Neil Perry's Waiting Room - Changing of the Menu

Last night was interesting. The 2013 Age Good Food Guide Winners were announced. The winners and hatted restaurants are listed here. Not many surprises however I was intrigued to see that Cutler & Co has only two hats yet Australian Gourmet Traveller ranks it as #4 in Australia, and #1 in Victoria.

Congratulations to Vue de monde for winning Restaurant of the Year.

Whilst the restaurant awards were being announced, Germaine Greer was bagging out Julia Gillard's appearance again on Q&A. Love her or hate her, she is still the Prime Minister of Australia and deserves to have the debate not include her jackets and arse. Too bad the Grocon protests on Lonsdale Street were not taking place yesterday morning as it would have been given cause for some more intelligent discussion however with Bill Shorten on the program next week, perhaps it is indeed timely.

I visited my "local" The Waiting Room last week. This is Neil Perry's lounge bar that is located in the lobby of the Crown Hotel at the Queensbridge Street entrance. I go in there rather often and I was a bit shocked to see all but one of the staff have turned over. I have always been under the assumption that The Waiting Room should be called "The Training Room" as the staff seem to make an exodus to the other Neil Perry restaurants (Spice Temple, Rockpool Bar & Grill and soon to be Rosetta) next door after putting in their time at this place.

The service is still very flash and professional. I crave the chicken adobo taco and pulled beef shoulder taco that is on the menu and frequently turn up to have them, along with conversation and either one of the unique imported beers in a bottle or the Lord Nelson Three Sheets (a tradition and my personal favourite from my days living in Sydney) on tap.

The new barman informed me that I should get my fill of the favourites that I dream about because the menu is changing soon. I was horrified. Although he could not tell me anything more as I do not think he had any more information to share, I believe it will be modified to begin to showcase some of the offerings at Rosetta, which is the Italian restaurant that is currently under construction next door. I suppose I should not fret since they are not taking the Lord Nelson off tap and I can always make my own chicken adobo tacos or go to Senoritas but it is still disappointing to hear.

Service will catch your wandering eye quickly and attend to your professional requests promptly and thoughtfully. I always do keep an eye out for the mysterious 10% surcharge that is supposedly added to the bill when you pay, which I am told is optional, which other people have complained about but to this day and probably fifteen visits later, I have never had this surcharge applied. Perhaps it is a "tourist" or "drunken idiot" surcharge since the bar is attached to the Crown after all and does attract a transient mob of guests at times. Just be wary.

My original review of The Waiting Room and the chicken adobo taco recipe can be found here.

The Waiting Room
Link to review
Crown Entertainment Complex
(03) 8379 1800
www.crownmelbourne.com.au/The-Waiting-Room
My Rating: 14.5/20
Service: 4/5
Ambiance: 3.5/5
Quality: 4/5
Value For Money: 3/5
Comment: Lord Nelson Three Sheets on tap



Twitter: @epicurean3006
e-mail: epicureanofsouthbank (at) gmail (dot) com
web: www.epicureanofsouthbank.com

At the time of post, 88% of the reviewers on Urbanspoon also like The Waiting Room.

The Age Good Food Guide Award Winners 2013 from the NGV

This is the complete list of hatted restaurants and individual winners from the 2013 Age Good Food Guide.

Links on this page will take you to my review of the restaurant.


Restaurant of the Year: Vue de monde

Melbourne Three Hat Winners

Vue de monde, Attica, Jacques Reymond

Victoria Regional Three Hat Winner

Royal Mail Hotel

Melbourne Two Hat Winners

Flower Drum, Cutler & Co, Stokehouse, Matteos, Cafe Di Stasio, Ezard, Movida, The Press Club, Rockpool Bar & Grill

• Cutler & Co is rated #4 in Australia according to Gourmet Traveler
• The Press Club is currently closed and will re-open as Gazi on 17 May 2013.

Victoria Regional Two Hat Winners

Loam, Ten Minutes By Tractor, Tea Rooms of Yarck, Stefano's, Lake House, Provenance

• Ten Minutes By Tractor gained an additional hat this year
• Loam will close permanently at the end of June 2013.

Melbourne One Hat Winners

Coda, Embrasse, The Point Albert Park, Gills Diner, Donovans, European, The Italian, PM24, The Grand, Kenzan, Sarti, Il Bacaro, Longrain, Circa, Bacash, Paladarr, Movida Aqui, Spice Temple, Yu-u, Town Hall Hotel, Albert Street Food and Wine, Cecconi's Cantina, Bistro Guillaume, Shoya, Koots Salle e Manger, Golden Fields, Bistro Vue, Grossi Florentino, Pei Modern, Moon Under Water, Estelle Bar and Kitchen, Church St Enoteca, Maha, Tempura Hajime, Cumulus Inc, Dandelion, Steer Bar and Grill, Mercer's and Becco.

