Zoe, Liz and Gaby
It was breakfast this time, our first.
I think ... Liz had the toasted honey granola and berries with vanilla yogurt, Zoe had the smoked bacon bap and I had waffle that is no longer on the menu. I did also have a madeleine filled with lemon curd - yum.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Diggers Cafe at Heronswood - Sunday 1 December 2013
Liz, Andrew & Hillary, Zoe, Hugh & Eleanor, Barry and Gaby
It was a warm day and we had a lovely lunch at the Diggers cafe outside. It's a lovely place to enjoy lunch that it made from much of what is grown on site. Unfortunately the cafe was burnt down in January but from the Diggers website it looks as though they're operating the cafe from within Heronswood House.
I can't remember anything about what we ate but I did enjoy it.
It was a warm day and we had a lovely lunch at the Diggers cafe outside. It's a lovely place to enjoy lunch that it made from much of what is grown on site. Unfortunately the cafe was burnt down in January but from the Diggers website it looks as though they're operating the cafe from within Heronswood House.
I can't remember anything about what we ate but I did enjoy it.
France Soir - Saturday 10 August 2013
Liz, Zoe and Gaby
Hmm, it was a while ago now. French champagne was drunk. I think I had the goat cheese salad and the duck breast (maybe), and I'm pretty sure the creme brûlée. My memory is that we all really enjoyed it.
Hmm, it was a while ago now. French champagne was drunk. I think I had the goat cheese salad and the duck breast (maybe), and I'm pretty sure the creme brûlée. My memory is that we all really enjoyed it.
Monday, March 4, 2013
The Commoner - 28 February 2013
Peter, Liz, Gaby, Barry, Miriam and James.
Peter's back! (Well, he was back, for a little while.)
This was cause for celebration and over discussion last week about Negronis (a favoured drink of Gaby and Peter) we planned a dinner at The Commoner for that Thursday with as many of the Posh Dinner Society members and affiliates as possible. Unfortunately, Zoe was unable to make it as she had a grant proposal due the next day and a lack of baby-sitting options, but James, Miriam and Barry rounded out the 'meeting' and the Negronis were enjoyed - with The Commoner's signature addition of wood roasted orange. Fabulous! These things are waaaay too drinkable. Other wine that was enjoyed included a Central Otago pinot gris, and multiple sherries including some pedro ximenez.
I was my usual organised (read bossy) self and commandeered the ordering of starters, which we shared. In the end we ended up with a great array of tastes:
For mains, we had:
I'm glad Liz and I shared - getting a taste of the lovely charred beef (perfectly cooked) and the carrot salad which was sweet from the roasted vegetables, and nutty from the quinoa. I think everyone else enjoyed their meals, though the reports were that the fish was nice, just not exceptional.
Desserts (with lots of sharing):
I've enjoyed every meal I've had at The Commoner and would go back any time. Hopefully we can have a return visit from Peter again soon.
Peter's back! (Well, he was back, for a little while.)
This was cause for celebration and over discussion last week about Negronis (a favoured drink of Gaby and Peter) we planned a dinner at The Commoner for that Thursday with as many of the Posh Dinner Society members and affiliates as possible. Unfortunately, Zoe was unable to make it as she had a grant proposal due the next day and a lack of baby-sitting options, but James, Miriam and Barry rounded out the 'meeting' and the Negronis were enjoyed - with The Commoner's signature addition of wood roasted orange. Fabulous! These things are waaaay too drinkable. Other wine that was enjoyed included a Central Otago pinot gris, and multiple sherries including some pedro ximenez.
I was my usual organised (read bossy) self and commandeered the ordering of starters, which we shared. In the end we ended up with a great array of tastes:
- stuffed zucchini flowers
- stuffed baby calamari
- cheese and onion croquettes
- bread with cumin sesame seeds, and
- heirloom tomato, olive and fresh cheese salad
For mains, we had:
- Miriam - beef (char-grilled?)
