Win 5 x double passes to THE TRIP TO ITALY!

Rob Brydon has been commissioned by a newspaper to go on a driving tour of Italy from Liguria to Capri, partly following in the footsteps of the great Romantic poets.

He asks his old friend Steve Coogan to go with him. As they journey through the beautiful Italian countryside they talk about life, relationships and their careers whilst stopping at wonderful restaurants and hotels along the way.

Release Date: 29 May 2014 

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

How to enter 

All you have to do is follow us on twitter and send us an email with the name of your favourite Italian city/town and why.

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

The competition will run until 8:00pm Wednesday the 28th of May 2014 (winner to be announced on this post on Thursday 29th of May 2014). 

The fine print: 

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 Your email address will not be published.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

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


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[29/05/2014] Announcement: Winners of the Blog Giveaway: 5 x double passes to THE TRIP TO ITALY

Thank you to everyone who entered!

The 5 winners are…

Effie B. with the following entry:

"ROME:
The women are glamorous,
The men are amorous,
The city is exciting,
The parks are inviting,
The attractions are majestic,
The shopping is fantastic!."

Jane L. with the following entry:

“My favourite Italian city is Venice. It's simply beautiful and absolutely romantic. I love its magnificent churches and historic museums.”

Eng H. with the following entry:

"It's got to be Florence in beautiful Tuscany. I am in love with the Renaissance architectural and art centers."

Ryan T. with the following entry:

"Fashion forward Milan! The style, rich artistic and cultural heritage and the lifestyle - EPIC."

Harry V. with the following entry:

"Most definitely the capital of the northern most region of Italy, the town of Aosta. Situated near the Italian half of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe shared between France and Italy. The immense beauty of the snowy Italian mountains is not to be underestimated, but it is difficult to divert your attention from the glorious spread of food and wine prevalent throughout the town. Finally, a plethora of astonishingly well preserved architecture from ancient Rome, such as the Arch of Augustus which I found to be revelatory in examining the political genius of Augustus."

… Congratulations, the winners will be contacted via email.


Competition Now Closed.

Fig & Almond - The latest addition to Box of Scrolls

Gastrology bloggers received the scrolls courtesy of Box of Scrolls.

While Box of Scrolls is famous for delivering fresh, aromatic, cinnamon scrolls, it's not the only thing they do well. Box of Scrolls' product line also includes “Variety Scrolls” which feature delicious flavours such as Salted Caramel and Nutella & Banana and most recently, Fig & Almond scrolls.

The Fig & Almond scrolls are absolutely delicious. A blissful indulgence we loved the perfect balance of sweetness, cinnamon aroma and the crunch from the slivered almond that lay atop each scroll. We popped them in the oven for about a minute and the scrolls came out fluffy and moist on the inside - just stunning. 

The perfect way to indulge in the simple pleasures of life, Box of Scrolls’ fresh-baked scrolls is an old-fashioned reward that takes you back to simpler days.

Box Of Scrolls

Website: http://www.boxofscrolls.com.au/

Order online: Scrolls can be quickly delivered to most cities around Australia.

Phone: 1800 SCROLLS

Email: yummy@boxofscrolls.com.au

Note: At the moment, the new Fig & Almond scrolls are only available from Oregano bake house on the weekends. However, they will be available to order online soon!

Read about Box of Scrolls' Salted Caramel and Nutella & Banana scrolls here or read about the original Box of Scrolls' Cinnamon scrolls here.

Exquisite Indian cuisine @ Aangan

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Aangan.

In a class of its own, Aangan is a stunning Indian restaurant in Footscray. Owner and Executive Chef, Sumit Malhotra first worked in 5 star hotel kitchens in India before opening Aangan (which started as a takeaway joint). Today, a popular Indian restaurant, crowds continue to devour Aangan’s authentic Indian delights and it is easy to understand why.

Aangan’s extensive menu features Sumit’s expertise in Indian cuisine with favourites such as butter chicken and other exotic dishes you will not get anywhere else.

Left: South Indian Thali

Right: Papri Chaat

The Thali was an introduction to the flavours of South Indian cuisine. Featuring mini versions of entrees to dessert, it was deliciously full of flavour. The ennai kathirikai (baby eggplants simmered in tangy spiced gravy) was stunning. We loved the perfectly balanced flavour profiles of sourness and heat.

The Papri Chaat on the other hand was a refreshing “salad” of crispy chunks of pastry, diced potatoes and chickpeas that were topped with Chaat sauces. 

