Right - Here it is - I am gonna say it. I am pissed off!!
Good, now that I have that off why chest, you might wonder why? One simple reason - my space and suburb have changed too much and I dont like it.
When I moved here, it was all DINKS and female couples in sensible shoes and male fellows in designer sunglasses and flip flops dining together. The suburb had an edgy feel to it and was full of the movers and shakers you would expect. My local cafe (I am spoiled for choice with six of them) where I have eaten for the past 5 years used to be filled with couples that would politely nod at one another on saturday morning, knowing that we had bumped into one another at a gay venue the night before or been at the same queer film.
Of late, I walk in and have to dodge designer prams, parked in the doorway and in any available space. Now it is not the biggest venue and staff are always deftly dancing between communal and individual tables with caffeinated beverages. There are boobs out with infants suckling away with no care in the world, and yummy daddies with slings and papooses hanging off them with heads lolling backwards and forwards with the movement of dads body.
I am still pissed off. I dont want to suggest that people should not be there, doing this and that, with their prams, papooses and suckling babes, but I dont want it in my suburb. I dont want to dodge prams in my cafe.
It is funny that as real estate changes and suburbs are adopted by pooves and lesbians, the straight folks follow and things change. I have seen this before in Sydney and I will no doubt see it again.
But I dont know that I want to be in the burb where it happens.
That feels better
Friday, November 14, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Asian Dining
Right – I have to admit it here and now, I am spoiled. All these years of tarting around the industry affords one an intriguing network of contacts, and on occasion, these contacts provide me with an amazing experience. Recently, there were 2 cases in point....
Sho, Crown Complex, Southbank, Melbourne
On the gambling floor at Crown Melbourne, the den of iniquity of which I am not overly enamoured, sits Sho. Opened recently, Sho is all about noodles, tea and a show of sorts. Pin is a noodle artist – I use the word artist as chef seems so ... lazy, and he is able to turn a lump of dough into the finest noodles in what seems like just minutes.
But Sho is about more than that – it has a tea list printed on bamboo that would almost put anything else I have seen to shame. From as little as $3 and up to $10, you can sit and sip with some sensational offerings from the open kitchen, all of which occurs very quickly.
The decor has a collective of many Chinese motifs including some very clever use of amazingly large abacus type entry columns – a must to check out along with the pressed tea sculptures. I have long been a lover of good tea and now I have found somewhere that will provide the best of Chinese tea, some of which can be purchased to take home.
Hop in and check it out – and once you are done, you can throw a few shekels onto the gaming floor and try your luck after some lucky tea and lucky food. The team are efficient and friendly and happy to explain anything you need. If you can, check out the traditional tea ceremonies as well – a must if you are one who dips a twinings bag into hot water and calls it a cuppa.
Hanuman, The Holiday Inn. 93 Mitchell Street, Darwin
Whilst on the Asian idea, if you are in the top end, then a visit to Hanuman in Darwin is an absolute must. Jimmy Shu is a legend of the Australian food and wine scene and his restaurant is a mix of Thai, Chinese, Indian and Nonya cuisines.
With a fantastic wine list to get the palette ready, there are plenty of choices to kick off any dining experience. Then, onto the food. A little village of hanuman oysters (I know, it sound strange but bear with me here), was our first starter. Each oyster comes macerated in chilli, lemongrass, sweet basil, ginger and coriander in some rice wine – perfectly poached and with a tiny tagine like hood on each part of the specially designed plate. We also had mushrooms minced with pork, prawn and spices, some besan floured amritsari fish and all were just spectacular.
We moved onto a vegetable course, with some stunning okra (not something featured on a lot of menus but beautifully prepared) that was tossed with onion, tomato, chilli and tamarind. Masala cauliflower was sensational as another vegetable offering; along with aloo mutter (a pea and potato curry). Vegetables have never tasted so good.
The onto another course, with some a duck curry and it was spectacular, according to my dining companions. I forget that a lot of curries contain pineapple, to which one is fiercely allergic, and as such, need to avoid at all costs. The pork belly was another spectacular surprise (regular readers will know of my passion for the pig) cooked Toew Chiu Chinese style, with star anise and cinnamon. It was indeed worth the calories it provided to my ever expanding girth. The butter chicken was a standout – with a base of crushed cashews, tomato and mildly spiced, this was pretty much one of the most traditional and tasty I have found in my journeys.