- James - spatchcock
- Barry - Spanish mackerel
- Peter - Spanish mackerel
- Liz & Gaby (shared) - beef & roast heirloom carrots and quinoa salad
I'm glad Liz and I shared - getting a taste of the lovely charred beef (perfectly cooked) and the carrot salad which was sweet from the roasted vegetables, and nutty from the quinoa. I think everyone else enjoyed their meals, though the reports were that the fish was nice, just not exceptional.
Desserts (with lots of sharing):
- Liz - sorrel icecream with blackberries and meringue
- Barry, Peter & Miriam - chocolate ganache with poached strawberries
- James - lecce merengada
- Gaby - plum filled beignets with cream
I've enjoyed every meal I've had at The Commoner and would go back any time. Hopefully we can have a return visit from Peter again soon.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Grossi Florentino - 29 September 12
Andrew, Liz, Zoe, Gaby
We scheduled our latest posh dinner to be before Liz gives birth and Zoe goes back to work after having Eleanor. After we scheduled it Zoe extended her maternity leave and will take an extra few months before going back.
Grossi Florentino (upstairs in the restaurant) has been on our 'to do' list for a while now. Although we could have chosen one of the degustation menus (5 course or 8 course, meat or vegetarian) but decided to go with a la carte - Liz's pregnancy and Andrew's dairy intolerance may have complicated things a bit.
It was a good choice as we got to eat some really yummy food. For entree, Andrew had a couple of oysters, Zoe had octopus, Liz had the quail and I had the celeric soup with crab and a jerusalem artichoke foam. For me it was my favourite meal of the evening.
For mains Andrew went with the duck breast and confit duck leg. My Cape Grim beef short rib was nice, but very 'beefy'. Zoe and Liz had the pigeon and goat special, respectively. All beautifully presented.
Andrew's dairy intolerance may have resulted in the best dessert. When he asked for 'just some fruit' he was presented with a plate of melon balls in a ginger and mint syrup. Liz and I agreed to share our desserts. She had a deeply bitter warm chocolate mousse (with cherries). I had the Mt Etna, a pistachio semifreddo with meringue and chocolate crumble. Zoe's Lemon, Lime and Bitters (a lemon panna cotta) was a bit disappointing.
Grossi Florentino was probably one of our most expensive dinners ever. We did enjoy it. Our next meal plans will involve Liz and Andrew's new baby and Eleanor will probably be crawling. We're thinking of a Yarra Valley or Mornington Peninsula winery lunch. Stay tuned.
We scheduled our latest posh dinner to be before Liz gives birth and Zoe goes back to work after having Eleanor. After we scheduled it Zoe extended her maternity leave and will take an extra few months before going back.
Grossi Florentino (upstairs in the restaurant) has been on our 'to do' list for a while now. Although we could have chosen one of the degustation menus (5 course or 8 course, meat or vegetarian) but decided to go with a la carte - Liz's pregnancy and Andrew's dairy intolerance may have complicated things a bit.
It was a good choice as we got to eat some really yummy food. For entree, Andrew had a couple of oysters, Zoe had octopus, Liz had the quail and I had the celeric soup with crab and a jerusalem artichoke foam. For me it was my favourite meal of the evening.
For mains Andrew went with the duck breast and confit duck leg. My Cape Grim beef short rib was nice, but very 'beefy'. Zoe and Liz had the pigeon and goat special, respectively. All beautifully presented.
Andrew's dairy intolerance may have resulted in the best dessert. When he asked for 'just some fruit' he was presented with a plate of melon balls in a ginger and mint syrup. Liz and I agreed to share our desserts. She had a deeply bitter warm chocolate mousse (with cherries). I had the Mt Etna, a pistachio semifreddo with meringue and chocolate crumble. Zoe's Lemon, Lime and Bitters (a lemon panna cotta) was a bit disappointing.
