"Food is Medicine" by Eat Fit Food @ The Grain Store

Gastrology attended the event courtesy of Eat Fit Food.
Eat Fit Food recently launched The Health Kit winter event this July where the topic was 'Food Is Medicine".

Gastrology was privileged to attend the Melbourne seminar where we heard from inspiring thought leaders within the health industry.
Whilst we all have daily access to natural medical resources, many of us don’t completely utilise them. At the evening, we learned how to use food as medicine and prevent winter bugs rather than cure them.
We particularly loved and enjoyed hearing from Dr Claire Campbell, a Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon who took us through how many diseases are preventable through a healthy diet and lifestyle. 
She explained that the concept that food as medicine is not a fad or an alternative state of mind, and that it was simply basic science. If your body is fed with what it needs, it will endeavour to heal itself to bring it back to homeostasis. 
The other two presenters were Restaurateur and Chef Mike McEnearney who shared his latest passion, his Physic Garden and Nutritionist and Naturopath Cassie Mendoza-Jones who spoke about nourishing the body and soul through nutrition.
After the presentation, guests indulged in wholesome foods and left with plenty of inspiration as well as a take home a collection of unique and tasty goodies to share with family and friends.
Under the guidance of Chef Ingo Meissner, The Grain Store offers a memorable dining experience that focuses on fresh and local produce. It was the perfect backdrop for discussing food and its health properties while enjoying the fresh, healthy and delicious food prepared.

Images courtesy of Lani Holmberg.

The Grain Store on Urbanspoon

Upcoming Event: Coburg Drive-In Food Truck Festival

Get your tastebuds ready... bring a carload of your best buds and grab a bite (or two or three) before the movie!
From burritos and Spanish BBQ to burgers and Asian street food, Melbourne's favourite Food Trucks will roll into the popular Village Coburg Drive-In once a month from Wednesday July 30.

With the latest releases on the big screen and a food offering sure to tantalise the tastebuds, the Coburg Drive-In Food Truck Festival provides the ultimate combination for a great night out.

Melbourne's first ever outdoor cinema Food Truck Festival will kick off on Wednesday July 30th from 5:30pm, with the latest releases Hercules, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and Sex Tape screening at the Drive-In's three screens, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.

When: Wednesday 30th July 2014 from 5:30pm
Where: Coburg Drive-In, 155 Newlands Rd, Coburg VIC. Click here for Cinema Details
Food Trucks:
Iv’s Burritos
Mr Burger
Nandos
Señor Churro
Nem N’ New Vietnamese Hawker Kitchen
Señor BBQ

TICKETS ON SALE SOON! More information here.

Winter Dinner - Murray Valley Pork Half Netted Shoulder

Gastrology bloggers tried the half netted shoulder courtesy of Murray Valley Pork.
Winter is the perfect time for decadent comfort food. With winter well and truly here, we thought we would share one of our favourite winter warming dinner recipes with you.

Roasted Half Netted Shoulder
Serves 6
Ingredients

2.04 kg Murray Valley Pork Half Netted Shoulder
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons sea salt
boiling water

Method
  1. Pour boiling hot water all over the pork.
  2. Dry the pork with paper towels.
  3. Rub and massage liberal amounts of olive oil into the skin.
  4. Sprinkle salt all over the surface of the skin.
  5. Place the pork on a roasting trivet.
  6. Roast the pork at a temperature of 220 degrees celcius for the first hour.
  7. After an hour, reduce the temperature to 185 degrees celcius and continue cooking until the pork is ready (e.g. for a further 30 minutes).
  8. Transfer the meat to a warm plate. 
  9. Remove the strings from the pork.
  10. Serve!

The pork came out of the oven looking absolutely perfect. Fragrant, sweet and succulent, this roast pork was winter comfort food at its best. Golden brown, blistered and crunchy, the pork crackling had us fighting for the last piece.

Get your hands on some Murray Valley Pork -> Find your nearest stockist here!

Or if you would like to find other porky recipe ideas, check out our posts about Murray Valley Pork's Rindless Scotch here; Murray Valley Pork's Cranberry & Almond Loin Roast here; or Murray Valley Pork Rolled Loin here.

Contemporary Italian style with classic Italian influence @ Rococo

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Rococo.

Rococo is a vibrant chain of 3 restaurants in St Kilda and Hawthorn. High energy dining in a unique space, Rococo has a cosmopolitan glow about it with a downtown design.

The kitchen serves delicious Italian cuisine which centres on the preparations of authentic Italian dishes paired with fresh ingredients.

Our host for the evening was sommelier Ash. Beaming with a love of food, fine wine and connecting with others, Ash kindly took us through the best that Rococo had to offer. 

We were taken through Rococo’s impenetrable wine list and were recommended a bottle of 2009 Wirra Wirra 'Angelus’ from the McLaren Vale, South Australia  which Ash kindly decanted - we savoured every drop.

While we waited for our bottle of ‘Angelus’ to decant, we were poured glasses of the 2012 Wirra Wirra 12th Man Chardonnay from the Adelaide Hill, South Australia which perfectly matched our first, second and third courses.