Left: Gobhi Manchurian

Right: Chicken Dum Biryani

The Gobhi Manchurian was an Aangan special consisting of cauliflower florets that had been fried in the most delicious batter and tossed in Manchurian sauce. We loved the combination of Chinese seasoning and cooking techniques which had bursts of Indian spices throughout. Delicious!

Punjabi Butter Chicken

The butter chicken was some of the best we have tasted in Melbourne. The chicken was cooked to perfection. The juicy morsels of chicken were coated with moreish, rich and silky aromatic curry.

 After our savoury courses, we had the opportunity of watching Sumit in action…

Made from using sour plain flour batter, we watched in awe as Sumit piped circular strings into hot oil, before soaking the perfectly formed Jalebi into sugar syrup.

Jalebi

Inspired by restaurants, street stalls and homes of every region of India, Aangan is a neighbourhood gem. The dishes showcase high quality ingredients and expert techniques.

A collection of foodie news & events that caught our eye this month!

Lobster Palooza @ Albert Park Hotel

Clamp your claws around lobster bits, bites, buns, bowls and rolls as Chandon and  Clamms Seafood present the inaugural ‘Lobster Palooza’ at the Albert Park Hotel on Thursday 29th May.

An extension of the Albert Park Hotel’s famous Oyster Frenzy brand, Lobster Palooza is a sea-licious standup soiree treating guests to a lobster feeding frenzy with the prized leggy crustacean delivered every which way. Think lobster medallions, dumplings, rolls, salads, BLT, bisque, croquettas, rice-paper rolls. mousse and thermidor. Fellow deep blue inhabitants including oysters, prawns, mussels, clams, crab and Moreton Bay bugs crash the parade to present an all-star lineup of Australia’s highest quality seafood.

Cleanse the briny palate with plenty of Chandon, Little Creatures Beer, Mr Pilkington’s Miracle Cider & wine from Curly Flat, Mac Forbes, Leeuwin Estate and Dalzotto. 

Date: Thursday 29th May, 2014

Time: 6:30pm - 9pm

Where: Albert Park Hotel - 83 Dundas Place, Albert Park

Price: $79 per person

For Tickets: Call (03) 9690 5459 or visit www.thealbertpark.com.au

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May @ the Saxon
Our favourite Italian dining spot and watering hole has a number of fabulous events running this month...

Read more about the Royal Saxon here.

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Double Happiness Hour Fridays @ Zhou Zhou Bar 

From 5-9pm every Friday, Zhou Zhou bar offers discounted drinks and tunes. Read more about Zhou Zhou Bar here!
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Fairtrade's The Power of You campaign 

Fairtrade's The Power of You campaign encourages people to make a difference to the lives of farmers by purchasing ethically sourced product that carries the blue and green Fairtrade Mark. Fairtraide are launching this campaign during Fair Trade Fortnight, 2-18 May.

Fairtrade is calling on everyone to choose and change the world one purchase at a time. www.thepowerofyou.org.au.
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Box of scrolls has a new flavour

The rumours are true... Box of Scrolls are just about to offer a new flavour. Gastrology had the opportunity of tasting this secret new flavour yesterday. Stay tuned for the reveal on our blog ;)

Edit: Read about the new flavour here!
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New German beer hall at Southgate

DEXUS Property Group and Red Rock Leisure officially announce the launch of HOPHAUS, in Southgate restaurant and shopping precinct’s iconic space previously occupied by Bluetrain (now on Southgate’s upper level).

The menu at HOPHAUS will feature classic Bavarian favourites with a contemporary Melbourne flair with a big focus on communal shared dining. The open kitchen will showcase low and slow cooking methods over the coal fired pit and rotisserie.    

The kitchen will be open for lunch and dinner, while a bar menu will complement an afternoon or late night brew.
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Winter warming lunch for $30pp @ Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde is taking part in Melbourne Food & Wine's Roast Collection this with a Winter weekend feast called the Fiesta de la Barbacoa (or Barbecue Feast).

Patrons can warm up their Winter bones and spice up their lunchtime dining with a Mexican-inspired feast, featuring Mesa's famous Lamb Barbacoa, seasonal vegies and a delectable, tequila-enhanced mulled wine. Victorian producers and produce feature heavily as it is the theme for MFW's Roast Collection.

This hearty Winter meal is for those upcoming cooler weekends, where lazy long lunches are the best kind of remedy.

What: Fiesta de la Barbacoa
Where: Mesa Verde Level 6, 252 Swanston St, Melbourne
Price: $30 per head (min. 2 people)
When: Every Saturday and Sunday in June (Lunch only)

Fairtrade Chocolate Masterclass @ Xocolatl

Gastrology bloggers visited Xocolatl as guests of Fairtrade.