Grossi Florentino was probably one of our most expensive dinners ever. We did enjoy it. Our next meal plans will involve Liz and Andrew's new baby and Eleanor will probably be crawling. We're thinking of a Yarra Valley or Mornington Peninsula winery lunch. Stay tuned.
Friday, October 5, 2012
The Commoner - 17 June 12
Hugh, Andrew, Barry, Zoe, Liz, Gaby
So, for a while we've wanted to do the 'Sunday roast' at The Commoner. Zoe and Hugh now have Eleanor and we wanted to do something during the day that would mean that baby Eleanor and all of our partners could come too. The Commoner was the easy solution. Unfortunately on the day Liz was sick so she missed out. We'll just have to go again another time!
The big decision to make was which meat to aim for, and as a result which dates would work. I've never like roast pork - neither of my parents like roast pork so we didn't eat it growing up and - and I agree with Andrew that we wanted a meat that we were less likely to do at home which ruled out chicken. Overall we had a preference for a really well cooked roast of beef, and by well cooked we wanted rare.
So, beef it was and although Hugh and Barry found the beef a little bit too rare for their tastes but the rest of us really loved it. It was proceeded by a plate of beautiful charcuterie. Salami, prosciutto, cured duck (I think). Yum!
Barry enjoyed a Glenmorangie whiskey from their extensive collection of whiskeys, followed later by a sherry. Andrew had Gentiane, an aperitif. I had a great non-alcoholic drink (involving mint and pomegranate juice/molasses) before some wine.
I can't remember what Zoe had but my dessert was so yum - The Commoner's now famous brown ale chocolate pudding with salted caramel. It was surprisingly un-sweet but definitely felt like a dessert none-the-less. Hugh and Barry both enjoyed their beignet and I did too.
So, for a while we've wanted to do the 'Sunday roast' at The Commoner. Zoe and Hugh now have Eleanor and we wanted to do something during the day that would mean that baby Eleanor and all of our partners could come too. The Commoner was the easy solution. Unfortunately on the day Liz was sick so she missed out. We'll just have to go again another time!
The big decision to make was which meat to aim for, and as a result which dates would work. I've never like roast pork - neither of my parents like roast pork so we didn't eat it growing up and - and I agree with Andrew that we wanted a meat that we were less likely to do at home which ruled out chicken. Overall we had a preference for a really well cooked roast of beef, and by well cooked we wanted rare.
So, beef it was and although Hugh and Barry found the beef a little bit too rare for their tastes but the rest of us really loved it. It was proceeded by a plate of beautiful charcuterie. Salami, prosciutto, cured duck (I think). Yum!
Barry enjoyed a Glenmorangie whiskey from their extensive collection of whiskeys, followed later by a sherry. Andrew had Gentiane, an aperitif. I had a great non-alcoholic drink (involving mint and pomegranate juice/molasses) before some wine.
I can't remember what Zoe had but my dessert was so yum - The Commoner's now famous brown ale chocolate pudding with salted caramel. It was surprisingly un-sweet but definitely felt like a dessert none-the-less. Hugh and Barry both enjoyed their beignet and I did too.
Ezard - 12 November 12
Zoe, Liz, Gaby
Again, I've left it too long to remember what we ate at Ezard. It's been almost a year.
From the beginning they were very helpful in accommodating Zoe's pregnancy and the associated dietary restrictions.
I think we took the 3 courses a la carte for $98 option, rather than the degustation. I'm sure it would have been great but in the end we had great food. On looking at the online menu, to jog the memory, the only things that I know we ate were:
So, despite not remembering what we ate, I do remember that we had a lovely night with great food.
Again, I've left it too long to remember what we ate at Ezard. It's been almost a year.
From the beginning they were very helpful in accommodating Zoe's pregnancy and the associated dietary restrictions.
I think we took the 3 courses a la carte for $98 option, rather than the degustation. I'm sure it would have been great but in the end we had great food. On looking at the online menu, to jog the memory, the only things that I know we ate were:
- open wagyu beef burger, toasted brioche, quail egg, onion jam, gruyere cheese, pickled cucumber and pork crisp (Zoe)
- steamed blue swimmer crab dumplings with yarra valley salmon roe, celery cress and tom kha (Liz?)