Rococo Bruschetta 

The meal started with an excellent bruschetta. A thick, warm slice of toasted bread was served with a sensational topping of tomato, dressed rocket, decadent goat cheese and red onion and glistened with a generous splash of extra virgin olive oil. It was a fantastic tastebud-enlivening start to what promised to be a memorable meal.

House-made chicken Tortellini Brodo

A classic Italian homestyle soup, the consommé was flavoursome, well-seasoned and boasted rich flavours. The tortellini was beautifully made, possessing a silky smooth skin and lovely flavours.

Spaghetti with Char-grilled seafood, including Scallops, Prawns, Rockling, Tasmanian Salmon, Calamari and shrimp

As expected of any good Italian restaurant, Rococo is good at producing quality pasta dishes. The seafood was cooked to perfection and the pasta was expertly cooked and retained a slight residual bite. 

Crispy quail on a rich Mushroom Risotto

The quail was silky, courtesy of being cooked to perfection. The natural gaminess of the quail was showcased alongside the fragrant risotto. The rice in the risotto was puffy and al-dente. Coupled with generous amounts of tender quail and earthy mushrooms, it had a wonderful depth of flavour.  

Char-grilled Black Angus Sirloin served with oven-roasted potatoes, dressed rocket, lemon cheek, Béarnaise and chutney.

The dish of char-grilled Black Angus Sirloin met our expectations admirably.  The accompaniments to the steak were each delicious – the crispy potatoes were perfectly seasoned and wonderfully flavoured and the dressed rocket provided a thoroughly enjoyable freshness.  Of course, the true highlight of the dish were the slices of sirloin – a light searing ensured that it was lined with a thin crisp layer packed with caramelised beef flavour.  The meat was intense with a deep earthy richness and texturally it was sublime with a decadent melt in the mouth, almost buttery, consistency.  

Warm Chocolate fudge brownie

Our final course for the evening was a warm chocolate fudge brownie served with peanut butter ice cream and peanuts.  Each element was well-executed but the real wow factor came when each was eaten together - absolutely delicious! Paired with a full bodied and fruity 

Fonseca Bin 27 Port

, it was a decadent end to a decadent meal.

Rococo serves cooking that comes from the heart, infused with fresh ingredients, traditional flavours and innovative preparations; blending contemporary Italian style with classic Italian influence.

Location:

various

Link:

http://www.rococo.net.au/

Cuisine:

Italian, Wine Bar

Karen Martini surprises local shoppers at The Reserve Table lunch @ Queen Victoria market

Gastrology bloggers attended the event as guests of Jacob's Creek.
On Saturday 12th July, Australia’s leading wine brand Jacob’s Creek and award-winning chef and restaurateur Karen Martini, hosted over 1,000 people at The Reserve Table. A surprise pop-up lunch with matching wines held in the heart of the Queen Victoria Markets, Melbourne.
Gastrology was invited to come along to the lunch. We were thrilled as we watched unsuspecting market-goers being delighted with a surprise invitation to take a seat at The Reserve Table set in the bustling fresh produce precinct within the markets.
Guests were then treated to a selection of award winning Jacob’s Creek Reserve wines sourced from some of Australia’s most premium wine regions - Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley and Coonawarra - served to match a Tapas style lunch. 
Martini over saw the selection of dishes featuring fresh produce from the markets, including locally sourced lamb, Polish dumplings and Italian meatballs to name a few. We especially enjoyed Hoy Pinoy's beautiful skewers which are a brilliant introduction to Filipino BBQ & street food. The Inihaw Na Manok was delectable. A BBQ chicken in a traditional marinade, the chicken was beautifully tender and boasted the perfect charring which enriched its flavour.
This event is part of a larger campaign where Jacob's Creek Reserve has partnered with Seven West Media to create an exciting new series ‘The Reserve Table’. 

It takes you on a journey to some of Australia’s most loved wine regions, exploring the provenance of people, places, food and wine. Each episode is hosted by Karen Martini, and a Jacob’s Creek wine maker. 

Together they challenge chefs to create a tantalising dish to complement a wine from the Jacob’s Creek Reserve range. The series, ‘The Reserve Table’ is available to view online at www.yahoo7.com.au/reservetable.
Hoy Pinoy on Urbanspoon

Scoopon Red Carpet Restaurant experiences | Win a Chinese banquet for two at Man Tong Kitchen (valued at $189)

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Scoopon and Man Tong Kitchen.
Between 14-20 July, Scoopon will be celebrating Melbourne’s love of food by offering discounts to some of the top rated restaurants in the city as part of its Melbourne food week.

Customers can benefit from up to 65% off some of the top rated restaurants on Urbanspoon, satisfying their desire for great dining experiences without the high price tag. From modern pub fare to Mexican street food - Scoopon’s food week includes a mix of cuisines from some of Melbourne’s favourite foodie hotspots. 

Scoopon 8 Course Chinese Banquet with Wine @ Man Tong Kitchen
Sister Restaurant to the Highly-Acclaimed Hu Tong, Man Tong Kitchen offers exquisite Chinese cuisine. 
Upon entering Man Tong Kitchen, diners will be wowed by the restaurant’s plush dining ambience. Designed to capture the bygone era of Imperial China in a contemporary fashion, the expansive dining room is adorned with textured wood pillars and wall panels dressed in rich deluxe colours like gold and red for a stunning contrast. The restaurant’s dining space is further enhanced by the mood lighting.

