Parmagiana di Melanzane was yet another highlight. Each layer of superbly cooked eggplant was adorned with delicious cheese. The tomato veloute provided fresh flavours while the burrata cheese brought all the elements on the plate together in a cohesive fashion.
Vanilla panna cotta, mixed  berry compote

This was a texturally perfect rendition of the vanilla panna cotta. The panna cotta was silky smooth - just barely holding its shape, it was quivering on the plate. 
Warm chocolate torte & crème anglaise

Our evening ended on a decadent note with a well-cooked warm chocolate torte. Oozing with chocolate, this dessert would have excited any chocolate lover.
An Italian restaurant with Italian hospitality Capovolto delivers warm and friendly service and an authentic Italian dining experience which celebrates the smells, taste and comfort of a country-style Italian home.

Capovolto on Urbanspoon

Breakfast @ Cecconi's Cellar Bar

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Cecconi's.
Cecconi’s is situated towards the Exhibition Street end of Flinders Lane's thriving restaurant precinct. Boasting a vibrant and buzzing cellar bar and an impressive restaurant, there is no denying that this dual establishment is wholeheartedly dedicated to food and quality produce.
The wall of family photos, and some of the produce they use displayed in black steel carriageways above the bar and open kitchen act as a reminder that Cecconi's is an authentic Italian restaurant.
Cecconi’s Cellar Bar has recently started offering a breakfast menu which we were privileged to sample.
Quince and cinnamon muffins were delivered to our table fresh out of the oven. The muffins were beautiful – aromatic, moreish and moist, with a lovely hint of tartness from the quince.
Toastie - homemade salumi and fontina cheese

The grilled cheesy toast with homemade salumi was a classic combination. We loved the thick, warm slices of bread and the generous amounts of oozy cheese and the delicious kick and savouriness from the salumi.
Crab omelette, Parmesan, parsley

Food envy set in as we watched the crab omelette (that we were foolish enough not to have ordered) being devoured. 
Cecconi’s toasted organic muesli with yogurt and banana

The muesli was absolutely scrumptious. This delectable blend of creamy yoghurt, crunchy oats and fresh banana followed by sour and sweet pops of dried fruit certainly awoke our senses.
Excellent food, good coffee and cheerful wait staff, breakfast service at Cecconi’s Cellar Bar was always going to be a success story.

Read about dinner at Cecconi's here.

Cecconi's Flinders Lane Cellar Bar on Urbanspoon

Win 5 x double passes to THE LUNCHBOX!

Winner of the Viewers’ Choice Award at the Cannes Film Festival, THE LUNCHBOX is a critically acclaimed gem from Mumbai.
Ila, a neglected housewife, attempts to spice up her marriage by preparing a special lunch for her husband. When it is accidentally delivered to Saajan, a lonely widower on the brink of retirement, they exchange notes to each other to get to the bottom of the mistaken delivery. Their notes gradually evolve into a series of intimate little confessions about their loneliness, memories, regrets, fears and small joys. Still strangers physically, Ila and Saajan become swept up in a relationship built on the fantasy of their letters.  
Release date: 10 July 2014

Gastrology has teamed up with MADMAN ENTERTAINMENT to give away 5 x double passes to THE LUNCHBOX which will be valid from opening day to 5 of our lucky readers!

How to enter 

All you have to do is follow us on twitter and send us an email with the name of your favourite lunch spot in Melbourne and why.

The best 5 entries, as judged by the Gastrology team, will win 1 x double pass each to THE LUNCHBOX.

The competition will run until 8:00pm Wednesday, 2 July 2014 (winner to be announced on this post on Thursday, 3 July 2014). 

The fine print: 
Only entries made using a valid email address are eligible. Your email address will not be published. This competition is a game is of skill not chance. This giveaway is open to readers in Australia only. Prize is not transferable or exchangeable or redeemable for cash. The Promoter is not responsible for prizes once they have been dispatched to the winner.