Easter indulgence had subsided just in time for an evening of chocolate delight and an experience of a different kind.

This week, Gastrology was invited by Fairtrade to attend an evening of tasting, talking and cooking with chocolate.

We were joined by cocoa farmer Esther Mintah Ephraim from the Fairtrade Kuapa Kokoo cooperative in Ghana who shared her insights on growing cocoa and how chocolate makes its way to our cupboard or fridge.

We also learned the art of chocolate making from Christos Partsioglou, an experienced chocolatier and owner of Xocolatl and enjoyed plenty of tastings.

What you need to know about Fairtrade...

What is Fairtrade?

Fairtrade is the only certification scheme that sets out to tackle poverty and empower farmers.

Buying product with the Fairtrade Mark means farmers and workers in developing countries get a better deal for their product and improved terms of trade. This helps them to improve their working and living conditions, plan for a better future and create brighter opportunities for their families and local communities.

How does Fairtrade work?

The Fairtrade certification scheme provides farmers and workers in developing countries with a fair price (the Fairtrade Price) for their produce, helping protect them from damaging fluctuations in world market prices. They also receive an additional sum of money (the Fairtrade Premium) for investment in social, economic and environmental development in their community, such as educational and medical facilities.

Today, more than six million people - farmers, producers, workers and their families — from 70 countries benefit from the Fairtrade's independent system.

The Power of You

Fairtrade's The Power of You campaign encourages people to make a difference to the lives of farmers by purchasing ethically sourced product that carries the blue and green Fairtrade Mark. Fairtraide are launching this campaign during Fair Trade Fortnight, 2-18 May.

Fairtrade is calling on everyone to choose and change the world one purchase at a time. www.thepowerofyou.org.au

For more information visit www.fairtrade.com.au.

Images courtesy of Lucia Rossi. 

Paperboy Kitchen has left the market

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Paperboy Kitchen.

From their pop-up debut at the People’s Market in December to permanent haunt in the CBD, Paperboy Kitchen is the real deal. The menu is simple, delicious and well-priced.

Vietnamese coffee

The main menu items come in either Rolls or Bowls. Rolls being your traditional banh mi and bowls being the Vietnamese bun noodles. All the main menu items come with Asian Slaw, Carrot-Daikon Pickle, Sriracha-Mayo and coriander

Pulled Lamb & Hoisin roll

We received a crunchy bread roll shimmered with Sriracha-Mayo, filled with generous serves of beautifully tender pulled lamb, topped with a salad of Asian Slaw, Carrot-Daikon Pickle, coriander and glossed in a hoi sin glaze. It was both fresh and very tasty.

Slow Cooked Beef bowl

The beef bun was a lively noodle salad with flavoursome Braised Brisket and served with the loveliest Pho dipper (beef broth). The noodles were topped with salad including pickled carrot, shredded lettuce, cucumber, a sprinkle of fried shallots and mixed herbs - all finished with a generous helping of Sriracha-Mayo and Coriander.

Milk Bar Cookie

The milk bar cookie was as described, “Sweet and Salty Deliciousness”. Made with chocolate chips, pretzels, salt and vinegar chips and other naughty things, it was a delicious end to our visit. 

A budget-priced eatery with dishes reflecting the cross-pollinated culture of Vietnam, blending the heritage of Vietnamese street-food food with French flavours and Chinese cuisine, Paperboy Kitchen is a hit.

New Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar 2014 Menu

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Crust.

Crust has just added eleven new flavour sensations to their menu this month, and as part of this product launch Gastrology was invited to sample a couple of items from their new menu.

The new menu features some mouth-watering additions including Singapore Chilli Crab pizza made with King Crab and a decadent dessert pizza, the Elvis Crumble.

We tried the Sangria Duck Ragu pizza and the Roast Beetroot pizza from Crust’s Port Melbourne store.

The duck pizza was delicious. The tender pieces of duck had been marinated in Sangria Infused Jus and were full of flavour. The Mandarin Segments added a lovely hint of acidity and sweetness to the pizza. We loved the addition of freshly shredded Radicchio.

The Beetroot pizza was a lovely vegetarian pizza. The Beetroot was earthy and sweet and the Harissa Infused Hummus base was aromatic and went perfectly with the crunchy Crushed Walnuts and Honey.

Crust always showcases its new products as real, honest food and its latest new menu is no different. We are told the premium gourmet pizzas are made with only the finest ingredients; measured by hand and combined to create Crust’s unique flavour combinations.

To find out more, order online or find your local Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar visit http://www.crust.com.au

Media launch of Nespresso’s new Boutique Melbourne store @ Vue de monde

Gastrology bloggers dined coutesy of Nespresso and Vue de monde.