Purchasers of the Man Tong Scoopon will imbibe in 8 divine courses...
Left: Signature Xiao Long Bao pork dumplings (4 pieces)
Right: Chicken San Choi Bao in lettuce cups (2 serves)

While many Chinese restaurants in Melbourne serve Xiao Long Bao, Man Tong’s variety are a cut above. The allure lies in their gracefully delicate pastry skin enveloping rich pork-seasoned broth.  
Left: Sweet Corn Soup with crab meat and chicken (2 bowls)
Right: Peking Duck with Pancakes (2 pieces)

Another highlight of our meal was the Peking duck with pancakes. Each portion was carefully prepared to ensure that each was fresh and warm when consumed. With a generous slice of duck breast, fresh spring onion, warm pancake and ample sauce, it boasted a crisp skin and unctuous fat.
Stir Fried String Beans with Minced Pork and Szechuan Chilli Sauce
Juicy Eye Fillet with Honey and Pepper Sauce

The eye fillet with honey and pepper sauce was delicious.  Well-seasoned, the warming pepper was very welcoming on a particularly cold Melbourne day. Overall, a superbly executed dish.
Man Tong’s Special Fried Rice
Deep Fried Banana Fritter with Ice-Cream

Man Tong’s take on traditional banana fritter was delicious. The banana had an ethereally light and crispy batter and was soft and sweet inside. Served with a creamy vanilla ice cream, this was a pleasant end to our meal.  
Man Tong Kitchen affords a valuable dining experience that comprises delicious food and wine in a mesmerizing setting located at a prime location. 
Savour Man Tong Kitchen’s legendary xiao long bao and exquisite Chinese cuisine at Crown in the heart of Southbank by purchasing the Man Tong Kitchen scoopon here.

What: Scoopon's Melbourne Food Week deals 



Win 1 x Scoopon voucher to dine at Man Tong Kitchen!

Gastrology has teamed up with Scoopon to giveaway 1 x Scoopon voucher to Man Tong Kitchen to indulge in a decadent Chinese banquet for 2 with wine each which is valued at $189 to 1 of our lucky readers!

How to enter 

All you have to do is: 

  1. Follow us on twitter (if you have not already) 
  2. Send us an email answering “What is your favourite dish and why?” 


The best entry, as judged by the Gastrology team, will win 1 x Scoopon voucher to Man Tong Kitchen.

The competition will run from Monday, 14 July 2014 to 5:00pm Thursday, 24 July 2014 (winner to be announced on this post on Friday, 25 July 2014. 
Man Tong Kitchen on Urbanspoon
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. 

To find out more or purchase one of the deals, visit www.scoopon.com.au/melbourne.

[25/07/2014] Announcement: Winners of the Blog Giveaway: Man Tong Banquet Scoopon

Thank you to everyone who entered!

The winner is…


Jayne L. with the following entry:

“While it is difficult to choose a favourite (they all look absolutely delicious), my most favourite dish is Man Tong's signature Xiao Long Bao pork dumplings. Their Xiao Long Bao's boasts finesse that make them several notches above the average ones you receive at other establishments. I love the delicate dumpling skin which envelopes the decadent broth. It is always a pleasure piercing through the thin casing and slurping the hot and flavoursome broth within and flavouring the remaining pastry and minced pork with just the right amount of black vinegar and heaty ginger. 
Would love to win this banquet to try all these other dishes and find out more about what Man Tong has to offer beyonf the Xiao Long Bao pork dumplings.” 
… Congratulations, the winner will be contacted via email.

Competition Now Closed. 

Eat, Drink, Repeat @ Mr Miyagi

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Mr Miyagi.
Drawing influence from the izakaya style of Japanese eating and drinking, Mr Miyagi offers a compelling proposition - stylish, laid back surrounds, a diverse drinks list and a clear focus on serving up delicious, playful dishes.
The decor fuses modern, grungy elements with traditional Japanese design to produce a cohesive whole. 
The dining room is gently broken into several distinct seating areas catering for all moods. 
This includes a row of seats at the bar for those keen to observe the skilful slicing of gloriously fresh fish and mixing of delicious cocktails.
Specialising in Japanese and Pan-Asian share plates, the food served ranges from creative and contemporary such as nori tacos and ramen gnocchi, to Japanese classics such as sashimi, nigiri and yakitori.
Tempura broccoli with kimchi dressing

The soft broccoli was encased in ethereally light and crispy tempura batter. Generously covered with a layer of grated cheese, this dish was vegetarian comfort food and would make anyone with a distaste for broccoli reconsider.
Nori taco  - grilled salmon belly, vinegar rice, spicy napa cabbage, Japanese mayo, chilli oil

Mr Miyagi’s pièce de résistance, the Nori taco was mind-blowingly good. The crisp taco shell of tempura nori sheets was filled with perfectly seasoned sushi rice, tangy kimchi, rich salmon adorned with chilli oil and Japanese mayonnaise. With all ingredients in perfect harmony, every bite was a feast for the senses - a stunning dish.
David Chang’s ramen gnocchi – wagyu Bolognese on ramen potato gnocchi, salted buffalo ricotta