The tickets are valid anywhere the film is playing. Not valid for Gold Class, VMAX, La Premiere, Directors Suite etc. Not valid on Tuesdays after 5pm or Saturday or public holidays. Valid even with No Free Tickets. Non transferable. Seating is subject to availability.  

[3/07/2014] Announcement: Winners of the Blog Giveaway: 5 x double passes to THE LUNCHBOX

Thank you to everyone who entered!

The 5 winners are…

Eng H. with the following entry:
"My favourite lunch spot is Tassal cafe/shop in Kew Victoria. The lunch mains always showcase Tasmanian Salmon cook in different ways. So healthy,light and fresh and the price reasonable. The wine list although limited but always compliment the Salmon dish.Attached to the cafe is the salmon shop ,which one can browse after lunch to get inspiration and ingredients to cook the family"s next Salmon dish."

Daniel Q. with the following entry:
“My favourite lunch spot in Melbourne would have to be bringing a home cooked meal and sitting down in flagstaff gardens – it’s so relaxing and makes you feel like you’re outside of the hussle and bussle of the city. It’s particularly beautiful in Autumn when all the leaves fall down!”

Vanessa K. with the following entry:
"My favourite lunch spot at the moment is Royal Saxon. Actually found out about the place from reading Gastrology a few months ago and now I'm hooked - absolutely love the delicious pizzas and pasta. Really authentic and the staff are great. Thanks for the recommendation!"

Grace N. with the following entry:
"My favourite lunch spot is the Royal Botanical Gardens with its cacophony of nature's music with a picnic rug featuring some Aussie fine produce and a bottle of wine."

Ryan L. with the following entry:
"My favourite lunch spot is Sushi Monger. It is super cheap, super delicious and super fast (although there is always a line). Sushi Monger has become a bit of a Melbourne favourite and for good reason. I then like to bring my sushi to the nearest lawn and enjoy it while basking in the warmth of the sun or while people watching."

… Congratulations, the winners will be contacted via email.



Competition Now Closed.

Reviews: Göz City | Borek Bakehouse | World Restaurant | Nieuw Amsterdam | Jinda Thai | Shandong Mama | Tao Tao House | Om Nom Dessert Bar | Pat Bing Soo

Göz City

Göz City opened its doors in January. Combining the age-old gözleme tradition with a distinctly modern aesthetic and attitude, we liked the relaxed vibe of their cosy cafe. We had previously been invited to a tasting and exclusive preview back in March but were unable to attend. That invitation, however, certainly sparked our interest and we finally got around to visiting Göz City last week.
The menu is lead by four customary gözleme; cheese and spinach, Turkish spiced minced meat, herbed chicken and mushroom and veg. These are complemented with weekly unique and seasonally driven gözleme flavours and include a selection of Turkish, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern style salads, böreks and coffee. We enjoyed the gözleme on offer - they were each well flavoured. A great lunch time option - for those seeking something well-priced and a little different from this end of town.
Goz City on Urbanspoon
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Borek Bakehouse

Borek Bakehouse is the real deal. Freshly made, absolutely delicious boreks, at ridiculously cheap prices. Get 2 of these babies for a mere $5 and you’re set for lunch. 
There is a solid variety of breads and there is a range of salads that are equally as delicious.
Whatever you do, don’t go past the spicy lamb borek – Flaky, fluffy boreks with flavoursome and delectably tender morsels of spicy lamb.
The Borek Bakehouse on Urbanspoon
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World Restaurant & Bar