Sensibly, we decided that dessert was not an option although there are some very traditional offerings that looked amazing. Wine however, was consumed with gusto. We started with a Henschke Julius riesling which is the perfect marriage for spicy Asian food. Moving to a Kooyong Pinot Noir from the Mornington Peninsula, another great marriage of spice and some mild tannin. Finally, we downed an Alkoomi Cabernet Sauvignon from the Margaret River that worked beautifully with duck, pork and chicken.
Jimmy Shu was born in Sri Lanka, grew up in Malaysia and has had restaurants across Australia and SE Asia. A new Hanuman is about to enter the Cairns market so Queenslanders keep your tastebuds peeled. Jimmy loves food and this tells in recipes he has developed over decades. These recipes form the basis of his menus and his choice of chefs reflects the dynamic mix of cuisines on offer at Hanuman.
There is nothing to fault in either of these amazing dining experiences and if you have a hankering for some quality Asian food, then try Sho or Hanuman if you can. My experiences were fantastic and I trust that yours will be also.
Sho, Crown Complex, Southbank, Melbourne
On the gambling floor at Crown Melbourne, the den of iniquity of which I am not overly enamoured, sits Sho. Opened recently, Sho is all about noodles, tea and a show of sorts. Pin is a noodle artist – I use the word artist as chef seems so ... lazy, and he is able to turn a lump of dough into the finest noodles in what seems like just minutes.
But Sho is about more than that – it has a tea list printed on bamboo that would almost put anything else I have seen to shame. From as little as $3 and up to $10, you can sit and sip with some sensational offerings from the open kitchen, all of which occurs very quickly.
The decor has a collective of many Chinese motifs including some very clever use of amazingly large abacus type entry columns – a must to check out along with the pressed tea sculptures. I have long been a lover of good tea and now I have found somewhere that will provide the best of Chinese tea, some of which can be purchased to take home.
Hop in and check it out – and once you are done, you can throw a few shekels onto the gaming floor and try your luck after some lucky tea and lucky food. The team are efficient and friendly and happy to explain anything you need. If you can, check out the traditional tea ceremonies as well – a must if you are one who dips a twinings bag into hot water and calls it a cuppa.
Hanuman, The Holiday Inn. 93 Mitchell Street, Darwin
Whilst on the Asian idea, if you are in the top end, then a visit to Hanuman in Darwin is an absolute must. Jimmy Shu is a legend of the Australian food and wine scene and his restaurant is a mix of Thai, Chinese, Indian and Nonya cuisines.
With a fantastic wine list to get the palette ready, there are plenty of choices to kick off any dining experience. Then, onto the food. A little village of hanuman oysters (I know, it sound strange but bear with me here), was our first starter. Each oyster comes macerated in chilli, lemongrass, sweet basil, ginger and coriander in some rice wine – perfectly poached and with a tiny tagine like hood on each part of the specially designed plate. We also had mushrooms minced with pork, prawn and spices, some besan floured amritsari fish and all were just spectacular.
We moved onto a vegetable course, with some stunning okra (not something featured on a lot of menus but beautifully prepared) that was tossed with onion, tomato, chilli and tamarind. Masala cauliflower was sensational as another vegetable offering; along with aloo mutter (a pea and potato curry). Vegetables have never tasted so good.
The onto another course, with some a duck curry and it was spectacular, according to my dining companions. I forget that a lot of curries contain pineapple, to which one is fiercely allergic, and as such, need to avoid at all costs. The pork belly was another spectacular surprise (regular readers will know of my passion for the pig) cooked Toew Chiu Chinese style, with star anise and cinnamon. It was indeed worth the calories it provided to my ever expanding girth. The butter chicken was a standout – with a base of crushed cashews, tomato and mildly spiced, this was pretty much one of the most traditional and tasty I have found in my journeys.
Sensibly, we decided that dessert was not an option although there are some very traditional offerings that looked amazing. Wine however, was consumed with gusto. We started with a Henschke Julius riesling which is the perfect marriage for spicy Asian food. Moving to a Kooyong Pinot Noir from the Mornington Peninsula, another great marriage of spice and some mild tannin. Finally, we downed an Alkoomi Cabernet Sauvignon from the Margaret River that worked beautifully with duck, pork and chicken.