The light pillows of ramen gnocchi were accompanied by a rich, flavoursome sauce and lashings of rich salted buffalo ricotta. Similar but different, this dish was a creative Japanese take on an Italian staple.
Black pig gyoza – pan fried black pig dumplings, soy, chilli, ginger, sesame dipping sauce

The flavoursome pork nestled within the delicate pastry skins was well seasoned and bursted with flavour.
Large nigiri & sashimi combo

Every element on the nigiri and sashimi combo was prepared with great precision and care. The high quality fish was served at the ideal temperature and was clearly fresh from the ocean.
Yakitori chicken skewers

The yakitori chicken skewers were flavoursome, moist and had a delicious outer caramelisation - the result of spending the perfect amount of time on the grill.
Piped hot chocolate doughnuts with pistachio and ginger bread ice creams

Kabocha pumpkin toast – white chocolate and pumpkin ganache, honeycomb, yoghurt sorbet and pumpkin ice cream

The kabocha pumpkin toast can best be described with one word - wow. The scattered presentation was an artistic mix of order and chaos. The bursts of tartness from the yoghurt sorbet worked well with the creamy white chocolate and pumpkin ganache while the honeycomb provided a wonderful textural element. A fantastically delicious amalgam of unlikely ingredients, the kabocha pumpkin toast is a must try for any visitor of Mr Miyagi.
Established nearly 9 months ago, Mr Miyagi has already garnered some well-deserved attention in Melbourne’s dining scene. The culinary offerings are creative, well executed and delicious. Combined with a vibrant atmosphere, diverse beverage selection and warm staff, Mr Miyagi is an exciting new offering and has certainly earned our stamp of approval.

Location: 99 Chapel Street, Windsor
Phone: 03 9529 5999
Cuisine: Japanese 

Mr. Miyagi on Urbanspoon

Pullman Hotels and Resorts put art on a plate with the launch of Justin North’s Tapastry menus

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Pullman Hotels and Resorts.
Pullman, Accor’s 5-star hotel brand, has launched a new, vibrant way to dine with Tapastry - a new menu of small dishes created by celebrated chef and Pullman’s Culinary Ambassador, Justin North.
Justin North is one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs, having won numerous awards over the years including GQ Chef of the Year, Gourmet Traveller’s highest ranking and Chef of the Year in the Sydney Morning Herald’s Good Food Guide, and not to mention sustaining two coveted chefs’ hats for more than eight years. His Tapastry menu will be a national concept that will be rolled out through the entire Pullman network in Australia.
Fig, binnore labna & caramelized onion flat bread

Gastrology attended a small gathering at the Pullman Melbourne Albert Park to be one of the first to taste and see what Tapastry had to offer.
Heirloom tomato Yellingbo olive vanella buffalo mozzarella

The menu combined both artistry and gastronomy; the dishes showcased regional ingredients in innovative small plates. 
Freshly shucked pacific oysters, eschallot vinegar and lemon

Each plate was small, allowing room to taste several dishes and was aesthetically pleasing. We loved the use of regional ingredients and the elegance and precision in which the dishes were prepared.
Tiger prawn cocktail 

The most outstanding dish of the night was the Roast Northern Rivers Pork Belly, slow cooked Octopus and miso Eggplant. The pork belly flesh was juicy tenderness while the crackling added a subtle savoury note and textural crunch. The slow cooked octopus was full of flavour and had a melt in your mouth texture, which was enhanced by the supple eggplant. 
Earl grey ice cream, Zokoko chocolate and salted caramel

Our evening ended on a sweet high with the dessert of Earl grey ice cream, Zokoko chocolate and salted caramel. 

Containing a selection of distinct yet harmonious ingredients, this visually attractive dessert was a delicious layered creation. The mellow earl grey ice cream together with the crunchy praline and decadent salted caramel produced a balanced and delectable dessert. We savoured every moreish morsel. 
Under the guidance of Justin North the Pullman’s chefs have created an authentic culinary experience using high quality ingredients sourced from local artisans and food producers in the form of Tapastry.

What: Windows Restaurant (Pullman Hotels and Resorts) now serving Justin North’s Tapastry menu
Melbourne location: 65 Queens Rd Melbourne
Cuisine: Modern Australian

Windows Restaurant on Urbanspoon

Monday Night African Feast from Jabili's Kitchen @ Mr Wow's Emporium

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Jabili's Kitchen.
Jabili's Kitchen is spicing up Monday nights at Mr Wow’s Emporium by introducing its new Monday Night Feast for two.
The Jabili’s Kitchen food truck is located at the back of iconic Mr Wow’s Emporium. 
Mr Wow’s Emporium serves an array of fine drinks. Best known for their cocktails ranging from classic favourites to the more exotic, Mr Wow also serves a selection of premium spirits, liqueurs, single malts, house-made bitters, fine-aged rum and wines. 
Mains: Braised goat in a tamarind ‘mannish water’ sauce; Sautéed baby squid with harissa tabouleh; Roast eggplant and tomato salad with a lemon & tahini dressing; Spice cous cous with saffron, currants, apricot & toasted almonds; Charred cauliflower in dukkah spice with a tamarind sauce
Condiments: Red onion ceviche, pickled cucumber, smoked pine nut satsivi, warmed injera bread

A delicious combination of five modern African flavours with accompaniments like injera bread and smoked pine nut satsivi, the feast is a sight to behold.