World Restaurant & Bar has an amazing view. Overlooking the banks of the Yarra River, it has a great ambience. The menu is internationally inspired and there is an extensive drinks selection.
A greater watering hole than it is a restaurant; the food we ordered at lunch was of a decent standard. 
The service is warm and welcoming and we loved the convenience of being able to book online.
World Restaurant & Bar on Urbanspoon
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Nieuw Amsterdam
With a focus on sharing plates, Nieuw Amsterdam is one of Melbourne's "hottest" new venues with a brilliant vibe.
The food was of a relatively good standard and the service is brilliant. We thought the $55 banquet option presented good but not great value. It is nevertheless, a great venue to visit with friends.
Nieuw Amsterdam on Urbanspoon
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Jinda Thai
Jinda Thai is an amazing Thai restaurant in Richmond which delivers on all fronts.
The food is absolutely delicious, authentic and well-priced. We loved their desserts too which are a modern rendition of classic Thai sweets.
Jinda Thai Restaurant on Urbanspoon
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Shangdong Mama
A very popular dumpling haunt, Shandong Mama is packed to the brim most days. While we thought the dumplings tasted reasonably good. We couldn't quite understand the hype.  
All in all, a good place for a cheap dinner with some dumpling options you won't see anywhere else. 
Shandong Mama on Urbanspoon
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Tao Tao House
Tao Tao House is a brilliant place for yum cha. The dumplings served are quite a few notches above the regular.
The only downside is some classic favourite are not available like century egg congee and tau fu fah.
Tao Tao House on Urbanspoon


Om Nom

Situated within Adelphi Hotel, we were excited to discover Melbourne's latest dessert bar. We couldn't tell whether it was just an off night (given all the hype and the fact that we have heard great things about this venue) but unfortunately the desserts failed to impress.
Apple Sphere $24
Flavours of Ginger, Caramel and Lemongrass Tea, Vanilla, White Chocolate and Yuzu

The apple sphere was visually stunning but unfortunately lacklustre in taste and the white chocolate lacked the essential "crunch" when we cracked into it.  We felt that the dessert was crying out for the flavour intensity of each component to be amplified. 
Banana Flambe $22
Rum, Cinnamon, Rosemary, Chocolate Sponge, Vanilla and Caramelized White Chocolate Ice Cream

While, again, beautiful, this dessert was particularly disappointing as the chocolate sponge was incredibly dry. 

While we absolutely love the concept and believe there is great skill in the presentation of the items we tried, unfortunately, our experience was a disappointing one which was further dampened by an unfriendly hostess. 
Om Nom Dessert Bar on Urbanspoon


Pat Bing Soo
Pat Bing Soo is a welcomed new addition to South Melbourne’s food scene. 
Calm & Concentration Tea
Green tea with longan aril, citrus peel, Chinese dates, chrysanthemum & goji berries. Aids memory function & enhances concentration

The cosy eatery boasts a welcoming atmosphere and wonderful service. The menu features modern Korean cuisine which is both refreshing and appetising. 
Korean Fried Chicken

We enjoyed the Korean Fried Chicken which we thought had a beautiful batter but felt the sauce was too sweet. 
Left: Bulgogi pork bapper -  Greenvale Farm shoulder pork, carrot, zucchini, pickled Asian mushrooms, served with egg yolk and ssamjung on rice  
Right: Buckwheat noodle dream - Spicy red cabbage, fried egg and spicy soy, toasted sesame, spring onion, served on buckwheat noodles

Both the bulgogi pork bapper and the noodle dishes had punchy fragrant flavours and were very enjoyable. A bit heavy handed on the salt but nevertheless pleasant and well prepared. 
There were many enjoyable aspects to our visit. Despite our minor quibbles, the food was respectable and the accompanying service was outstanding.
 Patbingsoo on Urbanspoon