Jimmy Shu was born in Sri Lanka, grew up in Malaysia and has had restaurants across Australia and SE Asia. A new Hanuman is about to enter the Cairns market so Queenslanders keep your tastebuds peeled. Jimmy loves food and this tells in recipes he has developed over decades. These recipes form the basis of his menus and his choice of chefs reflects the dynamic mix of cuisines on offer at Hanuman.
There is nothing to fault in either of these amazing dining experiences and if you have a hankering for some quality Asian food, then try Sho or Hanuman if you can. My experiences were fantastic and I trust that yours will be also.
recent offerings
I have been very slack in maintaining this blog. Very slack indeed. I do hope to keep it going as freshly as possible now and here is the latest installment.
MEAT – Adrian Richardson.
Being a carnivore is something I manage to do extremely well. Inhaling pig and duck until my face hurts is a pleasure that I would never surrender. I know that the life of a vegetarian is one that espouses healthy living and a love of all things non meat but I am unashamed in my love of anything that once quacked or oinked.
Recently, one of my favourite Melbourne chefs who knows much about the offerings of the flesh and its treatment launched a book titled Meat. Adrian Richardson from Carlton’s La Luna is passionate, opinionated and dedicated to flesh. He spent time as a vegetarian and yet this book reflects his long held belief about how knowing about meat, what to do with it and how to treat it, forms part of our culture. Too often we choose bad or incorrectly labelled meat, or we choose meat for entirely the wrong type of dish.
This book is filled with Richardson’s knowledge of beef, pork, poultry, venison and other carnivore’s delights. I highly recommend the Twice Cooked Pork Belly with toffee crisp crackling or his roasted duck with pomegranate glaze. I also have finally got an idea how he makes those delicious little pork and fennel sausages. This book is worth the purchase price simply for that recipe alone. It’s a great thunking tome of a book, with beautiful photography and a fresh look at the way to purchase, cook and eat meat.
For those that love a bit of meat as much as I do, this comes very highly recommended for you or as a great gift for the silly season.
Bistro Flor – 555 Nicholson Street (corner McPherson St), Carlton
What do you get when you cross a composer of international music with a visionary chef?? You get Bistro Flor, a new name for an old established eatery in Melbourne. Known to many as Tansy’s, (or at least those old enough to remember), this new French Italian inspired eatery has seen some changes, and this one is definitely for the better.
The food is spectacular, and has both brunch and dinner menus available. Dinner is fantastic and the service matches the exceptional food on offer. House cured duck breast is perfectly sweet and is served with pistachio, quince paste and goats curd cream. Grilled octopus, kipfler potato and cherry tomato salad with baba ganoush or Tuna carpaccio with ruby grapefruit and caper citronette are exceptional ways to start. Followers that cover the farineaux (rice and pasta) and something more substantial were also very good. My mate raves still about the Provençale-style seafood stew with charred crouton and saffron rouille for the intensity and simplicity of the dish. Ocean trout with fennel, currants, pinenuts and white anchovies and Confit duck with endive, pear and walnut salad were also sampled and apart from some minor faults here and there, we were incredibly impressed.
Sides and desserts make up a great dinner menu and the wine list sparkles with a collection of Australian and International offerings that suit the food so very well. It’s always difficult to re open somewhere that was once boasted as the best going around at the time, but what Chef Matthew has achieved already is something to boast about. For locals who know the venue and people seeking out somewhere new, the fact that it is gay owned and operated should also provide further incentive to have a gay old time at Bistro Flor. Check it out, it’s worth the approx $60 per head for any occasion.
De Bortoli Gulf Station Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is another of the things that makes me moist on most occasions, and it is not a cheap wine to produce. Best varieties come from cold climate locations, and I am afraid that I have found something that I am loathe to share. I am sure the more I bang on about it, the more difficult to buy or expensive this wine is going to become. However, Matt Skinner rates it highly (he was Jamie Oliver’s Sommelier) so good enough for him, then good enough for me.
Steve Webber and Young Winemaker of the Year, Bill Downie are at the helm of this wine, and they have created a brilliant pinot noir. It is a ballsy pinot that is very well balanced. It is a dark almost plum colour and the earthy nose is also loaded with spice and fruit. With some mild tannins to kick in at the end of the palate, the remainder is intense and shows the best of the variety. It ‘s a Yarra Valley wine, so if you don’t believe me, get down to the valley or pick up a case at your local off license.