- red roasted barossa chicken, zucchini and mint fritters, chang kiang caramel, garlic jam and fried sambal (Gaby?)
- local john dory with warm celeriac salad, broad beans, apple, radish and chive oil (Zoe)
- Sides: green beans, korean chilli and roasted peanuts, fried kipfler potatoes with roasted garlic and rosemary
- salted caramel parfait, chocolate peanut butter crunch, pressed paw paw and blackberry syrup (Gaby)
So, despite not remembering what we ate, I do remember that we had a lovely night with great food.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Metropolis Eating House - 13 April 11
Zoe, Hugh, Peter, Gerry, Gaby, Barry
Peter was back in town for the submission of his thesis - well done Peter - and it was a nice opportunity for the inaugural members of the posh dinner society to catch up.
Again, it's been too long since the meal to remember what we ate. I think that there was a variety of oysters that the people-who-like-them ate. It's a strange venue - it was an old ballroom and it is now quite cavernous as a dining venue.
Peter was back in town for the submission of his thesis - well done Peter - and it was a nice opportunity for the inaugural members of the posh dinner society to catch up.
Again, it's been too long since the meal to remember what we ate. I think that there was a variety of oysters that the people-who-like-them ate. It's a strange venue - it was an old ballroom and it is now quite cavernous as a dining venue.
The Courthouse - 12 Feburary 11
Zoe, Liz & Gaby
I've left it too long to remember what we had at The Courthouse in North Melbourne. We all enjoyed the meal though, apart from the very strong eau de vie at the end of the meal.
I've left it too long to remember what we had at The Courthouse in North Melbourne. We all enjoyed the meal though, apart from the very strong eau de vie at the end of the meal.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
The Commoner - Sunday 12 September 2010
Zoe, Liz and Gaby
It has been a long time since a three member meeting of the PDS but with Liz's return to Australia we had a great opportunity. It ended up being a great night at The Commoner with all of us agreeing that it's now one of our top 5 dinners.
When I saw a Negroni on the cocktail list I couldn't go past it. It contains three of my favourite alcohols - gin, campari and vermouth - and I'd never had it before. Whilst the first hit is all alcohol everything after is just great. After the cocktail I joined Zoe and Liz with the Dao tempranillo. A great choice by Zoe.
On Sunday nights The Commoner is menu free and for $55 for food we were (overfed) extremely well. The following mouthful size morsels of yum came out and we enjoyed all immensely.
Spiced fish with paprika on crostini
Radishes with hummus
Babaganoush
Roast pumpkin with caramelised onions, yogurt and coriander
Bread and crostini with cumin sesame seeds and oil
Boiled eggs with olives and salted cod
The next dish, of semolina gnocchi with jerusalem artichokes and walnuts was possibly my favourite dish of the night. In fact I think we all enjoyed it - the gnocchi was so creamy. Other plates brought at the same time were mushroom croquettes with cauliflower puree and sSnapper with harissa.
This was about when we were feeling full but we found room for the simple but delicious cut steak with caramelised onion and horseradish cream. The hand cut chips and simple green salad with it were just right.
Finally the meal finished with a vanilla cream tart with poached quinces and walnut praline and some peppermint tea.
A great night, so great in fact that I plan to go back for my birthday dinner. It was a lovely way to end a weekend - just relaxing with friends while fabulous food was brought to us. There was a freedom that came with a meal with no menu that was so good that I don't that I'd go back on any other night than a Sunday.
It has been a long time since a three member meeting of the PDS but with Liz's return to Australia we had a great opportunity. It ended up being a great night at The Commoner with all of us agreeing that it's now one of our top 5 dinners.