Bakers Delight is bringing back tea time

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Bakers Delight.
Bakers Delight is calling Australians to rediscover the importance of afternoon tea with their delicious Aussie scones.
Bakers Delight recently launched a limited time range of new Orange Poppy and Orange Choc Scones at the newly launched Cristina Re ‘Where A Girl Goes’ High Tea Salon in Collingwood. 
At the event, guests indulged in the traditional simplicity of an Orange Poppy Scone topped with cream cheese icing as well as provided their taste-buds with a decadent treat of Orange Choc Scones which were chock full of choc chips which complemented their fresh orange flavour. 
The new Cristina Re was the perfect place for the launch – visually beautiful and stimulating to all of the senses. From vintage inspired tea cups, dining ware and gold plated cutlery, all trimmed in 24 carat gold, Cristina’s signature collectible pieces reflect style and elegance, and look beautiful topped with a top-notch scone. 
Where a Girl Goes on Urbanspoon

What does tea time mean to you?
We’re all guilty of it – powering through the day and neglecting to treat ourselves to life’s simple pleasures. Nowadays, tea breaks are few and far between. It’s time to take back those 15 minutes of downtime with a cuppa and a treat to collect our thoughts and recharge our batteries.
Bakers Delight is calling Australians to rediscover the importance of afternoon tea with their delicious Aussie scones. We happily answered to their calling by indulging in Bakers Delights' delicious scones (from their Prahran store) over a cuppa. Our favourite scone was the Berry and White Choc scone. Packed with generous amounts of plush blueberries and white chocolate chips, the Berry and White Choc Scone was an absolute delight. 
Tea time is something quite special to me. Personally, a cup of tea and a sweet treat at 3.30pm each day helps me power through and get the most out of my day. It’s a little “me time” and a pick me up which helps me gather my thoughts and keep my sanity. 
What does tea time mean to you?
Baker's Delight on Urbanspoon

European bier hall ‘Hophaus’ launches @ Southgate

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Hophaus.
Gastrology attended the launch of reinvented European bier hall ‘HOPHAUS’ at Southgate last week. 

Along with the impending opening of new Southgate Italian wine and tapas restaurant ARTUSI, Red Emperor’s new location and chef Lin Chan (Flower Drum), and Bluetrain’s critically acclaimed new upper level fit out, HOPHAUS affirms Southgate’s position as a landmark Melbourne dining and socialising destination.
A contemporary twist on the great Bavarian Beer Halls, HOPHAUS is the latest addition to Red Rock Leisure’s stable of social pubs and Southgate’s restaurant precinct, drawing inspiration from the history and tradition of the world’s original “craft breweries” that celebrates the Germanic approach to brewing, one of both art and science. 

HOPHAUS’ architectural design has been created by the multi award-winning Maddison Architects founded by Peter Maddison of Grand Designs Australia. The unique interior is based on research of European beer halls, and then re-inventing them, so that the materials and finishes are familiar yet different – a prime example being the polychrome glazed brickwork (over 6,000 in total) that features throughout the venue.
Venue manager Scott Highfield & Executive Chef Marc Brown

HOPHAUS owner, Paul O’Brien has successfully created a truly one-of-a-kind experience that delights and surprises but retains a familiar and hospitable atmosphere. 
We loved the food that we sampled. The menu at HOPHAUS features classic Bavarian favourites with a contemporary Melbourne flair with a big focus on communal shared dining. Curated by Executive Chef, Marc Brown, the food was exciting and fresh, using age-old European cooking styles that brought out the natural flavours of great Victorian produce.

The open kitchen showcased low and slow cooking methods over the coal fired pit and rotisserie. We sampled a selection of barbequed meats at the launch and they were absolutely delicious. Each morsel was cooked to perfection and seasoned beautifully. 
HOPHAUS houses over 30 draught taps around its huge central bar.  With an impressive selection of German, Austrian, Belgian and Czech Brews on offer, HOPHAUS is a unique drinking house - somewhere to taste and learn about the famous German beer styles that have influenced the drinking habits of generations across the globe.

The feature beers at HOPHAUS change regularly and some of Germany’s and Europe’s oldest and most loved brews will be available on tap, including beers from the famed Weihenstephan (the world’s oldest brewery), Paulaner, Franziskaner and Bitburger breweries.