MEAT – Adrian Richardson.
Being a carnivore is something I manage to do extremely well. Inhaling pig and duck until my face hurts is a pleasure that I would never surrender. I know that the life of a vegetarian is one that espouses healthy living and a love of all things non meat but I am unashamed in my love of anything that once quacked or oinked.
Recently, one of my favourite Melbourne chefs who knows much about the offerings of the flesh and its treatment launched a book titled Meat. Adrian Richardson from Carlton’s La Luna is passionate, opinionated and dedicated to flesh. He spent time as a vegetarian and yet this book reflects his long held belief about how knowing about meat, what to do with it and how to treat it, forms part of our culture. Too often we choose bad or incorrectly labelled meat, or we choose meat for entirely the wrong type of dish.
This book is filled with Richardson’s knowledge of beef, pork, poultry, venison and other carnivore’s delights. I highly recommend the Twice Cooked Pork Belly with toffee crisp crackling or his roasted duck with pomegranate glaze. I also have finally got an idea how he makes those delicious little pork and fennel sausages. This book is worth the purchase price simply for that recipe alone. It’s a great thunking tome of a book, with beautiful photography and a fresh look at the way to purchase, cook and eat meat.
For those that love a bit of meat as much as I do, this comes very highly recommended for you or as a great gift for the silly season.
Bistro Flor – 555 Nicholson Street (corner McPherson St), Carlton
What do you get when you cross a composer of international music with a visionary chef?? You get Bistro Flor, a new name for an old established eatery in Melbourne. Known to many as Tansy’s, (or at least those old enough to remember), this new French Italian inspired eatery has seen some changes, and this one is definitely for the better.
The food is spectacular, and has both brunch and dinner menus available. Dinner is fantastic and the service matches the exceptional food on offer. House cured duck breast is perfectly sweet and is served with pistachio, quince paste and goats curd cream. Grilled octopus, kipfler potato and cherry tomato salad with baba ganoush or Tuna carpaccio with ruby grapefruit and caper citronette are exceptional ways to start. Followers that cover the farineaux (rice and pasta) and something more substantial were also very good. My mate raves still about the Provençale-style seafood stew with charred crouton and saffron rouille for the intensity and simplicity of the dish. Ocean trout with fennel, currants, pinenuts and white anchovies and Confit duck with endive, pear and walnut salad were also sampled and apart from some minor faults here and there, we were incredibly impressed.
Sides and desserts make up a great dinner menu and the wine list sparkles with a collection of Australian and International offerings that suit the food so very well. It’s always difficult to re open somewhere that was once boasted as the best going around at the time, but what Chef Matthew has achieved already is something to boast about. For locals who know the venue and people seeking out somewhere new, the fact that it is gay owned and operated should also provide further incentive to have a gay old time at Bistro Flor. Check it out, it’s worth the approx $60 per head for any occasion.
De Bortoli Gulf Station Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is another of the things that makes me moist on most occasions, and it is not a cheap wine to produce. Best varieties come from cold climate locations, and I am afraid that I have found something that I am loathe to share. I am sure the more I bang on about it, the more difficult to buy or expensive this wine is going to become. However, Matt Skinner rates it highly (he was Jamie Oliver’s Sommelier) so good enough for him, then good enough for me.
Steve Webber and Young Winemaker of the Year, Bill Downie are at the helm of this wine, and they have created a brilliant pinot noir. It is a ballsy pinot that is very well balanced. It is a dark almost plum colour and the earthy nose is also loaded with spice and fruit. With some mild tannins to kick in at the end of the palate, the remainder is intense and shows the best of the variety. It ‘s a Yarra Valley wine, so if you don’t believe me, get down to the valley or pick up a case at your local off license.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
general ranting and associated rubbish
So - I know its been months but I have been ever so busy.
I wonder if you have ever gotten so close to your dream job that it is no longer a dream job when you just miss out?? I recently was advised that a position that would suit my experience and knowledge and expertise, was available and so I trotted off my CV and a letter, addressing the key selection criteria, blah, blah, blah.
Anyways, long story short, I was selected for interview, second interview and was a sniff away from gaining this position. I just missed out. I was informed that they had to deliberate for ages, that my skills and experience would be valued by the organisation, that it is growing and their may be jobs in the future and all of that. However, I dont know that I want it in the future now.