When I saw a Negroni on the cocktail list I couldn't go past it. It contains three of my favourite alcohols - gin, campari and vermouth - and I'd never had it before. Whilst the first hit is all alcohol everything after is just great. After the cocktail I joined Zoe and Liz with the Dao tempranillo. A great choice by Zoe.
On Sunday nights The Commoner is menu free and for $55 for food we were (overfed) extremely well. The following mouthful size morsels of yum came out and we enjoyed all immensely.
Spiced fish with paprika on crostini
Radishes with hummus
Babaganoush
Roast pumpkin with caramelised onions, yogurt and coriander
Bread and crostini with cumin sesame seeds and oil
Boiled eggs with olives and salted cod
The next dish, of semolina gnocchi with jerusalem artichokes and walnuts was possibly my favourite dish of the night. In fact I think we all enjoyed it - the gnocchi was so creamy. Other plates brought at the same time were mushroom croquettes with cauliflower puree and sSnapper with harissa.
This was about when we were feeling full but we found room for the simple but delicious cut steak with caramelised onion and horseradish cream. The hand cut chips and simple green salad with it were just right.
Finally the meal finished with a vanilla cream tart with poached quinces and walnut praline and some peppermint tea.
A great night, so great in fact that I plan to go back for my birthday dinner. It was a lovely way to end a weekend - just relaxing with friends while fabulous food was brought to us. There was a freedom that came with a meal with no menu that was so good that I don't that I'd go back on any other night than a Sunday.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Cutler and Co - 7 May 2010
Zoe and Gaby
We've agreed not to post about the last official Posh Dinner Society meeting in November last year. It was at Cecconi's and we felt that it just didn't qualify - partially due to the poor service and underwhelming food, and partially that we had a cast of thousands (really only 8 people: Zoe, Hugh, Gaby, Barry, Liz, Peter, Gerry, and Peter's friend from SF).
So, it's been a while and Zoe and I, the only members in Australia agreed to hold a small, but quorate, meeting at the intended venue of the last catch-up: Cutler and Co.
It was a good move to go for dinner - even with just the two of us (in fact, maybe better for it!).
We started with fabulous drinks (Aperol and blood orange juice for me and Campari and pink grapefruit for Zoe) - with the mixers served in beakers which was a bit of a flash back for both of us. Then we moved on to a carrot salad (cooked, raw and pickled) and confit ocean trout. Yum.
Mains of roast suckling pig - not a whole one - and pheasant. The pheasant was a first for both of us. The breast meat was not particularly flavoursome though the quince helped, but the crumbed leg meat (recreated as a drumstick) was richer and tender. The pig came with a lovely barley risotto.
I went for the deliciously desserty ice-cream sandwich with salted caramel. Somewhat uncharacteristically Zoe chose a dessert over the cheese, and was rewarded with the best dish of the evening: steamed quince and suet gingerbread with chestnut icecream. It was just delicious - not too sweet, but the richness of the quince and the warmth of the ginger was just delicious. It was an inspiration for the winter puddings to come over the next few months.
We thought of you Liz and Peter, and hope that you get the chance to have a meeting of the US chapter of the Posh Dinner Society. You should definitely come to Cutler and Co when you're next back at in Melbourne.
We've agreed not to post about the last official Posh Dinner Society meeting in November last year. It was at Cecconi's and we felt that it just didn't qualify - partially due to the poor service and underwhelming food, and partially that we had a cast of thousands (really only 8 people: Zoe, Hugh, Gaby, Barry, Liz, Peter, Gerry, and Peter's friend from SF).
So, it's been a while and Zoe and I, the only members in Australia agreed to hold a small, but quorate, meeting at the intended venue of the last catch-up: Cutler and Co.
It was a good move to go for dinner - even with just the two of us (in fact, maybe better for it!).
We started with fabulous drinks (Aperol and blood orange juice for me and Campari and pink grapefruit for Zoe) - with the mixers served in beakers which was a bit of a flash back for both of us. Then we moved on to a carrot salad (cooked, raw and pickled) and confit ocean trout. Yum.
