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Tuesday, 30 April 2013

Review - Hare and Grace

Hare and Grace
525 Collins Street
Melbourne
Victoria

Cuisine: Modern Australian
Taste Rating: 7.5/10 Value Rating: 7.5/10

Tues, 30 Apr 2013

Hare and Grace nestles the side of The Rialto, the iconic building at the corner of King and Collins Streets. You walk up a short flight of stairs from Collins Street, turn right into the outdoor eating area, then left down several steps leading to the entrance.

Outdoor Dining Area

Entrance to inside dining areas

The first dining area as you step inside is called the Mini Bar. Here, there are several tables and a bar. Further inside is the Restaurant. The ambiance is subdued lighting with an interesting ceiling feature of hanging branches. Windows look out onto King St.

Mini Bar dining area

Restaurant

Looking out onto King Street

Eight of us had lunch here on "Steak and Frites Tuesday". It didn't take much arm twisting for everyone at the table to decide they wanted to order the steak and fries.

Cutlery and tea towel Napkin

Good first impression. The french fries were piled high in terracotta pots lined with grease-proof paper. The 180g steak is a nice size for a meal where you don't want to overdo the meat food group. Dark green parsley completes the ensemble.

Steak and Frites (French Fries)

French Fries

For the steak, we were told there are only 2 choices of done-ness - medium or well done.
I chose 'medium'. As you can see from the photo below of my meal, the meat is quite pink and nudging medium rare. I liked the flavour of the steak. A member of the party found his steak had a large portion of girstle. Mine did have slight gristle on one side but overall it was tender and juicy. I would order this dish again.

The fries were nicely done - crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.

The waitress brought around the table a choice of Dijon mustard, English mustard and Seeded mustard. For those who like tomato sauce, there was Heinz tomato ketchup on the table.

Medium Steak, Dijon Mustard, French Fries, Parsley garnishes

The service was friendly, prompt and attentive. Glasses of water were provided and then refilled without having to be requested. The meals arrived quickly, and at the same time, so we could all start eating together.

Overall, Hare and Grace.is a good place to have lunch. The food is good, based on today's meal. Prices are not low, but are consistent with the other venues close by. The ambiance is cosy. The staff are friendly and efficient.

Menu

Sunday, 28 April 2013

Review - Olinda Tea House

This place is closed. Note on their website says "From the 31st JAN 2014 onwards, the Tea House will be closed until further notice. For wedding and functions venue hire, .. "

Olinda Tea House
86a Olinda-Monbulk Road
Olinda
Victoria

Cuisine: Modern Australian, High Tea, Tea
Taste Rating: 7.5/10 Value Rating: 7.5/10

Sat, 27 Apr 2013

We drove along the single-lane road winding up into the Dandenong Mountains. It was a beautiful autumn day. At this time of year, it is normally cool in the mountains but I didn't need a jacket today, even when outdoors. The sun shone through the lovely autumn foliage. Yet there was plenty of shady greenery from the grand trees and huge ferns along the road. It was the best of both worlds, creating a sense of cool and calm as we cruised along. Our destination was Olinda Tea House.

First impression was good. Lovely old trees with autumn leaves and dappled sunlight overlooked the car park in front.

First Impression

Dappled Sunlight through the trees

Next was the feature wall with a gateway. I had not read anything of the history of this place before this visit. There is a subtle oriental feel to the place upon entering the gateway. It was only later when I spoke to the lady at the counter that I learnt this tea house was a family-run place, with her parents and her working there. Later, I read a short history on the Olinda Tea House website of how this place came to be.

Wall with Gateway

Front Entrance

We arrived about 2.30pm on a Saturday. I had made a booking as the person who answered the phone said they were very busy. Sure enough, the place was bustling, even at this late hour. We were running late and our table had been re-allocated to someone else - which is perfectly understandable as they would have needed all the tables that day. We waited about 20 mins before a table was allocated to us. I believe the kitchen closes at 4 pm for main meals, but scones and tea are still available after that. There were people arriving as we left about 4 pm.

Inside

Front Counter

The inside dining room has plenty of natural light. Tables near the windows would have a view of the beautiful tree views surrounding the restaurant. There is a dining area on a balcony outside but we were told by a staff member that there were a few wasps about so we opted for the inside dining area.