HOPHAUS also features a selection of German, Austrian and Alsace wines by the glass along with New World wines that celebrate the region’s famed varieties: Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gruner Veltliner and more.
With a menu that features uncomplicated, good and honest food, HOPHAUS will keep you coming back for more.

Hophaus on Urbanspoon

2014 Good Food & Wine Show [30 May - 1 June 2014] | A collection of foodie news & events that caught our eye this month!

Gastrology bloggers attended courtesy of Barilla. 
This year, the Good Food & Wine Show brought its scrumptious line-up to Melbourne in May/June serving up a host of Australia’s finest food and wine, a huge celebrity chef line up and a feast of tasting experiences to tempt everyone’s palette.
It was a great day out with family and friends and a celebration of Australian food, wine and beer all under one roof. A huge coffee experience was also on the menu.
We walked the aisles with our forks ready, exploring new flavours whilst taking in the aromas and discovering a host of quirky kitchen and household gadgets as we experienced the special show features on offer for 2014. 
We also had the opportunity to see Alla Wolf Tasker AM (proprietor and culinary director of Lake House, the famed boutique hotel and restaurant in the ‘spa’ town of Daylesford Victoria) in action on the Good Food Theatre. 

Barilla's Italian breakfast with Sammy & Bella 
We also joined Barilla and My Kitchen Rules’ Sammy and Bella for an exclusive pre-show breakfast event at the Melbourne Good Food & Wine Show where we were transported straight to the Italian Isle of Sardinia... read more here.

Food Trucks
Banh Mi Boys
Location: Varies - See https://www.facebook.com/BanhMiBoys
Cuisine: Asian, Sandwiches/Subs, Vietnamese


A food truck on the scene selling the hottest sandwiches in town, Banh Mi Boys is the brainchild of a Masterchef Top 30 contestant and a Chinese medicine doctor. Serving tasty Vietnamese street food that is inspired by travels to South East Asia and the tastes, smells and colours of Vietnam.

We loved their Lemongrass pork belly Bangin’ Banh Mi Baguette which was a steal for $10. The pork belly was incredibly tender and full of flavour. The crunchy bread roll was fresh and slathered with pate and fresh salad of sweet pickled carrots, cucumber, coriander and fresh chilli.
Banh Mi Boys on Urbanspoon
Greek Street Food by Kara's Kalamaki
Location: Varies - See http://greekstreetfood.com.au/#findus
Cuisine: Greek

Delivering fresh, traditional greek souvas that are served with chips, Greek Street Food was a massive hit at the show. We tried "The Cluck" which was chicken fillet wrapped in Pita bread filled with Tomato, Onion and chips with either Tzatziki or Mustard sauce or both (we opted for both!).
The chicken was juicy and well-seasoned - these guys certainly know how to cook a bird. It was generous and tasted very authentic.
Kara's Kalamaki on Urbanspoon
Digging For Fire BBQ Kitchen
Location: Varies - See http://diggingforfirebbq.com.au/
Cuisine: Barbecue, International

Digging For Fire BBQ Kitchen focuses on all things to do with cooking with fire.

We tried their Mary Had A Little Lamb Roll which was generously filled with Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder, Pickles, Pomegranate, Tahini and Lemon Dressing. The flavours certainly packed a punch. Zesty, smokey and delicious, these guys know what they are doing when it comes to BBQ.

Digging For Fire BBQ Kitchen on Urbanspoon
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A collection of foodie news & events that caught our eye this month...

Pig & Pinot @ Royal Saxon
Royal Saxon and Kooyong Estate are teaming up to bring the best of Victoria to your table! The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival has kicked off again and we couldn't fathom a better Roast Collection than Pig & Pinot!
$65 for three courses or $100 with matched wines. One night only - June 18th from 6:30PM. Spaces are very limited. Book here.