Mains of roast suckling pig - not a whole one - and pheasant. The pheasant was a first for both of us. The breast meat was not particularly flavoursome though the quince helped, but the crumbed leg meat (recreated as a drumstick) was richer and tender. The pig came with a lovely barley risotto.
I went for the deliciously desserty ice-cream sandwich with salted caramel. Somewhat uncharacteristically Zoe chose a dessert over the cheese, and was rewarded with the best dish of the evening: steamed quince and suet gingerbread with chestnut icecream. It was just delicious - not too sweet, but the richness of the quince and the warmth of the ginger was just delicious. It was an inspiration for the winter puddings to come over the next few months.
We thought of you Liz and Peter, and hope that you get the chance to have a meeting of the US chapter of the Posh Dinner Society. You should definitely come to Cutler and Co when you're next back at in Melbourne.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Claypots
I had a flashback a couple of days ago to our expedition to Claypots on Gertrude St in Fitzroy for chilli crab. I couldn't even remember what year we'd gone and was going to suggest 2007 when Peter unearthed the email arranging the dinner.
...
It was 20 December 2005!
Given that it was so long ago I really can't remember much at all. Anyone care to shed some light on the experience?
...
It was 20 December 2005!
Given that it was so long ago I really can't remember much at all. Anyone care to shed some light on the experience?
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Esposito - 25 April 09
Zoe, Hugh, Liz & Gaby
It was Zoe's birthday this week and to celebrate a posh dinner was declared. There were a number of places that we tried to book and were unfortunately booked out but we will keep them on our shortlist for future outings (Movida, Hellenic Republic and Cutler & Co).
Esposito was a first for Hugh and Liz but for Zoe and I it was something that we'd done before - sort of. Esposito was previously Toofey's - the location of the inaugural posh dinner society meeting. The focus is still seafood and the setting is very similar. We all enjoyed our meals (vegetarian gyoza, cured salmon, quail, baked whole fish, seafood linguine, john dory fillets) but Zoe and I were reminiscing for the bygone days. We all agreed though that the taster of seafood and herbs, and the sides (orange and fennel salad and gratin of spinach and onion) were great.
Whilst Zoe and I felt that the level of service was poor, particularly in comparison with Toofey's which set the benchmark for us, Zoe felt that the desserts were possibly better. We shared a fabulous cheese plate, a pear and custard tart with blood orange sorbet, and a date and frangipane tart with vanilla icecream. Yum!
It was Zoe's birthday this week and to celebrate a posh dinner was declared. There were a number of places that we tried to book and were unfortunately booked out but we will keep them on our shortlist for future outings (Movida, Hellenic Republic and Cutler & Co).
Esposito was a first for Hugh and Liz but for Zoe and I it was something that we'd done before - sort of. Esposito was previously Toofey's - the location of the inaugural posh dinner society meeting. The focus is still seafood and the setting is very similar. We all enjoyed our meals (vegetarian gyoza, cured salmon, quail, baked whole fish, seafood linguine, john dory fillets) but Zoe and I were reminiscing for the bygone days. We all agreed though that the taster of seafood and herbs, and the sides (orange and fennel salad and gratin of spinach and onion) were great.
Whilst Zoe and I felt that the level of service was poor, particularly in comparison with Toofey's which set the benchmark for us, Zoe felt that the desserts were possibly better. We shared a fabulous cheese plate, a pear and custard tart with blood orange sorbet, and a date and frangipane tart with vanilla icecream. Yum!
Rumi - 19 March 09
Peter, Emily, Zoe, Hugh, Simon & Gaby
Peter was back in Australia with his partner Emily. When organising the dinner I asked Peter if there was anywhere that he was interested in going to or any cuisines that he was missing. His response included lebanese and as I'm going through something of a middle eastern phase at the moment I was pretty happy and went ahead and booked for us at Rumi.