Both the vegetarian and meat dishes were delicious.

Our favourite vegetarian dish was the Charred cauliflower in dukkah spice with a tamarind sauce. It displayed a depth and complexity in flavour and had a lovely hint of sweetness that complemented the overall savouriness of the dish. 

The meat dishes were, like all of dishes we feasted upon, hearty. The braised goat in a tamarind ‘mannish water’ sauce was a particular standout. Each morsel was cooked to the point where the meat simply melted in our mouths. The flavours from the herbs and spices were unique and very enjoyable to eat.

The beautifully made injera which we used to pick up bites of the little dishes was the perfect canvas for the rich and spicy flavours.
The platter is a great introduction to African food and was simply delicious. Reasonably priced at $35 for two people, the Monday night African feast is a compelling proposition especially over a cocktail or two!

What: Monday Night African Feast 
Where: Jabili's Kitchen @ Mr Wow's Emporium, 97b Smith Street,  Fitzroy
Phone: 0421 483 464


Jabili's Kitchen on Urbanspoon Mr Wow's Emporium on Urbanspoon

Harry's ice cream party | International ice cream month

Gastrology bloggers' ice cream party was sponsored by Harry's Ice Cream.
Not like we needed any excuse to have ice cream... but this month is  International Ice Cream Month!
To celebrate this delicious month, Gastrology teamed up with award-winning Australian ice cream maker, Harry’s Ice Cream for an ice cream party to celebrate this special frozen dessert.
With a house full of toppings our guests set out to pair up Harry's delicious ice cream flavours with some sugary goodness.
Harry's Raspberry Cheesecake ice cream (and our personal favourite) was a particular hit and in our view, best enjoyed as is!
We even had cocktails made from Harry's Pavlova ice cream!


Celebrate International ice cream month with Harry's ice cream!
Get your hands on some Harry's Ice Cream which are available at Woolworths and selected IGA stores throughout Australia.
Drawing inspiration from classic Australian desserts, Harry's Ice Cream offers a range of distinctive and iconic flavours including Pavlova; Sticky Date Pudding; and Raspberry Cheesecake.

Read more about Harry's ice cream here.

Pizza Smackdown @ Yak Italian Kitchen and Bar

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Yak Italian Kitchen and Bar.
Yak recently hosted a pizza competition to end all pizza competitions.

Taking inspiration from the great competitions in Italy which were always held in a town square, chefs of all calibre would compete against one another and cook a pizza on large paddles which would then be judged. A victor would be announced and the pizza shared amongst the crowds.
Gathering some of Melbourne’s favourite chefs from around Melbourne to stand side by side; Leo and the team at Yak celebrated eight of Melbourne's top chefs competing against each other to come up with the "Ultimate Pizza". 

The winning pizza will be placed on Yak Italian Kitchen’s menu, along with their name and venue’s details.
#1 Cricket pizza 
Beer match: Magnalotti “Doppio Malto”

Created by Florent Garadin (Silo) the pizza featured classic flavour combinations … and then there was the cricket. Served in its entirety (as you can see, the crickets were placed without any alteration to its exoskeleton). It was an interesting pizza and certainly showcased Florent’s creative spirit.
#2 Black truffle pizza
Beer match: Birra Dell’ Eremo “Golden Ale”

Created by Matthew Macartney (Eleanore’s – Chateau Yering), the black truffle pizza was a decadent pizza with generous toppings of dehydrated anchovies, gruyere, parmesan, mozzarella, roasted Jerusalem artichokes and basil chips. We loved the sweetness of the Jerusalem artichokes which contrasted with the savoury anchovies.
#3 Japanese pizza
Beer match: Birra Dell’ Eremo “IPA”

Created by Brendan McQueen (Matteo’s) the Japanese pizza was an absolute delight. Bursting at the seams with umami, the pizza danced a little bonito flake dance as it settled itself upon our table. We loved this delicious pizza version of okonomiyaki.  
Matteo's Restaurant on Urbanspoon
#4 Smoked duck, ham, kimchi & prawn floss pizza
Beer match: La Petrognola “Artigianale Di Farro”

Created by Michael Harrison (Allium Food & Wine), this was our personal favourite pizza of the night. With a miso and tomato base, the pizza was filled with deliciously smoked ham which matched the spicy, slightly tart kimchi perfectly. It was a match made in pizza heaven.
 Allium Food and Wine on Urbanspoon
#5 Smoked clams, n'duja & guanciale pizza
Beer match: Birra Dell’ Eremo “Amber Ale”

Created by Nick Bennett (Arbory Bar & Eatery), the Smoked clams, n'duja & guanciale pizza was a classic combination of flavours that worked wonders. 
#6 Hoisin pork pizza
Beer match: Eggenberg Pils