Gastrology was invited to celebrate the opening of Nespresso’s new Boutique store in Melbourne’s newly opened premium shopping destination, Emporium. After a media briefing where we were acquainted with the new store and Nespresso’s latest additions (read more about the new Boutique store here), we were whisked away to a decadent Nespresso-inspired brunch at Vue de monde.

view from Vue de monde

The bespoke menu was crafted by Vue de monde’s Head Chef and Nespresso Ambassador, Shannon Bennett.

As part of the ambassador role, Vue de monde has been serving Nespresso coffee to restaurant and event guests.

The brunch started with a delicious selection of canapés. The truffle marshmallow was a particular highlight. We loved the intense aroma and flavour of the truffles and the delicious chewy texture of the perfectly shaped marshmallows. 

Duck yolk, pear, truffle  

The dish of duck yolk, pear and truffle was inspiring. The velvety egg yolk combined to produce an intensely rich dish. It was an excellent starter which typified the multi-faceted Vue de monde style of cooking.

Spanish Mackeral, coffee, potato and Nespresso Arpeggio Grand Cru

Superbly cooked, the pieces of white fish were succulent and sweet. The flavours were subtle and earthy. We loved how well the coffee synergised and brought a beautifully balanced flavour profile to the dish with its aromatic allure.

The brunch concluded with arpeggio espressos which were served with delightful doughnuts and signature Vue de monde lamingtons. The Arpeggio's strong character and intense body made it the perfect coffee to have with the sweet treats.

Read about Nespresso’s new luxury boutique at the Emporium here.

Hooked Healthy Seafood opens a new Hawthorn location

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Hooked.

Gastrology was recently invited to attend a night of tastings and nautical themed body art at Hooked Healthy Seafood's recently opened Hawthorn store.

Hooked is inspired by owner Ray Good’s childhood summers by the seaside in the UK, where his parents worked at his Uncle Johnnie Fish and Chip shop. But it was while travelling the world as an internationally recognised DJ that he realised the lack of fresh food offerings on the road, and the importance of healthy eating.

Spotting a gap in the Australian market for healthy fish and chips, Ray launched Hooked, delivering the convenience and old-school taste of traditional British fish and chips with all the benefits of super fresh and healthy produce.

Ray opened the first Hooked in 2006 on Chapel Street, Windsor, with its success leading to him opening a second on Fitzroy’s Brunswick Street in 2010. Now, with the newly opened Hawthorn venue, fresh fish fans will no longer have to cross the river to get their (two to three times, recommended) weekly seafood intake.

Available for both dine in and take away, daily fish specials (e.g. certified-sustainable blue grenadier, snapper, salmon and barramundi) are sourced from the market and cooked fresh to order, while the store’s famous potato chips are hand cut by the kitchen.

It’s not all fish and chips; the menu boasts interesting items like the Baja Fish or Grilled Prawn Tacos, Grilled Calamari, Fish Burritos and Seared Tuna Burgers.

The menu also includes scrumptious salads. We particularly enjoyed the Superfood Salad: quinoa, broccoli, rocket, spinach, mint, semi-dried tomatoes, and toasted pumpkin and sunflower seeds topped with a drizzle of yoghurt lemon dressing. 

The Hooked style fish and chips are a twist on that old classic; an attempt to appeal to a more mature, refined audience and make fish and chips ‘trendy’. The ambience of Hooked is inviting, the decor is funky and relaxed and the service warm and prompt.

The tempura batter used to coat the fish is lighter and to a slight extent, less greasy than the offerings from your average ‘run of the mill’ fish and chippery. The “house” fish is blue grenadier instead of flake which, considering the rapidly dwindling numbers of gummy shark around the globe, is definitely a good thing. 

The hand cut chips were addictively good - beautifully crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. 

What Hooked does, it does well. The third instalment of the gourmet seafood eatery, Hooked Hawthorn is a welcome addition to loyal punters and fresh foodies north of the Yarra.

Upcoming Event: Fiesta Malaysia 2014 [25 May 2014]

Fiesta Malaysia is a festival which showcases Malaysian cuisine sourced from the best and most authentic Malaysian restaurants in and around Melbourne. Restaurants which have participated in the past include Mamak, Madam Kay's Platz, Sambal Kampung and Little Nyonya. This year, Fiesta Malaysia will bring even more popular Malaysian eateries on board.