Peter, Emily and I were joined by Simon, Zoe and Hugh and we had a lovely meal with highlights that included panfried cauliflower, eggplant, lamb and mamoul (a beautiful date shortbread).
Peter was back in Australia with his partner Emily. When organising the dinner I asked Peter if there was anywhere that he was interested in going to or any cuisines that he was missing. His response included lebanese and as I'm going through something of a middle eastern phase at the moment I was pretty happy and went ahead and booked for us at Rumi.
Peter, Emily and I were joined by Simon, Zoe and Hugh and we had a lovely meal with highlights that included panfried cauliflower, eggplant, lamb and mamoul (a beautiful date shortbread).
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Tea Rooms at Yarck - 7 December 08
Liz, Zoe, Hugh & Gaby
When planning for our end of year PDS meeting we consulted the constitution - The Age Good Food Guide. In our browsing we started looking at the country restaurants and thought that instead of a Posh Dinner meeting we could have an Extravagant Lunch instead. Well, we did and it was amazing. The two hour drive up to the Tea Rooms at Yarck was absolutely completely worth it.
While we could have ordered a la carte we instead went with the Chef's suggestion of antipasto, pasta, a slow cooked dish, and dessert but put a special request in for the slow cooked baby goat as it sounded so interesting. The food just kept coming and coming and was amazing. I'd been thinking that our first meal together at Toofeys was the best but I think that the Tea Rooms at Yarck have surpassed all the other meals that we've eaten. The whole thing got us reminiscing and we started to list the various meals that we've had over time and this blog was created from that list.
Below is the complete list of what we ate over the 3.5 hours that we were there.
Taster - we each had a piece
(By this stage we were really looking for something fresh to counter all the beautifully rich food that we had been enjoying up to that point and, with brilliant timing, a green salad was delivered.)
It was just amazing!
When planning for our end of year PDS meeting we consulted the constitution - The Age Good Food Guide. In our browsing we started looking at the country restaurants and thought that instead of a Posh Dinner meeting we could have an Extravagant Lunch instead. Well, we did and it was amazing. The two hour drive up to the Tea Rooms at Yarck was absolutely completely worth it.
While we could have ordered a la carte we instead went with the Chef's suggestion of antipasto, pasta, a slow cooked dish, and dessert but put a special request in for the slow cooked baby goat as it sounded so interesting. The food just kept coming and coming and was amazing. I'd been thinking that our first meal together at Toofeys was the best but I think that the Tea Rooms at Yarck have surpassed all the other meals that we've eaten. The whole thing got us reminiscing and we started to list the various meals that we've had over time and this blog was created from that list.
Below is the complete list of what we ate over the 3.5 hours that we were there.
Taster - we each had a piece
- asparagus tart
- Tuna carpaccio with celeriac
- Crumbed sardines
- Calamari salad
- Mussels with parsley and garlic breadcrumbs
- Roasted peppers
- Broccoli with onions and capers
- Eggplant parmagiana
- Single ravioli filled with broad beans, goat fetta and peccorino, with butter and borage flowers
- Duck and mushroom fettucine
(By this stage we were really looking for something fresh to counter all the beautifully rich food that we had been enjoying up to that point and, with brilliant timing, a green salad was delivered.)
- Slow cooked baby goat (kid!) with carrot, fennel and celery
- Roast rosemary potatoes
- Passionfruit icecream
- Vanilla and chocolate meringues
- Tiramisu
- Strawberries
- Chocolate and hazelnut torte
- Creme caramel
- Almond biscotti
- Panforte and ...
- even more meringue.
It was just amazing!
Gingerboy - 16 August 08
Peter, Liz, Zoe & Gaby
After much scheduling and rescheduling Liz, Zoe and I fixed on August 16 for dinner at Gingerboy - a place that we'd be discussing going to for some time. Only a few days before the dinner Peter emailed to say that he had to come back to Australia for visa reasons. It was brilliant timing to reconvene the original members of the PDS.