Call me wierd, but this was to be the defining role for my career. It was all about grog and food, events and media, and Melbourne - pretty much everything that I love. And now that I have been informed that I was unsuccessful, I have to wonder has that passion been dampened? Will I want it again in the future.
Now there is every chance that the succesful applicant may well get hit by a fast moving form of transportation - a bus, taxi, tram or motor scooter. That person may fall ill and be unable to commence at the appropriate time, or indeed they may be completely useless at the job, and I might get offered it again. I would always think that I was second best, or second choice. I was never going to be the one they wanted in the first place.
So, the question is this. If you were that close would your confidence be damaged or would you be chuffed that you got that far? Would you want it if you were second best or has the dream faded to a distant memory of everything that you imagine it might be
I wonder what my answer will be if this is the case?
I wonder if you have ever gotten so close to your dream job that it is no longer a dream job when you just miss out?? I recently was advised that a position that would suit my experience and knowledge and expertise, was available and so I trotted off my CV and a letter, addressing the key selection criteria, blah, blah, blah.
Anyways, long story short, I was selected for interview, second interview and was a sniff away from gaining this position. I just missed out. I was informed that they had to deliberate for ages, that my skills and experience would be valued by the organisation, that it is growing and their may be jobs in the future and all of that. However, I dont know that I want it in the future now.
Call me wierd, but this was to be the defining role for my career. It was all about grog and food, events and media, and Melbourne - pretty much everything that I love. And now that I have been informed that I was unsuccessful, I have to wonder has that passion been dampened? Will I want it again in the future.
Now there is every chance that the succesful applicant may well get hit by a fast moving form of transportation - a bus, taxi, tram or motor scooter. That person may fall ill and be unable to commence at the appropriate time, or indeed they may be completely useless at the job, and I might get offered it again. I would always think that I was second best, or second choice. I was never going to be the one they wanted in the first place.
So, the question is this. If you were that close would your confidence be damaged or would you be chuffed that you got that far? Would you want it if you were second best or has the dream faded to a distant memory of everything that you imagine it might be
I wonder what my answer will be if this is the case?
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
America, America, god please get rid of thee
Now before you start, i really do like americans and have many friends of that persuasion.... even a former lover or two......
BUT
what is with this Halloween nonsense. i have been invited to several halloween parties tomorrow night, from the plain dull 'drinks' to the superbly ridiculous 'trick or treat party' that is being thrown - and on a school night.
historically, halloween is not something that we do in the southern antipodes and far flung colonies south of the equator.
from my understanding, this is a christian festival (and with no offence to the god loving and fearing folk, I dont do capitals for the religious words.) it is to celebrate all hallows eve which falls before all saints day. now this is not a revelation to most readers I am sure, but there is also the pagan or non secular connotation to the festival where spirits can make contact with the physical world and when magic is most potent.
what pisses me off is the costumes of ghosts and ghoulies, skeletons and all of the associated crud. woe betired any snivelling little shits knocking on my door hoping for a bag of clinkers or some of darrel lea's finest.... because they wont get much apart from a piece of bbq briquette and a whack upside the head....
i think it is about our propensity to turn every given opportunity into an excuse for the consumption of alcohol in ome form or another. now as much as i am gonna sound a hypocrite, there will be a beverage or two tomorrow night cos my mate is playing his guitar and singing at the local pub and I need to go and support his efforts.
so enjoy your all hallows eve, observe the holy day of obligation the next day and get to your local church (even if its for a game of bingo or a few beers with the local vicar). i will have a few and think of nothing but queen and country ... i dont know which queen yet but i am sure i will find one.
happy halloween
BUT
what is with this Halloween nonsense. i have been invited to several halloween parties tomorrow night, from the plain dull 'drinks' to the superbly ridiculous 'trick or treat party' that is being thrown - and on a school night.
historically, halloween is not something that we do in the southern antipodes and far flung colonies south of the equator.
from my understanding, this is a christian festival (and with no offence to the god loving and fearing folk, I dont do capitals for the religious words.) it is to celebrate all hallows eve which falls before all saints day. now this is not a revelation to most readers I am sure, but there is also the pagan or non secular connotation to the festival where spirits can make contact with the physical world and when magic is most potent.