Fiesta Malaysia is MASCA Victoria's largest annual event. Fiesta Malaysia celebrates and promotes the diversity of Malaysian cultures, cuisines, tourism and history to Australia's local and international community. The festival receives strong support from the Malaysian Government, the Australian Government, numerous corporate partners, ASEAN-root peak student representative bodies, university and non-university-based Malaysian Students Organisations. Fiesta Malaysia 2013 received an overwhelming response of over 18,000 visitors from different cultural backgrounds to experience a slice of Malaysia for themselves.

Apart from the authentic Malaysian food by Melbourne's top Malaysian restaurants, the festival will feature cultural exhibitions, traditional games and live performances. 

A series of demonstrations and competitions that relate to Malaysian cuisine will also be run including a Durian Eating Competition and also Roti Canai Making Challenge.

Date: 25th May 2014

Time: 11am to 5:30pm

Venue: Federation Square, Melbourne CBD, Victoria

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/FiestaMalaysia

More info: www.fiestamalaysia.com

Images from Fiesta Malaysia's facebook page.

Nespresso launches new Melbourne Boutique in Emporium

Melbourne’s coffee connoisseurs will be delighted this week as Nespresso – the worldwide pioneer in premium portioned coffee – opened the doors to its new Boutique in Emporium, inviting shoppers to experience Nespresso at their own pace.

Located in Melbourne’s new world-class shopping destination, Emporium, the Nespresso Boutique spans 230 square metres and boasts the largest Coffee Room in Australia. 

This tasting area features 11 machines, catering to coffee lovers who like to savour their tasting moments and discover all that Nespresso has to offer. 

The new Emporium Boutique will host some of Nespresso’s latest innovative services including Victoria’s first Self-Selection Room and Boutique Pick-Up counters, offering those already familiar with the brand even more convenience.

The Nespresso Self-Selection Room enables Club Members to select and scan their capsules and checkout automatically at a self-service kiosk. 

The two Boutique Pick-Up counters allow for a quick collection of pre-ordered products, saving busy shoppers time. 

Visitors can also discover Nespresso’s range of 22 Grand Cru coffees in the Coffee Room, explore The Discovery Wall to learn about the full range of machines and browse through the range of Nespresso accessories. 

As part of Nespresso’s commitment to sustainability, Melbourne Club Members will also be able to recycle their used Nespresso capsules in store. 

To celebrate this Boutique opening, Nespresso reveals a unique indigenous artwork created from Nespresso capsules custom made by the Jumbana Group, Australia’s leading Indigenous strategy and design company. Proceeds from the installation will go towards a Jumbana Group Project, Indi Kindi.

Win 2 x double passes to CHEF!

Directed by Jon Favreau, CHEF follows the temperamental Carl Casper (Favreau), a prestigious name in the world of food who falls from grace and ends up starting his own food truck to recapture his flair, integrity and reconnect with his family.

Casper was once a promising star in the culinary world, whose artistic aptitude has long been restrained by an overbearing restaurant proprietor (Hoffman). With his passion for cooking wilting, Carl’s career takes a turn for the worse, when a prominent food critic targets the uninspired Chef with a provocative review. Outraged by his comments, Carl takes to twitter and goes head to head with him in an online battle, which he unknowingly broadcasts to thousands of followers. 

Disillusioned with his career and desperate to escape the social media circus that he inadvertently created, Carl agrees to accompany his ex-­‐wife Inez (Vergara) and son to Miami. As his passion for cooking reignites, an opportunity to start up a food truck business presents itself and Carl begins to re-­‐establish his artistic promise and at the same time, reconnect with his family. 

With an all-star cast including Jon Favreau, Dustin Hoffman, Scarlett Johansson, Sofia Vergara and Robert Downey Jr, CHEF serves up a delectable feast of drama and laughs. 

Release Date: 8 May 2014 

Running Time: 115 mins

Gastrology has teamed up with STUDIOCANAL to give away 2 x double passes to CHEF which will be valid from opening day to 2 of our lucky readers!

How to enter 

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

The best 2 entries, as judged by the Gastrology team, will win 1 x double pass each to CHEF.

The competition will run until 8:00pm Wednesday the 7th of May 2014 (winner to be announced on this post on Thursday 8th of May 2014). 

The fine print: 

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

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

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[8/05/2014] Announcement: Winners of the Blog Giveaway: 2 x double passes to CHEF

Thank you to everyone who entered!

The 2 winners are…


A. Zarzanello with the following entry:

“My favourite chef is my nonna. You can’t really beat a hearty Italian meal made from scratch – especially when it’s cooked with love!”

J. Lee with the following entry:

"My favourite chef is Maggie Beer. Her passion for fresh and locally sourced produce has certainly helped people understand the value in Australia's bountiful and wonderful fruit, veg and meat. I also love her innovative spirit (verjus!) and rustic country cooking."