• Newly hatted: Albert Street Food and Wine, Easy Tiger, Pei Modern, Moon Under Water
• Embrasse closed in October 2012

Victoria Regional One Hat Winners

A la Grecque, Chris’s Restaurant, La Petanque, Scorched, Neilsons, Eleonore’s, Villa Gusto, The Long Table, Teller, Annie Smithers’ Bistrot, Montalto, Bella Vedere, The River Grill, Gladioli, Sunnybrae and Terminus at Flinders Hotel.

• Newly hatted: Terminus at Flinders Hotel

Plumm Wine Glasses Best New Restaurant: Pei Modern

Samsung Diners Choice Award: Ezard

Best New Regional Restaurant Award: Gladioli

Brown Brothers Wine List of the Year: Coda

Louis Roderer Sommelier of the Year: Travis Howe of Coda

Best Regional Wine List: Ten Minutes by Tractor

Citibank Chef of the Year Award 2013: Micheal Ryan of The Provenance

Young Chef of the Year: Mark Briggs of The Sharing House (closed)

The Citibank Best Short Wine List: Casa Ciuccio

The BYO Restaurant of the Year: Ladro Greville

The Epicure Sustainability Award: Colin McLaren from Villa Gusto

Thermomix Award for Innovation: Joost Bakker

Service Excellence Award: Ainslie Lubbock from Pei Modern

The Hardware Sociéte - Don't Judge A Book By It's Cover

What a bizarre weekend. I do not think that I drank enough wine or if you follow my Twitter feed (@epicurean3006) that I nearly drank enough XXXX Bitter. Tonight Q&A is being broadcast live from Federation Square and I am looking forward to attending. It will be like living in Sydney again and since it is politician free this evening, it should be very interesting with the likes of Germaine Greer in attendance.

I originally set out to dine at Manchester Press but found The Hardware Sociéte instead. I do not blame it on the fact that I did not know where I was going since I was armed not only with my trusty Samsung Galaxy S2 and Google Maps, but because I am a man and I never get lost. Perhaps I should ask Germaine Greer's opinion on that statement.

What I originally thought was going to turn out to be on the scale of The European, but just closer to Southbank, turned out to be quite an interesting café on Hardware Street. I was looking forward to something rich, French and bold, like Brigitte Bardot. However what I found was a laneway café with a queue and a highly visible sign that says that they only accept cash. Knowing that there was a wait, I played Marco Polo until I found an ATM. I never carry cash as I just spend it so this relationship was already starting on a sour note.

The entrance to The Hardware Sociéte

I returned to The Hardware Sociéte and the hostess was shouting my name down the laneway. It was perfect timing as I was coming back with a fistful of sweaty bank notes and I was quite hungry. The table was ready.

We were seated at a communal table. I felt like poor little possessed Regan in The Exorcist when Father Karras first visited her. I really do not like waiting, not being able to pay with a credit card or communal tables for that matter. Trying to keep an open mind, I found the atmosphere to be very energetic as we were seated at a rather round classic French white table where there was enough room so you are not left to intrude into the lives of others, so it was not a big deal in the end.

There was no wine list per se, but a drinks list. I really, and I mean REALLY, wanted some wine, however settled for a Kronenbourg mainly because it was so inexpensive. The peppy server informed us of the two specials, being seared tuna on a bed of potato salad, beans and poached eggs and also a brioche. Having not eaten anything substantial for about a day, I decided to order both.

I was very impressed with the tuna special. The complimentary tastes, the slightly seared tuna, the colours and the presentation just really floored me as I was not expecting something so good. I really do not order many "desserts" since I am trying to keep my boyish figure from the bygone era of Hanson, but when I first saw and then tasted the brioche with strawberry jam and fresh cherries, my reaction was pure and utter blasphemy, just like how little Regan reacted to Father Karras. Unbelievably good and I was vocal about it. Stuff gluttony! I just wanted more and I don't mean just another cheap Kronenbourg.

The service was very attentive and articulate. The "vibe" was pretty good and it seems like a fair amount of locals dine here. Given that the food is excellent, I thought it was great value for money and I will certainly be returning with another sweaty hand full of cash. Despite the fact that they do not take credit cards and you will most likely have to queue, the rewards are worth the inconvenience.

The Hardware Societe
Link to review
120 Hardware Street  Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9078 5992
www.twitter.com/hardwaresociete
My Rating: 13.5/20
Service: 3/5
Ambiance: 3.5/5
Quality: 4/5
Value For Money: 3/5
Comment: They don't accept credit cards

Twitter: @epicurean3006
e-mail: epicureanofsouthbank (at) gmail (dot) com
web: http://www.epicureanofsouthbank.com

When I posted this, 90% of the reviewers on Urbanspoon also liked The Hardware Sociéte. I will never wonder why.

The Local Taphouse - Crafting Experiences

So the Country Liberal Party kicked Labor out of government in the Northern Territory overnight. I found it amusing that the NT Times reported that there was a complaint that the Liberals defaced the photograph of a Labor candidate on an election poster. It proved to be a non-event when it was articulated to the complainant that the Labor candidate actually looked like that. So... did you hear that The Swans, Collingwood and Carlton lost? We also lost the Bledisloe Cup. No shock there.