Created by Jerry Mai (Pho Num), the hoisin pork pizza was memorable for its amazing pork crackling which has us fighting for the last piece.
#7 Sobrasada pizza
Beer match: Birra Dell’ Eremo “Blanche”

Created by Jacque Turner (Bellota), the sobrasada was an outstanding pizza. Rich and decadent, the pizza was topped with expertly judged toppings of goats curd, sobrasada, red anchovies, pickled green chilli, salsa verde, jamon and bellota smoked ham – genius!
Bellota on Urbanspoon
#8 Dessert Pizza
Beer match: Matilda Bay Dogbolter “Dark Lager”

Created by Pierrick Boyer (Le Petit Gateau), the dessert pizza was a deliciously sweet end to the pizza smack down. A clever combination of peanut butter and jelly with vanilla and mascarpone, it was a pizza that evoked childhood memories but also demonstrated restraint and elegance.
Le Petit Gateau on Urbanspoon


And the winners are…
(in no particular order)

  • Michael Harrison, "Allium Food & Wine" (duck, ham, kimchi & prawn floss)
  • Nick Bennet, "Arbory Bar and Eatery" (smoked clams, n'duja & guanciale)
  • Pierrick Boyer "Le Petit Gâteau" (mascarpone, raspberry, peanuts, dark chocolate & praline)


These 3 pizzas will be placed on Yak Italian Kitchen’s menu for all to enjoy.

What: 3 new pizzas on Yak Italian Kitchen’s menu
Where: 150 Flinders Lane (corner Russell St), Melbourne


Yak Italian Kitchen and Bar on Urbanspoon

What happened to Pugg Mahones?

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of the Shaw Davey Slum.
After 15 weeks of demolition and build, what used to be home to Pugg Mahones in Carlton has finally opened its doors as The Shaw Davey Slum. “The Slum”, as it has been affectionately termed, is unique in style, presentation and represents great value for money.
This is Anna Carosa and Stewart Koziora’s (Retail Savvy Group) 3rd venue and they are breaking the rules of design and price point whilst respecting the site and heritage of this iconic Carlton venue. 
The name ‘The Shaw Davey Slum’ is a play on words, based around a report on Poverty in 1958 written by two commissioners named Shaw and Davey; it was known as the windscreen survey (because they didn't get out of their cars), with recommendations to demolish areas of Carlton they deemed to be ‘slums'.
Crispy pork belly

This dish consisted of slow roasted pork belly pieces with crispy salty crackling served atop wild roquette dressed in a house made green apple and honey cider dressing, accompanied with a housemade apple and cranberry compote.
Stuffed field mushroom

A delightful dish of roasted giant field mushroom which was stuffed with a finely chopped mixture of macadamia nut, mushrooms, shallots and herbs that were sautéed in butter. It was also topped with goats cheese and served with baby spinach and a house made balsamic glaze.
Mega Chicken parma

The mega chicken parma was indeed MEGA. A large piece of chicken breast fillet was breaded with crunchy Kellogg’s corn flakes and topped with a house made Napoli sauce and a combination of Gruyere and mozzarella cheese.
All this for a mere $20!
Surf & Turf

For again, just $20, the Surf & Turf comprised of 200 grams of tender grass-fed MSA graded eye fillet beef cooked to our liking and was accompanied with garlic prawns, crispy pancetta, steamed broccolini and a house made Australian bush pepper Hollandaise.
Sweet potato chips
Background: Mulled Ribena
Foreground: Anzac biscuit ice cream sandwich

The Mulled Ribena was a lovely winter treat which was made from Ballantines, Ribena, red wine and orange juice which had been infused with cinnamon, star anise, cloves, honey water, orange and lemons.

We concluded our visit with a fun Aussie twist on a classic of ice cream sandwiched between two pieces of Anzac cookies. 
The venue also features a retractable rooftop bar (open Friday from 5pm with Dj’s upstairs starting at 7pm) which gives the space a more casual, outdoor feel than its lower level. 
The second level begins as you walk up the staircase past a stunning Swarovski crystal Chandelier and make your way to the 13 meter long bar, custom-made with concrete and sea shells from numerous beaches around Melbourne. A raised dance floor area with Beatles and Pineapple images are a throwback to the 1960’s In Australia.
Whatever direction you're heading - whether you're winding down or partying up, The Shaw Davey Slum are able to cater to your needs with a compelling value proposition.

The Shaw Davey Slum on Urbanspoon

Southgate Moveable Feast: Artusi | Amarok | Bluetrain [Sunday 15 June – Monday 4 August]

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Artusi, Amarok & Blue Train.
Southgate's recent facelift of premium restaurants is garnering some well-deserved attention. The Moveable Feasts is a brilliant opportunity to taste and see what this bustling foodie hub has to offer.

Showcasing  three delectable courses each from a different Southgate restaurant, Southgate Moveable Feasts epitomises the changing dining trends of today as Melburnians look for new and different casual dining experiences.

We were led through a unique dining experience as we wandered from restaurant to restaurant, sampling unique world-class cuisines from Italian to native North American.