… Congratulations, the winners will be contacted via email.

Competition Now Closed. 

Grill’d introduces sliders and new sides to the menu

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Grill'd.

Grill’d restaurants launched their new range of sliders and sides on Tuesday 15 April. The new menu additions feature provedore inspired ingredients which are a delightful addition to the existing menu.

The new range of sliders and sides continues to focus on fresh and high quality ingredients. Costing $15 for 3 or 2 for $12, we thought they were well-priced.

We tasted the entire range of sliders and sides at our local Grill’d in South Melbourne. 

Our favourite slider was the 'Grilled chicken breast with pomegranate and mild wasabi slaw'. The chicken breast was moist, juicy and well-seasoned while the wasabi slaw acted as the perfect accompaniment. We loved the slight hint of wasabi which added a desirable "kick".

The new 'Sweet potato chip' side was another highlight. Each chip was beautifully crisp and delicious.

Celebrate Mother's Day with Mr Earl

Celebrate Mother's Day with Mr Earl

Gastrology sampled the product courtesy of Mr Earl.

Send Mr Earl home with your Mum this Mother’s Day.

Visiting doorsteps across the country, the self-acclaimed tea addict is not shy about his adoration for premium tea, and wants to continue sharing the loveÉ with you and your Mum.

The perfect gift for Mother’s Day, tea enthusiasts, or those who can’t go past a good brew and a monthly mail delivery, Mr Earl’s subscription service is an affordable and fun way to learn about and trial some of the finest tea brands from Australia and New Zealand.

And whose Mum doesn’t love a good cuppa?

Bearing gifts in the form of a tea subscription service, Mr Earl will deliver delicious teas to you (or your lucky recipient) for as long as you like. Imagine a parcel of new tastes to discover your favourite teas, delivered straight to your door. As easy as a cup of tea!

Offering samples of three specialty loose-leaf tea varieties, details on where they’re from and instructions on how to brew the perfect cup, subscribers can select from varying subscription levels.

• One month – The tea-ser - $20
• Three months – Tea me up - $45
• Six months – Tea addict - $78

After sampling, tea devotees can connect with Mr Earl’s online community and rate and review the teas tried and purchase favourites in full size.

This month's box features Grounded Premium Tea's Bold Breakfast, T Totaler's Immune Boost and More Tea's Oolong Iron Goddess.

Order your subscription box at www.mrearltea.com.au!

Restaurant Review: Mr Loys Puff

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Mr Loys Puff.

Location:

452 City Road, South Melbourne

Phone:

03 9696 6983

Link:

http://www.mrloyspuff.com.au/

Cuisine:

Singaporean

Overall Impression: 8/10

Mr Loys unveils a menu which features nostalgic gems of true blue Singaporean hawker dishes. We tasted almost every item on Mr Loys' thoughtfully-curated menu and were pleased with the irresistible flavours of their Singaporean specialties.

Nasi lemak

Served with crumbed chicken pieces, this traditional “kampung” or home-style dish triggered childhood memories. It was a proprietary mix of fresh green cucumber and dried ikan bilis, egg and sambal. The sambal was spectacular – it had the perfect level of spiciness and a beautiful flavour.

Curry chicken on rice

The curry chicken on rice was moreish. The dish consisted of tender, flavour-infused chicken morsels thoroughly coated in mouth-watering curry of various spices.

Hainan chicken rice

Pristine pieces of juicy chicken were served on a fluffy bed of rice and a beautiful chilli condiment. This dish tasted incredibly authentic and was cooked perfectly.

Roast chicken rice

Another classic Singaporean hawker dish executed well - We loved the tasty morsels of roast chicken.

Signature Curry chicken puff

Mr Loys' pièce de résistance is the Signature Curry chicken puff. Freshly made, the curry puffs contained aromatic and succulent chicken pieces. The pastry was absolutely beautiful - flaky and simply melted in our mouths. 

An exemplary menu of Singaporean hawker classics, the food at Mr Loys is impeccable. With all their dishes at or under the $10 mark, it is a delicious option for a casual meal or takeaway which will hardly create a dent in your hip pocket. 

Easter highlights: Best Malaysian satay in town from Sugi Satay | Sweet Easter treats from Michel's pattiserie

Best Malaysian satay in town from Sugi Satay

This Easter, we enjoyed a sumptuous feast of succulent, aromatic, freshly grilled meat on skewers from Sugi Satay. 

Sugi Satay serves the most authentic and delicious Malaysian satays that we have ever tasted in Melbourne.