I have been to The Local Taphouse in St Kilda East now three times in the last month. It is one of my favourite places that I have found and I am thankful for pursing this blog as it requires me to leave my comfort zone of the Melbourne CBD and surrounds.

After walking 10km the first time to get to the corner of Carlisle Street and Chapel Street in St Kilda East, as you can imagine, I was very thirsty so I was really motivated to get stuck into what they have on tap, which seemingly is always changing. Before ordering though, I had to step back for a minute and appreciate the ambiance of the boozer. Dark, classic old world furnishings, what looked to be comfortable lounges, a fireplace and stools near the window. I think I found my "local" even if it is a 10km walk away and not the direction that the crow flies.

I then explored the upstairs bar. The same beer was available on tap, even more varieties were available for purchase in the bottles. Both the downstairs and upstairs bartenders were very knowledgeable and were very keen to assist me in my trip around the world. The beer garden outside is a relaxing place with heaters and a fire raging and although the umbrellas do not provide good shelter form the climactic Melbourne weather, I do not know many that do especially when on occasion hail seemingly comes down horizontally.

The second time I ventured into the boozer, I had taken public transport and was motivated to continue tasting as fast as the beer came out of the taps. I was not disappointed. The fire roared, punters engaged upon pleasant conversation and everyone just seemed civilised. Who would have thought I was in St Kilda East!

My last experience, I met my learned friend who actually lives in St Kilda East but has never frequented this place. We started sampling the various beer available before moving on to wine. It was his decision to move to wine, not mine, as I never thought I would be in a bar that specialises in craft beer and be drinking wine. He did offer to pay for it so, who was I to argue. A condition was put on me that food needed to be ordered though to which I agreed.

I lamented in my review on Merrywell that the "chilli" that was served in a paper cup at that fine place tasted like bolognaise just without the spaghetti. I was desperate for a "proper" chilli at The Local Taphouse because the one that I ordered at The Local Taphouse was bizarre. It may have started out as an American chilli but somehow morphed into a mild curry and was served on a bed of dry rice. I wasn't impressed, but really, do you go to the Local Taphouse to be impressed by the food? My learned friend had the steak and commented that the cut was impressive in a snide remark since it was $30 however the salad should have had some sort of dressing and the chips were cold. In fairness, we were sitting outside in the beer garden at night in the 6C weather and given the amount this learned gentleman likes to talk and smoke, I believe that the food just cooled down naturally.

Regardless of whether or not I use my feet, the train or a cab, I look forward to returning to The Local Taphouse. The are constantly updating what they have on tap on their site so there was no point in describing what beers I drank as besides just saying "they were awesome" I do not know else to contain my glee. Go there for the beer, the ambiance, the professional knowledge, the beer garden and the convenience of public transport. It is that simple. See you there.

The Local Taphouse
Link to review
184 Carlisle Street  St Kilda East VIC 3183
(03) 9537 2633
www.thelocal.com.au
My Rating: 14.5/20
Service: 3/5
Ambiance: 4.5/5
Quality: 4/5
Value For Money: 3/5
Comment: Check website for what is on tap



Twitter: @epicurean3006
e-mail: epicureanofsouthbank (at) gmail (dot) com
web: www.epicureanofsouthbank.com

At the time of posting my thoughts on The Local Taphouse, 90% of the reviewers on Urbanspoon I have also found to have good taste and also like it.

Merrywell - Goin' Out In A Blaze Of Glory

Another day and another shooting in the good ol' US of A. Another day, another blog post. Another Saturday and another Weekend Australian to read. Standard things really. I thought I would spew out a post before driving to the country today.

The newly opened Merrywell restaurant in the Crown Complex, on the corner of Clarendon Street and the Southbank Promenade will tempt you in to its clutches between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM on weekdays as they promote a "Happy Hour" special, which includes your choice of a selected burger and a pint of mysterious beer for the tidy sum of $15. This offer has been too good to refuse on numerous times and I was happily wrapped into the restaurants warm embrace.

Gluttony. A sin that gives you so much pleasure (Se7en)

The menu is very American influenced with what can be described as comfort food, body armour and sides of ammunition. If I ate here frequently I would have to double the time that I spend in the gym to compensate I fear. Between the tasty burgers with very sugary buns, melted cheese and bacon on the chicken offering, just as sweet onion rings served in a basket and alcohol-infused ice cream drinks are placed in front of you, this is really a glutton's paradise.

After eating what I can describe as an American curry at the Local Taphouse in St Kilda, which was their form of "chilli" I was hoping to get a cup of chilli from Merrywell since if they are a true higher end American eatery, that they would be able to get this Texan parcel correct. What came out was bolognaise just without the spaghetti in a paper cup. I thought it was truly bizarre and was disappointed. The burgers and onion rings never disappoint though.

There are two bars downstairs. As people order food at the bar along with drinks, split bills and negotiate for a peace agreement in Syria all at the same time at the bar, there usually is a wait. Every time there has been a substantial wait especially as it seems they have not integrated PayPass technology. They have cans of Tecate beer behind the bar, so I have learned to become a patient man as they are rare to find in Melbourne as hen's teeth.