We ordered the duck confit, pan-fried salmon and rump lamb. There were a good number of staff working and they all seemed very busy taking orders and delivering meals to tables. Our meals arrived about 30 mins after ordering. More than enough time for me to take photos of the surroundings. I have to say the meals were worth the wait. All three dishes were delicious. The attention to detail is good and little touches make the side salads and accompaniments interesting.

I had the confit duck with braised puy lentils and pancetta, with a salad of pear, rocket and blue cheese with hazelnuts. I enjoyed this meal. Even though confit duck is a rich dish, this meal feels healthy with the lentils and salad. The duck was well cooked with flesh that falls off the bone, with crispy outer flesh and skin. The salad was nice with a variety of flavours and textures. Leafy and crunchy. The puy lentils were interesting with the colour of pebbles and a firm texture, almost like chickpeas in texture and taste. The pear strips were crispy and sweet. Surprisingly, the hazelnuts were crunchy even though they were covered with the dressing. The only thing I didn't like was the pancetta - but that is only because I don't like fatty meat. Oh, and I am not a fan of raw onion rings which were in the salad but again that's a matter of personal taste, and these were finely sliced. Blue veined cheese is not my first choice in cheeses so it turned out well that I couldn't detect this in the salad.

Confit Duck

Duck Confit - another view

The pan-fried fillet of salmon was served with buttered baby leeks, saffron potatoes and salsa verde. Though not mentioned on the menu, the salad also includes slices of ruby grapefruit which gives a nice tangy touch. There was a generous large juicy lemon half, not the tiny lemon slices that some places give you. They even shaved off the bottom of the lemon half - I assume this is so that it would sit properly on the plate without rolling off. As I mentioned, attention to detail. The salmon was well-cooked and tasty. The salsa verde is not bad - a touch salty but works well with the dish. The saffron potatoes were a big hit.

Pan-fried fillet of Salmon

The rump of lamb was served with a salad of broad beans, peas, mint and fetta cheese, and rosemary roasted kipfler potatoes. The lamb was cooked very well - tender and juicy - and was well appreciated. The thinly sliced potatoes were not bad but would be nicer if sliced thicker so they are softer on the inside while crunchy on the outside.

Rump of Lamb

Overall, the prices are what you would expect to pay for a good meal in beautiful surroundings, and are not more expensive than what I pay in several city or suburban restaurants minus the view. The dishes were delicious and well presented. Factor in extra time on busy days for your meals to be served. I would be happy to return, and also to bring guests for a day out in the Dandenong Mountains culminating in a nice meal at Olinda Tea House.

Menu - Salad, Mains

Inside and Outside Olinda Tea House

Rock sugar, with mini tongs

Nice touch - your bill arrives in a tea cup and saucer like these

Pond near the Front Entrance

Tea Varieties

Tranquil Balcony

Peaceful Autumn Scene at the back of Olinda Tea House

Colourful Toadstools - POISONOUS, DO NOT EAT!

Sunday, 11 November 2012

Review - Decca Bar

Decca Bar
95 Queen St
Melbourne

Mon, 5th Nov 2012
Fri, 9th Nov 2012

Cuisine: Modern Australian
Taste Rating: 7.5/10 Value Rating: 7.5/10

Went to Decca Bar twice recently for lunch catchup with friends. Had the Black Angus Decca Burger both times - tasty lean Australian beef patty, fresh brioche bun, slightly melted cheese, easy to eat while talking, does not drip everywhere like some other burgers do. :)

I believe Decca is under a new owner - Greg is the guy. Makes everyone feel very welcome with his smile and friendly personality! Overall, a nice spot to meet up, basement venue under an Art Deco building, compact and cosy, small menu with food cooked by chef, reasonable prices, club at night. Enter at street level and walk down the stairs.

If anyone is interested in Melbourne history, here is a link to the building
National Trustees Executors Agency building

Sunday, 12 August 2012

Review - Strangers' Corridor

Thursday, 9th August 2012

Strangers' Corridor/Members' Dining Room
Parliament House
Spring St
Melbourne

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Taste Rating: 8.0/10 Value Rating: 8/10

I have dined at Strangers' Corridor at Parliament House several times over the years. Each time, I have been privileged and fortunate to be able to use the Speaker's Dining Room, a separate room at one side of Strangers' Corridor that is reserved for use by Mr Speaker or Madame Speaker when Parliament is sitting. As before, I had invited guests to dine with me and was keen to show them this grand building.