There are three types of satay to choose from (lamb, beef and chicken) – our favourite was the chicken satay.

We loved how the satay was authentically served with cucumber, onion and delicious ketupat which helped soak up the decadent and perfectly spiced satay sauce.

The creator of Sugi Satay, Soo Ghee Tan, comes from a heritage of chefs specialising in authentic Malaysian cuisine. Secret family recipes were handed down from generations, from beef rendangs to varieties of sambals.

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Sweet Easter treats from Michel's pattiserie

Gastrology bloggers sampled the products courtesy Michel’s Pattiserie.

We celebrated the magic of Easter with decadent sweet treats from Michel’s Patisserie. 

We loved that Michel's had a wide range of Easter-themed products, like their Party Cake, a delicious Chocolate Sponge Cake topped with milk chocolate Easter eggs. Michel's scrumptious chocolate flavoured gingerbread Easter Bunny biscuit were an absolute hit with the children. They were gone in seconds!

Hope you had a lovely Easter weekend too :)

 

Bar Review: Zhou Zhou

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Zhou Zhou.
Location: 455 Chapel Street, South Yarra
Phone: 03 9826 0168
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese, Japanese
Overall Impression: 8/10  

A welcome addition to Chapel Street’s high end offerings, Zhou Zhou is the newly opened late night bar that has opened above iconic Oriental Tea House.

From Japanese craft beer, Asian ales, Austral Asian craft beers, Asian lagers and ciders, Zhou Zhou offers a comprehensive list of thirst-quenching, lip smacking nectars. Zhou Zhou specializes in craft beer. Zhou Zhou has the most Asian beers under one roof, boasting a lager & craft beer list of over 50 brands. 

Their list of Japanese craft beers are incredibly impressive. With brews such as Hitachino Nest Lacto sweet stouts and Kujyukuri Ocean White ale, we loved indulging our sense and trying brews that were a little left of centre at Zhou Zhou.

For the not so beer inclined, Zhou Zhou offers a concise, considered and well-priced wine list as well as cocktails bursting with flavour, such as a Japanese bloody mary that ditches the Vodka for Sake and throws in some punchy wasabi and chilli and the Mekong Hijinks with a mixture of lychee, lemongrass, hibiscus tea and Gin. 

We LOVED the apple and ginger martini. A moreish vodkatini concoction of apple and ginger juice, it was both fresh and zingy.  

The interior which is designed by Hecker Guthrie is inspired by ‘The Bund’ Shanghai in the 1930s. It is both refined and eclectic. The slight vintage sensibility with dark rustic timbers and flooring and accents of Chinese greenery and blue and white porcelain create a contemporary versus industrial feel.

The food menu comprises a selection of delectable dishes from Oriental Teahouse's menu – and all items are perfect for snacking on or making a meal of over the libations.  

We were delighted by the tasty selection of delectable dim sum. While many Chinese restaurants in Melbourne serve dim sum, the variety served at Zhou Zhou (and Oriental Tea House) are a cut above. Each dumpling has gracefully delicate pastry skin enveloping rich and tasty fillings.  

Another must-try is the chicken ribs.  Crispy and were flavoured well it is beer food at its best.

The chicken dumpling and quinoa salad was the dish of the night. A salad of leafy greens mixed with textural quinoa, sweet broad beans, red onion and plump dumplings in dispersed; the dish is married well with a lovely ginger dressing with lovely aromas of sesame oil. 

There is only one dessert on the menu, but it did not disappoint. The dessert contained 3 generous serves of plump sesame and sticky rice balls (with surprise chocolate centres), and a scoop of honey comb and vanilla ice cream.

Situated in the heart of Chapel Street, Zhou Zhou is an oriental drinking den with a difference.

Recipe: Maggie Beer’s Crispy Skin Salmon with Pea Puree | Tips from Aussie Farmers Direct: 10 good reasons to eat seafood this Easter

Gastrology bloggers sampled the new range of seafood  courtesy of Aussie Farmers Direct.

This Easter, Aussie Farmers Direct is working to put the ‘good’ back into Good Friday by partnering with Maggie Beer to release a collection of Easter seafood recipes as part of a move to encourage Australians to include more seafood in their diet this year. We thought we would share our favourite recipe with you...