The restaurant is a great place to meet people and it is amusing to "people watch" from one of the high tables in the corner that looks out over Clarendon Street and of course Southbank Promenade. There is a staircase that leads to more tables upstairs and also attaches to one of the gaming areas of the casino. Like at the Common Man, there is always good background music playing which adds to the generally relaxed and informal vibe. I shall always remember Jon Bon Jovi's classic Blaze of Glory playing over the sound system as four rather large casino security staff escorted an equally large and very vocal woman down the stairs and out the door of the restaurant. She was giving them hell and they effectively removed her from the casino via the eatery. I thought that was strange but it made for some excitement for the day. Goin' out in a blaze of glory indeed.

Merrywell
Link to review
The West End of Crown Casino, Clarendon Street
(03) 9292 7468
http://www.crownmelbourne.com.au/themerrywell
My Rating: 12.5/20
Service: 3/5
Ambiance: 3.5/5
Quality: 3/5
Value For Money: 3/5
Comment: Good place for people watching


Twitter: @epicurean3006
e-mail: epicureanofsouthbank (at) gmail (dot) com
bookmark: www.epicureanofsouthbank.com

When I posted this diatribe, 77% of the reviewers liked Merrywell on Urbanspoon. I like it about 77% of the time also when I am in the mood for cheerful (but not) cheap food however I am not usually happy waiting to get drinks for a long period of time or bolognaise pretending to be chilli.

 

A Return to The Common Man - A Continuation of Debauchery

Lance Armstrong and his single testicle has abandoned his fight against the anti-doping charges and will be stripped of his Tour de France titles. Who really cares about that silly bike race unless an Aussie wins it? It is about as exciting as watching people play golf and considering that I play that "sport" that says something. I am still upset that when Lance Armstrong was in Australia last he was campaigning for his "buddy" Mike Rann to be returned as premier of South Australia. Of all people to hold a news conference, Lance Armstrong came out with his support of "Ranny" and he doesn't even live here or can vote! Perhaps I will lend my support to Angela Merkel as I would like to think that a blogger should be taken more seriously compared to a bicycle rider but still I suspect my aforementioned support will be met with a hallow response in a tongue that I can not understand.

Anyway.

After the Tour de Melbourne last Friday and Saturday, I met an esteemed friend at The Common Man at South Wharf on Sunday morning for breakfast. He had been duly informed about my past injustices after reviewing my previous post about the place however we wanted to converge there simply because it was convenient and also because I have always touted it as a "fun" place.

Given the poor service and attitude in the past by service, which I reflected on in my last post, I was shocked that I could not get a word in edge-wise with my guest because service was so motivated to take our order and provide us with drink. Not one, but two people came to service our table every third minute. I could not believe the new found service levels. I could have confused it with Flower Drum with the way that the staff were so overtly attentive and it was probably not because I am attractive guy that appeared dehydrated.

After the tenth request to order, I asked for eggs benedict. What came out was perfection.

The Bloody Mary's are now $9 and they were also not only pungent (in a good way) but dressed with a stalk of celery that resembled a tree in the botanical gardens. On this venture, I never went thirsty or wondering where the floor staff were. I did not wear cologne or deodorant so they were not facinated with my smell, or probably even my good looks after the huge day and night prior during the weekend of debauchery so I can actually truthfully say that The Common Man has lifted its game. Now I will not only think of it as a "fun" place but somewhere that I look forward to visiting again for food, drink and service.

Before when I reviewed The Common Man on Urbanspoon, I didn't like it. I changed my vote which is a first. I would also encourage anyone else who did not like this place before to check it out. You will not be wasting your time and might actually have some "fun" in the process. Everyone and every place deserves a second chance.

The Common Man
Link to review
39 Dukes Walk,  South Wharf VIC 3006
(03) 9696 3774
http://www.thecommonman.com.au
My Rating: 12.5/20
Service: 3/5
Ambiance: 3.5/5
Quality: 3/5
Value For Money: 3/5
Comment: Sunday morning breakfast is on



Twitter: @epicurean3006
e-mail: epicureanofsouthbank (at) gmail (dot) com
web: www.epicureanofsouthbank.com

Senoritas + A Showdown with Mamasita and Fonda

I am confused as to why anyone cares about Prince Harry getting into a state of undress around the ladies in Las Vegas. If anything one would think he would be smarter about hanging around with people armed with camera phones. However because BHP announced that they will not be expanding the Olympic Dam there isn't much else to be concerned about besides Harry's bits it would seem. Even a member of One Direction was seemingly bullied off Twitter, so it is all happening.

As not to fall victim to the rubbish in the press, I rang Senoritas and made a booking for two at the bar last night. Perhaps because I had read other reviews of the place and have experienced the phenomenon of Mamasita and the enigma that is Fonda, my expectations were quite low.