First Stop: Artusi
Location: UR1 Upper level, 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank
Phone: 03 8199 1033
Link: http://www.artusi.net.au/
Cuisine: Italian

The brainchild of Luis Pampliega and Tamara Volkoff, owners of the much-loved Southgate Italian eatery Tutto Bene ARTUSI is a welcome addition to Southgate's dining precinct.
We loved ARTUSI’s architectural design. Splashes of copper, bluestone façade and marble accents create a comfortable space and a modern up-market vibe.  
The ethos of ARTUSI is ‘The Art of Eating and Drinking Well’ and this ethos is clear from the restaurant’s focus on producing artisan handmade pastas and a mouth-watering selection of delicacies matched with a wide selection of boutique wines.
Lingua di bu – slow cooked ox tongue, quail egg, salsa verde, lemon EVOO

Our afternoon commenced with unctuous pieces of slow cooked ox tongue accompanied by perfectly oozy quail egg, fresh salsa verde and lemon EVOO. a The centrepiece ox tongue possessed a beautiful depth of flavour, with the acidity in the salsa verde helping to alleviate the richness of the decadent tongue.
Mezzelune ai broccoli e parmigiano – broccoli filled potato parcels, bagna cauda butter, parmigiano reggiano

The Mezzelune ai broccoli e parmigiano was a superb dish that was highlighted by the light and fluffy potato parcels which captivated with its delightful broccoli filling and its lingering rich parmigiano flavour.
What was clear from what we tasted was ARTUSI’s head chef Leandro Panza Sicilian heritage and knowledge and passion for Italian cooking.
Artusi on Urbanspoon


Second Stop: Amarok
Location: Southgate Complex Mid Level, MR6, 3 Southgate Avenue, Southbank
Phone: 03 9663 1877
Link: http://www.amarokbarrestaurant.com/
Cuisine: North American, Canadian

Yet another new addition to Southgate’s ever evolving dining precinct, Amarok Bar & Restaurant features a menu inspired by traditional North American and Canadian flavours whilst using the finest ingredients.
The dining room has a cosy wood-fired cabin feel.
Sierra Nevada Stout, Pine Needle & Acorn Roasted Chicken Breast with a Turnip/Blue Cheese Potato Bake, Veg & Marsala Jus

The chicken was tender and superbly cooked. Coated in an in an addictively sweet marsala and stout jus which was nicely offset by the decadently savoury potato bake. 
Pouch Baked Salmon in Corn Mead with Lemon, Fresh Herb & Grape Quinoa Salad

The salmon was again, cooked to perfection and accompanied by a very fresh and fragrant salad which provided a refreshing element to counterbalance the relatively rich and oily fish.
Amarok Bar & Restaurant on Urbanspoon


Third Stop: Bluetrain
Location: Southgate Landing, Southbank
Phone: 03 9696 0111
Link: http://www.bluetrain.com.au/
Cuisine: Modern Australian

An expansive café and bar with floor to high ceiling windows overlooking the Yarra River, Bluetrain is a brilliant Melbourne meeting spot.
It’s 2013 major facelift sees the restaurant spotting a new look which combines eclectic and quirky materials, bespoke designs and a light feature using yellow bicycle wheels to adorn the walls and graffiti art pillars. 
Baileys Cheesecake

The cheesecake was deliciously rich and had just the right hint of baileys. 
Warm Apple pie

Our Southgate Moveable Feast ended on a delicious winter warmer, the humble apple pie. Crumbly pastry and thinly sliced and spiced apple - Blue Train’s apple pie was very well made and perfect for afternoon tea with a dollop of cream and a cup of coffee.
Bluetrain on Urbanspoon


Get on to it! 
With a host guiding the journey to each establishment, discoveries will be made along the way uncovering the stories behind Melbourne’s eclectic world of riverside eateries.
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. 
NB: Parking is 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

Eat Fit Food - delivering healthy delicious meals daily to your home or office

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Eat Fit Food.
A typical day in the life of Eat Fit Food

Eat Fit Food introduces nutritionally balanced meals which are delivered fresh daily to individuals and corporates in both Sydney and Melbourne with plans to expand nationwide in the near future.

The leaders in creating innovative, fresh meals from scratch, Eat Fit Food’s food philosophy is simple - eat flavoursome and nourishing wholefoods.
Founded by Bianca Monley in 2002, Eat Fit Food was set up out of a passionate belief of eating well – even for people with a busy schedule! 

We enjoyed our fresh and healthy meals consisting of delicious but lean chicken breasts, low gi pancakes served with yogurt and berries, a smoothie and delicious raw cacao balls. Each free of preservatives, artificial sweeteners, additives and chemicals. 
Eat Fit Food is more than just a delivery service, also educating customers about how easy it is to improve their lives through eating healthy.

Eat Fit Food offers a variety of programs for both men and women. They are designed to reset eating behaviours, digestive function and nutrient absorption. All programs will also improve vitality, health and nutrition.
Eat Fit Food has also recently launched The Health Kit. A series of seasonal, fun, educational events we will be hosting in both Sydney and Melbourne. They are designed to bring the community together and create a wellness ripple effect. Our next event is in July and the Topic is “Food is Medicine” – stay tuned for our review of the event!
For more information, please visit their website: www.eatfitfood.com.au.