what pisses me off is the costumes of ghosts and ghoulies, skeletons and all of the associated crud. woe betired any snivelling little shits knocking on my door hoping for a bag of clinkers or some of darrel lea's finest.... because they wont get much apart from a piece of bbq briquette and a whack upside the head....
i think it is about our propensity to turn every given opportunity into an excuse for the consumption of alcohol in ome form or another. now as much as i am gonna sound a hypocrite, there will be a beverage or two tomorrow night cos my mate is playing his guitar and singing at the local pub and I need to go and support his efforts.
so enjoy your all hallows eve, observe the holy day of obligation the next day and get to your local church (even if its for a game of bingo or a few beers with the local vicar). i will have a few and think of nothing but queen and country ... i dont know which queen yet but i am sure i will find one.
happy halloween
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
good god October is almost gone and I have been so hectic. but have not added to my musings here.
its time for beer i think or at least good white wine. summer is on the doorstep and so we should be heaving some good plonk down our screech for the summer months.
so here are a few scribblings on some of what is nice this season:
Victoria has a plethora of wine regions and some of the whites around for consumption this summer stand out as rippers. As the drought continues, winegrowers are becoming increasingly worried about what they can produce, and if I could offer any advice, it would be to start stocking the cellar now with boutique wines. Prices are on the rise and as a result, some of these amazing products are going to be hard to get and very expensive.
Tin Cows at Tarrawarra Estate in Yarra Glen have a stunning chardonnay. The range is cheaper than the Tarrawarra range, and the 2005 Chardy is made entirely from estate grown fruit. With a nose that is all melon and stone fruit, the crisp fresh zing on the palate is refreshing. It has a lingering acidic finish and subtle elements of oak that improve the overall body of the wine. At around $20 it’s a steal.
Marinda Park at Balnarin on the Mornington Peninsula offers a sensational Victorian grown 2003 Sauvignon Blanc. Its nose is all tropical fruit and passion fruit aromas, and the palate works well with that. Hints of gooseberry and passionfruit work their magic on the tongue to produce a well balanced, clean soft finish. It sells at cellar door for about $20
Mantons Creek, also on the Peninsula, has a stunning 2003 Pinot Gris. This aromatic has a sweet musky aroma, with hints of apple blossom. In true Pinot gris style, the palate is all citrus and lively acidity, with a soft caramel butter finish. It is expressive and perfect for drinking now. You can pick this up at the cellar door for around $22. Also try their gewurtztraminer with lychee, lavender and spice aromas, and a rich palate of exquisite length and balance. Its around $45 but stunningly worth every penny.
Innocent Bystander in the Yarra Valley have a pinot rose that you must try. Whilst not a white it is a superb summer beverage served nicely chilled. With a spritely nose of spring blossom and shaved fennel, the palate on this little baby is all plum and blackcurrant. A zesty fruit finish will leave you lingering and longing for more. At around $15, buy a case of 6.
so see you somewhere in the melting pot of madness that is my wandering life
its time for beer i think or at least good white wine. summer is on the doorstep and so we should be heaving some good plonk down our screech for the summer months.
so here are a few scribblings on some of what is nice this season:
Victoria has a plethora of wine regions and some of the whites around for consumption this summer stand out as rippers. As the drought continues, winegrowers are becoming increasingly worried about what they can produce, and if I could offer any advice, it would be to start stocking the cellar now with boutique wines. Prices are on the rise and as a result, some of these amazing products are going to be hard to get and very expensive.
Tin Cows at Tarrawarra Estate in Yarra Glen have a stunning chardonnay. The range is cheaper than the Tarrawarra range, and the 2005 Chardy is made entirely from estate grown fruit. With a nose that is all melon and stone fruit, the crisp fresh zing on the palate is refreshing. It has a lingering acidic finish and subtle elements of oak that improve the overall body of the wine. At around $20 it’s a steal.
Marinda Park at Balnarin on the Mornington Peninsula offers a sensational Victorian grown 2003 Sauvignon Blanc. Its nose is all tropical fruit and passion fruit aromas, and the palate works well with that. Hints of gooseberry and passionfruit work their magic on the tongue to produce a well balanced, clean soft finish. It sells at cellar door for about $20
Mantons Creek, also on the Peninsula, has a stunning 2003 Pinot Gris. This aromatic has a sweet musky aroma, with hints of apple blossom. In true Pinot gris style, the palate is all citrus and lively acidity, with a soft caramel butter finish. It is expressive and perfect for drinking now. You can pick this up at the cellar door for around $22. Also try their gewurtztraminer with lychee, lavender and spice aromas, and a rich palate of exquisite length and balance. Its around $45 but stunningly worth every penny.