The entrance to Senoritas

A meagre portion of tortilla chips are placed in front of you with three different salsas after you sit down. This vexed the people next to me as they never expected something to come out complimentary or understand that it is customary that "Mexican" restaurants provide chips and salsa as standard to tide you over whilst you order and chat. In the case of Senoritas, the three salsas that you are given are effectively mild, medium and hot. The hot habenero salsa does not match the intensity that I can make at home but it does pack a bit of a punch.

I immediately ordered a Bohemia beer and Tacos Al Pastor, which is a mixture of pork marinated in pineapple and it is classically one of my favourite parcels of Mexican food. I was very disappointed when I was at Mamasita as the earlier reviews stated that they were serving Tacos Al Pastor however when I visited they were no longer on the menu. Senoritas pretty much hits the mark with them. The meat was tender and no one flavour overpowered one another. One can easily tell someone in the kitchen knew how to prepare "authentic" Mexican recipes. As the tacos are served in approximately 5" corn tortillas that are made on-site, you are left wanting more after you stuff your face. I tried the spicy chicken tacos next which were the special of the evening and was just as impressed.

Getting into my second Bohemia beer, with great trepidation, I ordered the fish tacos. I was having such a good experience at this point, I didn't want it to end as I was scared that the fish tacos would disappoint, like they did at Mamasita and Fonda. When they were served, I tasted the fish and although a tad dry, it was not bastardised by any sauces, oils or other rubbish to distract from it. I added some salsa verde (the mild salsa) and shoved it down my gob and the end result was a smile on my face.

The great authentic food made me wanting more, so I ordered more Tacos Al Pastor, a repeat performance of the chicken taco special and followed up with another round of fish tacos. I also tried their pork and bean taco combination which was different, however worked well when paired with the habenero chilli salsa and the Tapatio tequila that I started to take an interest in. About the only thing I would pass on next time is the side of guacamole as it was too citric but not overtly offensive.

We were getting fairly prompt service from three people including the barman. After my second 40ml glass of the demon tequila, I looked around whilst sitting on my perch and noticed that the place had filled up with happy patrons in a matter of thirty minutes. I was surprised that the noise did not begin to overwhelm, which it never did, considering the restaurant is small.

There were a few skeletons and skulls about but they were all pretty whimsical and fit in with the art and colours of the place. The mood is set by not having to dine under bright lights but with candles littered throughout the place to cause an effective mood.

After retiring to the toilets, I was shocked to discover they were so clean. I suppose after eating authentic food in Mexico where you must relieve yourself on the ground out back of some places or in the sink, the petty first world conveniences are sometimes unexpected when you experience something as authentic in the kitchen that Senoritas is providing.

I thought the food, service and ambiance was great and the food did remind me of "proper" Mexican food so I will be back and I could not stop raving about the experience as I left. It is great having your expectations defied. I certainly look forward to returning.

The Showdown - Senoritas vs Mamasita vs Fonda

• I found Senoritas to be the most authentic and best value for money,
• Fonda is different especially if you are keen for a kangaroo burrito, but has a cafe feeling instead of a restaurant feeling like the other two,
• Mamasita would probably have the best "vibe" but considering the foot traffic, how smaller tables can not be reserved and the noise around the bar detracts from the overall food and beverage experience a bit.
• Most importantly after benchmarking all three places using their fish tacos as a selection criteria, I would return to Senoritas for what they have on offer in a heartbeat.

Senoritas
Link to review
16 Meyers Place  Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9639 7437
http://www.senoritas.com.au
My Rating: 15.5/20
Service: 4/5
Ambiance: 3.5/5
Quality: 4/5
Value For Money: 4/5
Comment: Awesome tacos al pastor



Twitter: epicurean3006

e-mail: epicureanofsouthbank (at) gmail (dot) com

friendly hyperlink: www.epicureanofsouthbank.com

At the time of this post, only 62% of the reviewers on Urbanspoon like this place. This really shocks me. I did spot people eating tacos with a knife and fork so these are probably the ones that do not appreciate Mexican food or would be confronted by a hot salsa. Come on people, stop eating tacos and burritos with utensils. It is not proper and you also look very silly.

Matilda Bay Bar and Brewery - A Journey of the Damned to Port Melbourne

Whenever you fly Qantas, you are told to "Enjoy The Journey" usually after a delay in taking off after viewing the safety video. Sometimes the journey is all part of the fun and in the case of my recent trip to the Matilda Bay Bar and Brewery which recently opened its doors in Port Melbourne, it is indeed a journey but one of the damned to get to this place.

We all know that drink driving in a vexed problem and that you just should not engage in the activity full stop. With this in mind, a companion and your humble narrator attempted to walk to Bertie Road in Port Melbourne, not far from the Toyota complex, which is where the brewery is located.

I made the mistake of not walking down the pedestrian path that follows the Port Melbourne tram line which is a fine path to follow under any circumstances and instead tried to cut through the various industrial estates south of Yarra's Edge. This proved to be quite the experience.