Review: Chilton's Artisan Pies

Gastrology bloggers received the pies courtesy of Chilton's Artisan Foods.
With winter officially here, it was the perfect opportunity to dig into Chilton’s delicately handmade pies – each freshly made in their kitchen.

Chilton's Artisan Foods has been quietly making pies and other savoury foods for Australian families for years, having now developed over 250 lines of savoury foods from pies to quiches, frittatas and pasties. 
Managing Director of Chilton's Artisan Foods, Phillip Marzella (who is known as the ultimate pie lover) has a long family history in connoisseur foods. His grandfather was the only baker in a small town, baking bread during the night for young partisans during WWII while his grandmother an accomplished pasta maker served fresh pasta to orphans. So, you can say making good food is in Phillip’s blood.

When Phillip came to Australia in the early 80’s his first part-time job as a fifteen year old was working with the original Piero Brunetti founder of the Brunetti cakes store. Today he’s excited about making everyone’s mealtime easy by serving up a homemade pie that not only tastes great but saves you having to make it.
What was apparent was the use of fresh, quality ingredients with uncompromising flavours, courtesy of being handmade with artisanal care.
Chilton’s pie pastry (a prime component of any excellent pie), was the perfect canvas in which to dunk in the gravied juices. Each pie pastry was perfectly made – a testament to being worked carefully by pastry maker, Maria (better known as ‘nonna’ in the Chilton’s kitchen) to give the fluffiest and softest crisp. 
Lamb & Rosemary pie

While it was difficult to pick a favourite, the lamb & rosemary pie was probably our favourite - I say “probably” because to be honest, we loved each and every pie.

The classic combination of lamb and rosemary worked an absolute treat. Rich and hearty with generous morsels of beautifully slow cooked lamb, it was an excellent pie. The tender pieces of lamb combined flawless texture with equally superlative flavours. It was a pleasure to mop the decadent gravy up with the pie pastry. Yum!
Serving Chilton's pie was magnificently easy - all we had to do was pop the pies in the oven, put our feet up and enjoy some wine while dinner was being prepared.
Whether it's the Lamb and Rosemary, Chicken & Vegetable, Beef & Red Wine or Cauliflower Leek & Cheese pie - we can attest to their deliciousness. Each gold-crusted and welcoming, these pies make the sort of dinner that you cook without any special effort but with plenty of gratification.

What: Chilton’s Pies (also available as a family size) 
How: Pop in the oven for ten minutes at 170C 
Where: Stockists include many Melbourne cafes including Mr Speaker, CBD, Café La Venice, St Kilda, Café Gruppo on Collins and David Jones, CBD as well as gourmet supermarket Leo’s Fine Foods.  
Delivery: Anyone can order pies of their choice up until 4pm daily for a next day delivery fresh from Chilton’s kitchen to yours 
Link: www.facebook.com/ChiltonsArtisanfoods 
Location: 20/128 Canterbury Road, Kilsyth 
Phone: (03) 8761 6601

Review: Forbidden Foods' Black rice | Recipe: Black Rice Salad with Heirloom Carrots & Butternut Pumpkin

Gastrology bloggers received the product courtesy of Forbidden Foods.

Launched in 2012, Forbidden Foods is a 100% Australian owned and operated rice foods company with a vision to 'feed the world with the world’s best' and ignite Australia’s love for rice.
Forbidden Foods prides itself on sourcing the highest quality organic rice from around the globe. Today with 3 products in the range, Forbidden Foods Black Rice, Red Rice and Green Rice can be found in over 1300 stores Australia wide.

Gastrology bloggers recently sampled Forbidden Foods’ black rice (which was recently nominated as finalists for the 2014 Food Magazine awards under the organic category). 

We absolutely loved the versatility of the rice. A great and healthy alternative for anything you would use white or brown rice for, the black rice has an earthy undertone and taste slightly nutty. It also smells delicious! 

What: Forbidden Black Rice (500g)
Price: $7.99
Where: Stockists or Online
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Recipe: Black Rice Salad with Heirloom Carrots & Butternut Pumpkin
Serves: 6-8 | Hands-On Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 30 mins
Ingredients
- 3 cups Forbidden Black Rice
- 1 cup white quinoa
- 1/2 large butternut pumpkin
- 2 large purple heirloom carrots
- 1/2 cup pepitas, toasted
- 3 spring onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinaigrette
- 1/2 bunch parsley, chopped
- Garnish: sage leaves, mint, celery sprouts, basil, radish leaves, oregano & red sorrel
- Salt to taste
Preparation method
  1. Cook quinoa as instructed on package, cool and set aside.
  2. In a separate saucepan, cook Forbidden Black Rice as instructed on package, cool and set aside.
  3. Dice butternut pumpkin into 2cm cubes, blanch in boiling water for approximately 3 minutes, strain and refresh under cool water and set aside.
  4. Dice purple heirloom carrots into 2cm cubes.
  5. Add pumpkin, carrots, spring onions, pepitas, quinoa and black rice to a large bowl. Toss to combine.
  6. Wisk together olive oil, lime juice and red wine vinaigrette and drizzle over salad.
  7. Garnish with parsley, herbs and leaves (optional).

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