Other events at Royal Saxon include: #SaxItUp, Sunday: Spins & Spits and Monday, Queen's birthday long weekend long lunch featuring Royal Saxon's new Winter menu.
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Southgate Moveable Feasts
This winter, Southgate presents Moveable Feasts where Melburnians and Melbourne-lovers alike will savour the melting pot of flavours that our city has to offer.

Southgate Moveable Feasts showcases just that over three delectable courses. Guests will be led through a unique dining experience as they wander from restaurant to restaurant, sampling unique world-class cuisines from Japanese, Italian and German to native North American and of course Australian, more specifically the pristine produce from our own Tasmania.

What: A three course journey throughout Southgate’s restaurant precinct, sampling unique presentations of world-class cuisines.

When: Sunday 15 June - Monday 4 August. 12pm Sundays & 7pm Mondays

Where: Southgate Restaurant and Shopping Precinct, on the south bank of the Yarra River, Melbourne

Cost: Choose from two three course dining options for $60pp or $85pp. Entrée and main courses each include a glass of wine and dessert is served with tea or coffee.

Parking: Available in Southgate’s Car Park off City Road / Southgate Avenue, $10 flat rate on weekends and after 4pm on Mondays.

Bookings: Online bookings only, at www.southgatemelbourne.com.au  

Enquiries: Southgate Restaurant and Shopping Precinct, 03 9686 1000
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Olimpia Bortolotto’s Cookbook
The matriarch of Melbourne’s Cecconi’s Flinders Lane Restaurant & Cellar Bar, Olimpia Bortolotto, has recently launched her first book entitled,‘La Tavola Della Famiglia’.

The Table of The Family is a memoir of recipes filled with passion and love from Olimpia, including her must-have pantry essentials. 

La Tavola Della Famiglia is $55 and available online and from the restaurant at 61 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.

Read more about Cecconi's here.
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What happened to Pugg Mahones in Carlton?
Anna Carosa and Stewart Koziora of the Retail Savvy Group are proud to announce the opening of their 3rd venue, The Shaw Davey Slum. 

The Shaw Davey Slum used to be home to Pugg Mahones in Carlton. After 15 weeks of demolition and build, it finally opened its doors onWednesday 21st May at 11am. Stay tuned for our review of The Shaw Davey Slum.
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Royal Melb Fine Food Award entries extended until June 6

ENTRIES EXTENDED UNTIL 6 JUNE: The search for Australia’s finest foods continues

Online entries for the 2014 Royal Melbourne Fine Food Awards (RMFFA), Australia’s premium fine food awards, will be extended to 6 June 2014.

The RMFFA, conducted by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV), promotes excellence in agriculture and food production. The RMFFA provides opportunities for boutique producers, regional specialists and commercial manufacturers to benchmark their products across nine food categories.

The biannual awards (comprising Spring and Autumn Programs) present a valuable opportunity for all producers, large and small, to assess their products and establish their credentials in the Australian fine food industry.

Spring entrants will have until 6 June 2014 to enter the awards across nine categories:

·       Branded Beef

·       Branded Lamb

·       Dairy, Sheep, Goat & Buffalo

·       Ice Cream Gelato & Sorbet

·       Delicatessen featuring Dips, Tapenade, Smallgoods & Uncooked Sausages

·       Extra Virgin Olive Oils and Flavoured Oils

·       Bread & Baked Goods

·       Free Range Eggs

·       Sweet & Savoury Preserves, featuring jams, vinegars and dressings

For more information, visit www.rasv.com.au/finefoods

The Royal Melbourne Fine Food Awards (Spring Program) – Key Dates 2014
Entries Open:  29 April
Entries Close (extended):  6 June
Judging:  23 June – 23 August
Awards Presentation:  22 September   

Upcoming event: QV Tropical Retreat [4 – 27June]

QV Melbourne will be opening the QV Tropical Retreat, a bespoke beach-themed resort sanctuary; the perfect way to escape the icy Melbourne chill. The premium shopping and dining destination will also host a range of tropical themed events in the warm pop-up oasis.