Recipe:  Maggie Beer’s Crispy Skin Salmon with Pea Puree

 Ingredients 

Aussie Farmers Direct Salmon fillets ($13.79 for two 180g fillets)

1 tbspn unsalted butter

4 thick salmon steaks, skin on

To taste salt flakes

1 tbspn Extra Virgin Olive Oil

4 wedges lemon

Frozen pea salsa

1 1/2 cup frozen peas

15g unsalted butter

2 tspn Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 golden shallots peeled and chopped

3/4 cup Chicken Stock

1 sprig chervil

1 tbspn lemon juice

To taste salt flakes

Method

For The Frozen Pea Salsa:

1. Spread peas on a tray to thaw for 10 minutes.
2. Place a large frying pan over medium heat, add the butter and melt with the Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Add the chopped shallots and sauté until soft.
3. In another small sauce pan, bring the Chicken Stock to the boil.
4. Add the peas to the shallots along with chervil and lemon juice.
5. Pour the hot Chicken Stock over the peas and quickly bring up to the boil again, then remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.
6. Pour the pea mixture into a blender or mouli and process until fine. Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary.

For The Salmon:

1. Heat a large frying pan over a moderate heat with half the butter.
2. Season the salmon on the skin side with sea salt.
3. Once the pan is hot, add a dash of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and place the salmon steaks skin side down in the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes or until the skin is crisp. Putting the salmon aside, quickly wipe out the pan with a paper towel.
4. Return salmon to pan, add the remaining butter and return to heat.
5. Once melted, turn the steaks over with tongs and almost immediately take the pan off the heat and allow to sit in the hot pan. The centre of the fish should be a little rare.
6. To serve, pile a layer of salsa on to a plate and place the fish on top. Squeeze a wedge of lemon over each piece of salmon, sprinkle the herbs on top and dress with a drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Aussie Farmers Direct brings back Fish on Fridays

Aussie Farmers Direct is working to put more 'good' back into Good Friday by offering Australians ten good reasons to eat seafood on Good Friday...or any Friday!  Traditionally, seafood was consumed on Good Friday in place of other meat. Though over the years this seems to have fallen by the wayside. Fish and other seafood are highly beneficial to our health, so perhaps it’s time to revisit the tradition and bring back fish on Fridays. 

Essentially, here's why we should bring back fish on Friday:

• Low in unhealthy saturated fat and high in protein
• High in Omega-3 fatty acids which are great for heart health
• Prevents inflammation and reduces the risk of conditions like arthritis
• Assists in proper foetal growth and development during pregnancy
• Associated with positive brain health
• High in iron and vitamin B12
• It's easy to prepare and cost effective
• And most importantly, it's deliciously versatile!

Aussie Farmers Direct has launched a new range of Australian seafood including Natural Calamari, a Half Side of Huon Salmon, Honey Soy Flathead Fillets, crumbed White Fish and Lemon Myrtle Blue Grenadier Fillets, which will soon join Aussie Farmers Direct’s existing range of Aussie prawns, salmon and barramundi. 

This Easter, Aussie Farmers Direct will be delivering a range of freshly caught seafood including:    

• Natural Calamari, $7.99 for 300g
• Half Side of Huon Salmon, $19.99 for 500g
• Honey Soy Flathead Fillets, $14.99 for 300g
• Crumbed White Fish, $8.99 for 250g
• Lemon Myrtle Blue Grenadier Fillets, $8.99 for 300g
• Salmon Fillets, RRP $13.79 for two 180g fillets
• Barramundi Fillets, RRP $12.99 for two 180g fillets
• Smoked Salmon, RRP $6.69 for 100
• Plain Unmarinated Prawns, RRP $10.99 for 300g

To enjoy a wholly Australian Easter this year, visit AussieFarmers.com.au 

Takeaway Review: Salon de Sushi | Ordered in via Menulog

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Menulog.

Location: 293 Clarendon St South Melbourne

Phone: 03 9939 3723

Link: http://www.salondesushi.com.au/

Cuisine: Japanese  

Overall Impression: 7/10

We recently ordered in a Japanese feast to enjoy at home via Menulog's Southbank Take-Away Restaurants link. We have visited Salon de Sushi on several occasions and have been consistently pleased by the quality of their nigiri and sushi. 

We were pleased that our delivery arrived as scheduled.

The selection of nigiri we ordered tasted fresh with sushi rice that was desirably moist. Of particular note were the scallop nigiri and eel nigiri. The scallop nigiri was well crafted. The sweet scallops were absolutely delicious. The slices of grilled eel that lay upon the eel nigiri were cooked in a lovely sweet soy sauce. We loved the fatty flesh that melted away in our mouths.

Salon de Sushi is one of the better value Japanese cuisine that Melbourne has to offer. While not the best Japanese cuisine we have tasted, the reasonable price tag, delivery convenience and quality ingredients used makes this restaurant one we would highly recommend.

Menulog is No.1 For Online Takeaway in Australia. Read more about Menulog here!