Following Google Maps to the brewery had us walking on the various streets as there were no footpaths for most of the journey. At one particular hazardous intersection, we found construction workers who were digging a hole for some strange reason and summarily abused us when we went to cross the road. As the workers were concerned with directing the one car per minute that was turning up at the intersection, so it would not drive in the hole that was dug in the grass and dirt on the side of the road, I can see why they were so confused to see pedestrians.

After walking through mud, dirt and grass, a pedestrian footpath came into view and it wasn't long after this we presented ourselves at the Matilda Bay Bar and Brewery.

I did not expect a large industrial complex, but something like Little Creatures in Fremantle or even Red Oak Brewery in Sydney. The forward section of the warehouse has been converted into a food service, bar and service area but this accounts for roughly 20% of the floorspace. You have options to sit at high tables on high stools or very low stools on very low tables.

The service was quick and friendly and adeptly poured some Alpha Ale and Cider which was rapidly consumed. After a few more rounds with equally quick service we decided to order lamb burgers before the kitchen shut. I was not expecting much, since this is a brewery, but the food was great. The lamb tasted like lamb and was not overwhelmed with anything that distracted from it. The bread appeared fresh also and it was certainly nice not to have it come out pressed between 600g of dry Turkish bread that other cafes should be demonised for serving lamb between.

If you are keen, you take a tour of the beer making facilities which I spotted some other guests doing however we were happy to sample what came out of the machinery which was very tasty.

Because this is a large industrial warehouse, it was rather cold and I can imagine it will get pretty hot inside during the summer. I liked the decor (or lack thereof) and found it different however I found it quite inconvenient to get to. You can take the Port Melbourne tram and then do some walking but since there is nothing around this brewery besides industrial estates, you will really want to be keen to taste the beers that Matilda have on offer but when they are served on tap at other fine places in the CBD and Southbank (I noticed that The Boatbuilders Yard will offer you a pint of Alpha Ale for $14) you really have to wonder if the journey of the damned is worth it to this part of Port Melbourne. I could easily find myself taking the train to Balaclava and fronting up to The Local Taphouse, not only because it is a great bar, but there are so many other things to do in the area, including having access to public transport.

I liked Matilda Bay Bar and Brewery but I do not think I will return soon just because it is such a pain to get to. I would also fear that my motorcar would fall into a hole on the side of the road thanks to Port Phillip counsil if I tried.

Matilda Bay Brewing Company
Link to review
89 Bertie St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
(03) 9673 4545
http://www.matildabay.com.au
My Rating: 10/20
Service: 1/5 (bar service only)
Ambiance: 3/5
Quality: 3/5
Value For Money: 3/5
Comment: Take a tour of the brewery



Twitter: @epicurean3006
e-mail: epicureanofsouthbank (at) gmail (dot) com
Friendly hyperlink: www.epicureanofsouthbank.com

When I posted this, 92% of the people (out of 14 votes) liked this place on Urbanspoon. Not really a consensus.

A Weekend of Debauchery

(Note: restaurant and bar links will take you to the original reviews posted on this blog)

It is always difficult when friends and acquaintances travel to Melbourne to catch up with me. It requires me to actually pick great and fun places to eat and drink at. Knowing there are so many, it is always a challenge. This weekend I was intending to impress more than usual so I decided to take my own advice as written in this blog before, and the results were very interesting.

In Sydney you would never be able to secure a table at a decent restaurant at 11:00 PM on a Friday night but there is no problem with that in Melbourne. I rang up The European and they were happy to oblige. After ordering wine, stake tartare and fois gras with stinky black truffles, the sommelier came over to apologise as he was under the impression the bottle of wine was damaged. Upon further inspection, it did have a very faint disappointing smell however he was happy to take it away and replace it with another bottle. Not only I was impressed by the professionalism but appreciated the gesture. Given we would have just drank the bottle, it was refreshing to see service go out of their way and not wait to be called out on a potential issue. My guest enjoyed the fois gras and truffles and was frothing at the mouth in anticipation as he read my previous blog post whilst experiencing the delay getting to Melbourne thanks to Qantas.


 
After a great late dinner, we left The European and made our way to Manchuria. We were looking forward to early morning Zombies and at $30/each, the bar was happy to deliver them to our table. The bar, considering the time was relaxed and there was a good vibe. Unlike anywhere you would find in Sydney at that time, or really many other places in Melbourne, it was good knowing that we could retreat to Manchuria, have a great time and also enjoy some table service along with potent drinks.

On Saturday, the weekend of debauchery continued and I found myself at The Hairy Canary for lunch. Sharing Jamon Serrano pizza and washing it down with Cricketers Arms Beer seemed appropriate. The service was much more attentive and friendly when compared to my last visit which was refreshing.


 
Bar Americano was next on the list. Although only two cocktails were had, with one being the aptly named "Americano" was as classic as the service. Bar Americano once again proved why it is my favourite boozer that I have discovered since writing this blog and constantly not only impresses but exudes the personality of Melbourne.



Contrasting Bar Americano to the next destination, The Rooftop Bar is pretty easy especially when you are transitioning from classic cocktails in a very small room with drinking pints out of plastic glasses outside but it was worth it. As usual, it was a relaxed experience and I was grateful to see the Saturday afternoon drinkers not taking anything too seriously.