Resembling an island-style beach resort, the QV Tropical Retreat will be a relaxing, warming refuge from the cold. Approaching the tropical bure, feel welcomed by towering palms and a tiki thatched roofline with lush green foliage. Stepping into the retreat, be immediately transported to a tropical oasis by the thick scent of coconut, the warm and humid temperature and the visual explosion of colour and texture. Complete with hanging vines, a mini island, bright tropical florals and even a sandy beach, escape the winter blues and unwind beneath the tropical canopy in a hammock, or sip refreshing juice mocktails with friends amongst verdant tropical flower displays.

Each day will bring new a new activity to the space to keep visitors entertained. On weekends, the QV Tropical Retreat will play host to a number of exotic animals, including a special appearance by ABC TV’s Wild Action warrior Chris Humfrey. Expert CBD florists, Flower Temple will hold tropical terrarium classes each Wednesday where participants can take a little piece of the tropics home.

The site will also host an array of resort style activities such as cocktail classes from Red Spice Road QV, fruit carving, hula competitions and free manicures.

Free lunches from QV’s tantalising food retailers will be given away each weekday, and one lucky visitor will win a luxurious Queensland holiday for two.

Find out more about what's on here.

Barilla's Italian breakfast with Sammy & Bella @ the Melbourne Good Food & Wine Show | Recipe: Seadas (traditional Sardinian fritter)

Gastrology bloggers attended courtesy of Barilla. 
Today, Gastrology joined Barilla and My Kitchen Rules’ Sammy and Bella for an exclusive pre-show breakfast event at the Melbourne Good Food & Wine Show.
We were transported straight to the Italian Isle of Sardinia, where we prepared and cooked delicious Seadas – a sweet and savoury breakfast pastry typical of the region. 
It was a hands on class that was interactive and a lot of fun. 
We also left the delicious cooking class with a generous goodie bag from Barilla, which included some of Barilla's delicious pasta and sauces.


Recipe: Sammy and Bella's Seadas
The traditional Italian breakfast is very different from what we're used to in Australia. Brekky is often sweet and always accompanied by a coffee. Seadas (or sebadas) are a regional speciality from the land of Sardinia. They are fried pasta filled with fresh ricotta cheese and drizzled with honey. These local treasures are eaten at any time of the day, including breakfast.

Ingredients for dough

3 cups "00" flour 
1/3 cup semolina
2 free range eggs, plus 1 yolk (set 3rd egg white aside for below)
80 to 100ml water
80g salted butter, softened (or lard)

Ingredients to fill, cook and finish

extra flour for dusting
1 egg white from above
350g fresh ricotta 
50g pecorino sarda, grated
zest from 1 lemon
zest from 1 range
olive oil to fry
1/4 cup (250g) honey


Method
  • In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook, place plain flour, semolina, whole eggs plus yolk, 80ml water and softened butter. Mix until well combined and add a touch more water if it is too dry. Allow the machine to knead for 5 minutes or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Wrap in cling film and let rest for at least 30 minutes.
  • On a floured work surface roll out the dough to 2 or 3 mm thick. Using a 4 inch fluted pastry cutter (or a glass) cut out 24 disks. Using a pastry brush or your fingers, brush 12 of the disks with egg white.
  • Grate the pecorino and mix with ricotta, lemon and orange zests.  Distribute this mix evenly across 12 disks, cover with another disk and press down firmly on edges to seal.
  • Heat 1 inch of olive oil in a frying pan until hot (or in a deep fryer to 180 degrees celcius). Fry pastries, in batches, until lightly golden. Drain excess oil on paper towel.
  • Serve immediately, hot and drizzled with honey. 