This time, however, there had been a change in restaurant management and this special room is no longer available for booking. I was delighted when the fantastic staff at Strangers Corridor "upgraded" my booking to the Members Dining Room, which is used by Members of Parliament when Parliament is sitting. And what a beautiful room it is - filled with stately old furniture, starched tablecloth, tableware with the Royal Crest of Parliament and a very dignified atmosphere. Special mention must be made of Ruwan Fernando, one of the friendly and professional staff. Ruwan provided impeccable service which could not be faulted. And thanks to him for organising our table for 10 people (two persons were unfortunately absent and missed out on this occasion).

I would advise making a booking. Check with the restaurant staff as to when Parliament is not sitting. This is when the restaurant is open to the members of the public. There is a sitting dates calendar on the Parliament of Victoria website.

Climbing up the famous steps of Parliament, we were hungry with anticipation. First, we went through security where our belongings were scanned and we each had to walk through a scanner. Having passed the security check, we each received a security pass. We then proceeded to the Vestibule, the grand entrance hall to Parliament which was completed in 1879. This is surrounded by columns on pedestals. On the floor is a mosaic of the Royal Crest encircled with a quotation "where no counsel is the people fail; but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety" Proverbs 11:14.

The man at the reception counter swapped our security passes for stickers with a large red V. These stickers had to be placed on the front of our jackets. We then walked into Queen's Hall (Great Hall) which was completed in 1879. On the walls are portraits of ex-Premiers of Victoria. There is a marble statue of Queen Victoria which was erected in 1883.

We continued along the corridors (of Power) to Strangers' Corridor, then into the Members' Dining Room. The menu had five main dishes - one each of beef, vegetarian, duck, fish and pork. Victorian produce was well represented. To start, Ruwan filled little dishes with an olive oil made in Yarrawonga. The Rich Glen olive oil brand at the bottom of the dish was visible under the beautiful golden colour of the olive oil. The bread rolls were great on their own, with butter or dipped in the olive oil.

We ordered all the mains on the menu.

Daube of Gippsland beef with thyme roasted baby onions & kaiserfleisch, minted peas.
Tagine of Vegetables, preserved lemon Mograbieh cous cous, coriander salad, served with roti.
Confit leg of free range Aylesbury Duck, braised red cabbage, Milawa tarragon whipped potato, marsala sauce.
Donnybrook Pasterello crusted Rockling, piperade capsicums, olives & chorizo, with steamed spring bay mussels and fennel salad.
Mongolian barbecued Victorian Pork Cutlet, grilled eggplant, tamarind salsa, green leaves.

We also ordered sides of green salad and fries. As is common nowadays at the more expensive restaurants, mains and sides are separate on the menu. Instead of meat being served with a serve of salad or chips, you order the salad or chips separately. This keeps the price of the mains reasonable on the menu. The upside of this for the diner is that they can choose whether to have the side or not, instead of paying a higher price for parts of the dish which they may not consume.

We finished ordering about 1 o'clock. We were getting slightly anxious when none of the dishes had appeared but need not have worried. About 20 minutes later, the mains were all delivered to our table with a flourish. And the kitchen had excelled!

My order was the duck. It was tender and came off the bone easily. The slight saltiness of the duck contrasted with the bed of red cabbage which was cooked and reduced until it tasted sweet and "jammy".

I tried the tomato, potato and cous cous from the tagine of vegetables. These tasted fine and the person who ordered it said they would be happy to order this dish again. The roti that went with the tangine of vegetables was not as well received with two of the guys saying that it too "doughy". It was not as flavoursome as Malaysian or Indian roti.

I also tried the pork. Pork is not my first choice in meats but this was one of the best I have tasted. The pork was beautifully cooked - lean, succulent with very little fat on the outer layer. The unanimous decision from both diners who ordered it, and from me - this dish was outstanding!

The salad was vibrant, with tasty shavings of cheese. One of the diners pointed out that the fries had no grease and I realised this was true!

Overall, all eight of us were fully impressed with the food, the service and the beauty of the building. It was a privilege to walk through this grand building with its long history. To have a beautiful meal here was the icing on the cake. We left with good memories of this place.