Gin Palace was the next stop and multiple Winston Churchill Martini's were consumed. It is so easy to get sucked into the lounges and chatter away whilst the very efficient table service takes care of you. By the time we left, we were both in great moods and in able to solve the big problems in the world.

Finally Der Raum was frequented. My message remains consistent that Der Raum in my opinion is the best bar in Australia and time and time again, they repeat a process of providing superior drinks and service in a lively and fun atmosphere. When I want to impress visitors, this place is always on my list and continues to evolve from strength to strength. I am just pleased that they put up with my antics especially knowing that I was not in the most sober state, but they have fun with it always ensuring that the guests are safe also.

The activities for Sunday will be addressed in the next blog post so this is the first part of a two part diatribe.

Twitter: @epicurean3006
e-mail: epicureanofsouthbank (at) gmail (dot) com
web: www.epicureanofsouthbank.com

"Best Of" Melbourne Restaurants and Bars after 47 Days and 47 Posts

In preparation for the weekend, I wanted to do a summary of my "best of" experiences as they relate to restaurants and bars that I have discussed on this blog since its conception 47 days ago. These lists do not include restaurants that I had previous experience with before I started writing this blog.

I have some lofty goals for this blog over the next 47 days. Although I have been to Vue de monde, Attica and Cutler & Co multiple times in their own right, I want to visit them once more before compiling a blog post. The post for Vue de monde has been a work in progress for some time since I had the best meal of my life there however that was enjoyed at their old location at 430 Little Collins Street and not Rialto Tower. If my wallet and liver can hold out, I will also return to Jacques Reymond which was the highlight of my dining experiences in 2011 also. Besides the big guns of Melbourne, also keep an eye out for Grossi Florentino, Bavarian Bier Cafe, Yar, The Local Taphouse, Matilda Bay Brewing Company and Merrywell.

The "Top 5" Restaurants that I have discovered in the last 47 days...

1. Cumulus
2. The Atlantic
3. Mamasita
4. Maedaya
5. Bistro Guillaume

Honourable mention needs to go to The Bohemian at South Wharf though.

The "Top 5" boozers that I have discovered in the last 47 days...

1. Bar Americano
2. The Den
3. The Waiting Room
4. Rooftop Bar
5. Ponyfish Island Bar

The Meat Market - Juxtaposing a Sleazy Pick-Up Place With a Fine Cut From The Butcher

Another day and another boat with "asylum seekers" accompanies another timely post on this blog. I certainly know what I would rather read about.

The notion of "good food, beverage and service" is subjective and can be found in most places in Melbourne. Sure, we all have different ideas of what perfect "food, beverage and service" includes and for me my expectations are never set too high, so I am rarely disappointed. I try to empathise with restaurant owners and the delivery teams knowing that they put a tremendous amount of time and effort putting produce to plate and also paying for the surrounds in which one eats it so my subjectivity, although bastardised at times which is applied at different levels to suit not only my mood but the perceived quality of the restaurant according to other reviews, the bizarre rating systems and of course the company that I have normally leads me to look for the positive things about places. There is no reason to tear a restaurant or bar to shreds because of some petty complaint but sometimes I do look on with awe whilst observing and evaluating the environment whilst I stuff my face and fill my stomach with intoxicating beverages. For me, The Meat Market, at South Wharf, was queer indeed and being able to describe it has not only vexed me for some time but stumped me, because really sometimes a narrative just does not cut it.

You are spoiled for choice in the South Wharf precinct. The other week I wrote about The Common Man and the Bohemian, and I was happy to have discovered the latter whilst holding no bad feelings about the former. I would still go to the Common Man and enjoy a breakfast and a Bloody Mary if the circumstances dictate, regardless of the price they set for the beverage on the day, just because I think it is a fun place. The Bohemian impressed me with its wine list, food, service and ambiance and out of all of the places that I have mused about on this blog over the last 45 days since its inception, I think it is one of the unexpected "great" finds that I plan on returning to over and over again. Because the hungry and thirsty patron is spoiled for choice in the precinct, I called into the Meat Market with the epicurean emo for lunch not long ago. I had a slight headache after a recent trip to Maedaya and Der Raum and was looking for something wholesome and heavy to counteract the pain that I was experiencing after enjoying too many good times at the aforementioned wonderful boozer and the awesome izakaya.

The Meat Market drew us in because of the chalkboard outside announcing the daily specials. The open kitchen, clean fit-out, views of the river and the derelict North Wharf (such potential) along with the high ceilings sucked me in like a horny teenager into a sleazy pick-up place, a true Meat Market. The architecture and open space reminded me of one of my favourite restaurants in Sydney, Flying Fish, at Jones Bay Wharf. Not wanting to get rained on, we chose a table inside which the floor manager was happy to accommodate us at. The table was close to the open kitchen. There were not many patrons so I was keen to observe the activity in the open kitchen as I always quickly gain an understanding about a restaurant when I see one work well... or not.