Innocent Bystander in the Yarra Valley have a pinot rose that you must try. Whilst not a white it is a superb summer beverage served nicely chilled. With a spritely nose of spring blossom and shaved fennel, the palate on this little baby is all plum and blackcurrant. A zesty fruit finish will leave you lingering and longing for more. At around $15, buy a case of 6.
so see you somewhere in the melting pot of madness that is my wandering life
Thursday, September 6, 2007
the suburban pub meal
I always thought that pubs across the country in the burbs had all moved towards the idea of gastrohavens. That is, the days of the pub grub would surely be overtaken by upping the wank ante of food and all but destorying the humble counter meal.
But in the inner west of Melbourne, this is radically different. There are numerous pubs that perch on the edges of Footscray, that are doing cheap pub meals for the same as you would pay for a mcdonalds meal, and with 500 times the nutritional value.
Last night I lobbed at the Buckingham Hotel on Buckingham Street in Footscray. The pungent smell of smokeable herb in the outdoor section at the back ensured that I had an appetite, yet on venturing inside, the place was chockers - not a seat to be had. I have been here many times before and for $7, you will walk out full of their daily special. This ranges from a bangers and mash, chicken schnitzel, fish and chips etc etc. And the quality is fantastic
So dining partner and I choofed off down the street to Harts Hotel on Victoria Street, the same street that Delizia Cucina, a one hat dining venue in Seddon, calls home. The daily special, a porterhouse steak with vegetables and chips for $7. Yes, seven dollars. Why anyone would eat take out with this sort of offering about is beyond me. I threw in an extra couple of bucks for a chicken parma. As much as I am a gourmand, I love a good parma. This was an enormous plump chicken breast, crumbed and flash fried to ensure that it remained moist. It was topped with a delicious sugo and some cheese and grilled. With salad and chips, it was a cracker. I left full.
There are disadvantages, like the loud and often unkempt crowd in the front bar, betting on 2 flies crawling up the wall, and the tab doing double time. But it lends an atmosphere to the place. The wine is okay, served in something not much larger than a medicine cup, but clearly the brisk trade in beer hasnt allowed them to catch up.
This is one venue I would love to get hold of - the dining space is huge and well fitted out, for the price and the food is really very good.
I am off to buy a lotto ticket so I can make them an offer.
But in the inner west of Melbourne, this is radically different. There are numerous pubs that perch on the edges of Footscray, that are doing cheap pub meals for the same as you would pay for a mcdonalds meal, and with 500 times the nutritional value.
Last night I lobbed at the Buckingham Hotel on Buckingham Street in Footscray. The pungent smell of smokeable herb in the outdoor section at the back ensured that I had an appetite, yet on venturing inside, the place was chockers - not a seat to be had. I have been here many times before and for $7, you will walk out full of their daily special. This ranges from a bangers and mash, chicken schnitzel, fish and chips etc etc. And the quality is fantastic
So dining partner and I choofed off down the street to Harts Hotel on Victoria Street, the same street that Delizia Cucina, a one hat dining venue in Seddon, calls home. The daily special, a porterhouse steak with vegetables and chips for $7. Yes, seven dollars. Why anyone would eat take out with this sort of offering about is beyond me. I threw in an extra couple of bucks for a chicken parma. As much as I am a gourmand, I love a good parma. This was an enormous plump chicken breast, crumbed and flash fried to ensure that it remained moist. It was topped with a delicious sugo and some cheese and grilled. With salad and chips, it was a cracker. I left full.
There are disadvantages, like the loud and often unkempt crowd in the front bar, betting on 2 flies crawling up the wall, and the tab doing double time. But it lends an atmosphere to the place. The wine is okay, served in something not much larger than a medicine cup, but clearly the brisk trade in beer hasnt allowed them to catch up.
This is one venue I would love to get hold of - the dining space is huge and well fitted out, for the price and the food is really very good.
I am off to buy a lotto ticket so I can make them an offer.
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