Autumn @ Rochford Winery Restaurant

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Rochford.
Rochford possesses all of the requisite elements to deliver an enchanting experience not found in the hustle and bustle of Melbourne. Our expectations of Rochford are fostered not only by its excellent reputation, but by our own experiences on each of our previous visits. Our unwavering eagerness to return speaks volumes about how highly we regard this wonderful winery restaurant.
As the winter month approaches, the Yarra Valley is transformed into a stunning scene with golden autumn leaves adorning the vines.
Despite having eaten at Rochford countless times already, it continues to draw us back time and again and has rightfully claimed a spot in our favourite restaurants of all time.
The dining area is spacious, modern and elegant, exuding an air of calm. The glass windows encasing the dining area allow the sun to trickle in and present magical views out to the Rochford vineyard and the broader Yarra Ranges.

The sense of true hospitality is palpable, echoed in the modern Australian menu prepared using high quality, fresh ingredients which are often locally sourced. The service is always friendly and efficient.
 
We decided to share a bottle of the 2010 YV “La Droite”. A 50% Merlot 50% Cabernet Franc blend named with reference to the Bordeaux “Right Bank”, it was a beautiful drop.   
Not only does the arrival of the autumn season mean the beginning of Vintage harvest at Rochford Wines Yarra Valley, but it also marks the arrival of a new menu at Isabella’s Restaurant created by Head Chef Ciaran Butler. The menu is extremely well-priced. From $55 for 2 courses, the value proposition is compelling.
Galway born, Ciaran has worked in several Michelin star restaurants throughout Europe and Asia. His experience extends from working under the great John Kelly at Ardilaun House Hotel in Ireland to time spent at Crown Casino and the Yarra Valley Grand Hotel.

 As usual, each dish was cooked perfectly.
Kingfish ceviche 
a ceviche of Australian kingfish with sea grapes, pickled radish, yuzu jel & seaweed powder 

We commenced our dining experience with a beautifully presented ceviche. The citrus cured fish was embellished with sea grapes. The pickled radish added a wonderful touch to what was an enlivening combination of ingredients.
Local beetroots & Goats curd 
Local beetroots, with Yarra Valley goats curd foam, pine nuts 

The entrée of goat’s curd and beetroot had perfectly balanced flavours. Each element of the dish matched the other. The slight acidity from the beetroot brought a lovely tanginess that cut through the creaminess of the cheese. It all came together beautifully.
Tasmanian salmon fillet 
Oven baked fillet of salmon with Port Phillip Bay mussels, Rochford Chardonnay Marinières sauce, potato stones & sea asparagus 

The salmon skin was beautifully crisp and the flesh was deliciously moist and tender. The accompanying sea asparagus was a delicious addition. A coastal succulent, the sea asparagus provided delicious bursts of saltiness.
220g Wagyu Rump
Marble score 9 rump with horseradish potato puree, baby leeks, pearl onions and Rochford Pinot Noir jus 

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

The visually attractive “Death by chocolate” was a magnificent layered creation. The mixture of the light chocolate sponge, together with the intense richness of the ganache and the tartness from the griottine cherries produced a balanced and delectable dessert.
Yarra valley apple pie 
Warm individual apple pie with crème anglaise, vanilla bean ice-cream & toffee apple 

The apple pie was a decadent end to our visit. The soft centre of caramelised apples combined with the perfect biscuit pastry and decadent vanilla ice cream was simply stunning. Served with crisp toffee apple, this dessert was sublime. 
Rochford Yarra Valley's delicious menu which showcases the freshest and finest Yarra Valley produce provides the perfect excuse to escape to Victoria’s Yarra Valley and enjoy the views overlooking the vineyards.
Location: 878 - 880 Maroondah Hwy Coldstream
Times and Prices: 
  • Monday – Saturday Two course meal ($55) or Three Courses ($63)
  • Sunday and Public Holidays Two course meal ($65) or Three Courses ($73)
Phone: 03 5962 2119
Cuisine: Modern Australian, French, Seafood

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