The chef looked like he had as big of a night as I did and I could tell that he did not want to be there. The dialogue between him and his assistant was terse, if not tense, and being within earshot, I thought that I was dining at the Summer Bay Cafe with Irene and Colleen carrying on about the town gossip on Home and Away given what was being discussed, with a good sense of ambivalence from the chef.

The lunchtime kitchen drama aside, the service was friendly. The server and the floor manager would frequently come over to fill the water glasses, refresh my ongoing thirst and need for beer and generally were friendly. It wasn't long until the delivery manager was telling off the server within earshot near the window for not putting something into the terminal. What could have been a request turned into a discussion about a failed task and I actually felt bad for the server as the floor manager appeared to want to blame her for the disappearance of Azaria Chamberlain, the failures of the current Federal government and a raft of other items. Between the drama in the kitchen and question time in the House of Representatives taking place on the floor, I was grateful to have something to drink as it was a bit awkward, at least until the meals were served.

The food was good and there were many items on the menu that I would like to try however the professionalism of the place was poor. I really do not like hearing the kitchen carry on when I am paying for the pleasure. If I wanted to witness bad behaviour like that, I would watch Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares. If I wanted to see workers get told off, I would go into the office and be paid to bare witness to Jesus being crucified. I always expect some basic professionalism in restaurant in and amongst the staff.

Given the transient nature of food service, I will return to the Meat Market in about three months as I am sure that the staff will have turned over. Given I really like the ambiance of the place and want to try different things on the menu, it would be a shame to blow the place off completely however I will use time to my advantage and wait for what I expect to be a new contingent of staff. I just hope they do not inherit the bad habits that I observed and experienced.

The Meat Market
Link to review
53 South Wharf Promenade  South Wharf VIC 3008
(03) 9008 8953
http://www.meatmarketsouthwharf.com.au
My Rating: 11.5/20
Service: 2.5/5
Ambiance: 4/5
Quality: 2.5/5
Value For Money: 2.5/5
Comment: Good views and fit-out


Twitter: @epicurean3006
e-mail: epicureanofsouthbank (at) gmail (dot) com
web: www.epicureanofsouthbank.com

As of this writing only 66% of the reviewers on Urbanspoon liked the Meat Market. I wonder if they observed the same things as I did? I will have to check out their reviews after I post this.

Madame Brussels - Brothel Cum Bar on Bourke Street

Although few things eclipse writing this blog and I realise that my long suffering readers began to enjoy my daily epicurean diatribes, sadly I had to take a break for a few days. It is a sad day when work gets in the way of things that you really like to do however since these ramblings are fuelled by trips to places that provide food, drink and service in and around Melbourne, sometimes I need to prioritise paying the credit card as someone at the end of the day has to win besides Gail Kelly. Besides, I have not come across many restaurants that trade fine food and beverage for the lint in your pocket so I need to keep my priorities in check. After a marathon 40 posts in a row, I thought this blog had a good foundation or "pillars" as what some bloggers call core information so hopefully during my short trip away from the laptop everyone has found a new restaurant or bar to experience based on what you have read here.

At the "Paris-end" of Bourke Street, you will find a brothel that has sense been converted into a bar. Like with the whole mad scientist theme that Croft Institute has going on, the overarching theme for Madame Brussels works. When you actually find the building at 59/61 Bourke Street, you need to navigate stairs in an old building or take the equally old lift to the top floor. Walking out on fake grass (turf) in a make-shift wicked garden of sorts with metal furniture, picket fences and a garden theme that takes me back to my childhood when I used to visit my grandmother is nostalgic however when you see the staff dressed in very skimpy and appropriate costumes that compliments the setting you realise that you can relax in this wicked garden knowing that you will not see Dr Harry or Joanna Griggs hanging around looking to do any repairs or provide any consulting. It doesn't matter if you like looking at girls or guys, usually the patrons and the staff are usually more attractive (according to my bastardised sense of beauty) compared to most other places that I have found and on Saturday afternoons, I have found most of the patrons to be women.

Walking out from the garden, you can sit on the rooftop deck and enjoy both the Melbourne cityscape and table service. The jugs of Mai Tai come at a price however are so worth it and I have been guilty of drinking away many afternoons as their quality cocktails can't be matched. The table service is hit or miss however I have noticed if you tip that the attention levels from the attractive staff are piqued. Try not to sit next to the staff kiosk outside as there is a fair amount of foot traffic around it and it will distract you from enjoying your time at this converted brothel. If you plan on spending some time on the rooftop deck on a sunny day, make sure to take sunscreen and sunglasses.

Madame Brussels
Link to review
Level 3, 59 Bourke St. Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9662 2775
http://www.madamebrussels.com
My Rating: 13.5/20
Service: 3/5
Ambiance: 4/5
Quality: 3.5/5
Value For Money: 3/5
Comment: Saturday afternoons in the sun are great



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The hyperlink which can easily be remembered: www.epicureanofsouthbank.com

When I made this post, 89% of the reviewers on Urbanspoon also enjoyed Madame Brussels.