The most memorable thing we ate were the Son in Law eggs which are very soft boiled eggs (the yolk was completely runny) that were then deep fried and meant to be eaten whole. It was actually quite daunting to put a whole egg in your mouth and Liz took a bite and we understood why it's best to try and eat the whole egg at once. :)
The desserts were all interesting - green tea pannacotta - but I think my favourite thing was the corn cakes. Just so yum!
After much scheduling and rescheduling Liz, Zoe and I fixed on August 16 for dinner at Gingerboy - a place that we'd be discussing going to for some time. Only a few days before the dinner Peter emailed to say that he had to come back to Australia for visa reasons. It was brilliant timing to reconvene the original members of the PDS.
The most memorable thing we ate were the Son in Law eggs which are very soft boiled eggs (the yolk was completely runny) that were then deep fried and meant to be eaten whole. It was actually quite daunting to put a whole egg in your mouth and Liz took a bite and we understood why it's best to try and eat the whole egg at once. :)
The desserts were all interesting - green tea pannacotta - but I think my favourite thing was the corn cakes. Just so yum!
100 Mile Cafe - 6 March 08
Zoe, Peter, Gerry & Gaby
We managed to eat at 100 Mile Cafe this time but Liz couldn't make it. We did hear about Gerry's recent visit to the US with a quite crazy woman though. 100 Mile Cafe has since closed down.
We managed to eat at 100 Mile Cafe this time but Liz couldn't make it. We did hear about Gerry's recent visit to the US with a quite crazy woman though. 100 Mile Cafe has since closed down.
100 Mile Cafe (sort of) - 13 December 07
Liz, Zoe & Gaby
We planned an end of year Posh Dinner Society meeting at the 100 Mile Cafe (all food sourced within 100 miles of the restaurant) and while we made it to the restaurant the restaurant didn't quite deliver. Unfortunately there was a problem with the gas in the whole of Melbourne Central so the restaurant could only cook food from the wood fired oven. We ended up eating at Tomodachi for Japanese.
We planned an end of year Posh Dinner Society meeting at the 100 Mile Cafe (all food sourced within 100 miles of the restaurant) and while we made it to the restaurant the restaurant didn't quite deliver. Unfortunately there was a problem with the gas in the whole of Melbourne Central so the restaurant could only cook food from the wood fired oven. We ended up eating at Tomodachi for Japanese.
The Rose Hotel - 18 August 07
Zoe, Peter, Liz, Gaby & ...
Simon, Gerry, & ? & ?
I'm not sure that we're not missing one of our meetings since November 06 ... anyway we convened again when Peter came back to Australia in August 07. As with any short trip back there were lots of people for him to catch up with so the Posh Dinner Society decided to hold an open meeting and we had a few extras join us.
Zoe and I made sure that we got the red mullet again and it was still the best fish there.
Simon, Gerry, & ? & ?
I'm not sure that we're not missing one of our meetings since November 06 ... anyway we convened again when Peter came back to Australia in August 07. As with any short trip back there were lots of people for him to catch up with so the Posh Dinner Society decided to hold an open meeting and we had a few extras join us.
Zoe and I made sure that we got the red mullet again and it was still the best fish there.
Pearl - 21 November 06
Zoe, Peter & Gaby
Peter was back in Australia for a visit and our next Posh Dinner Society meeting was held in Richmond at Pearl.
Apart from recognising a few familiar faces from our time at the Student Union we had a great night! Peter (?) had a DIY duck curry and I had a caramelised asian fish. It was plated upright like it was still swimming. We also had the novelty of eating coconut ice - and old favourite from primary school fetes - for dessert.
Peter was back in Australia for a visit and our next Posh Dinner Society meeting was held in Richmond at Pearl.
Apart from recognising a few familiar faces from our time at the Student Union we had a great night! Peter (?) had a DIY duck curry and I had a caramelised asian fish. It was plated upright like it was still swimming. We also had the novelty of eating coconut ice - and old favourite from primary school fetes - for dessert.
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