Taste of Melbourne | Top Five |
I had the ultimate taste test of some of the best cuisine that our city and its surrounds have to offer at the Taste of Melbourne at Royal Exhibition Building!
Arriving half an hour before the doors opened to my afternoon of feasting, I joined hundreds of other foodies queuing up in angst with Melbourne's temperamental weather in tow in order to sample some gastronomic delights.
Upon entering, I realised that a booklet of 30 Crowns (equivalent to $30 cash) wouldn't suffice for my tasting extravaganza so I headed to the Taste Bank to purchase a booklet and soon after tracked down the roaming Crown sellers for additional Crown vouchers.
My first port of call was Nobu and the first dish to taste was Beef Tataki - seared beef topped with onion ponzu, spring onions and garlic chips with ponzu dressing (12 Crowns). Ever heard of melt-in-your-mouth? This was exactly so. The culmination of amazing flavours made me yearn for more.
So next up was Nobu's signature dish of Alaskan black cod. No, the fish wasn't black. Instead, it was perfectly presented as could be on a polystyrene plate, set upon a green leaf of some sort and garnished with a stick of radish (the kind you see only in Japan) and a small Japanese plum to cleanse the palate - now that's clever thinking!
The Botanical was my next stop. My mouth was watering at the thought of sinking my teeth into their signature Wagyu burger (12 Crowns), and although it was one of the pricier meals on the menu I realised that this was a taste festival so taste it was and a memorable one too. Although nearly bite size and representative of something you would get at a children's party, the Wagyu burger was definitely adult in taste. A rich flavour of beef coupled with an intense relish was definitely money well spent and a tease at what this restaurant holds.
Smack bang in the middle of the hall was the hard-to-miss Chandon Bar. The dozens of lights drew me in to learn more about this boutique winery and sample a couple of its varieties. What a better way to wash down my burger than with a glass of sparkling!
After all these delectable offerings it was time for dessert. While wandering through the myriads of displays, Lizzy's Chocolate Creations showcased a tempting window display of truffles. All truffles were handmade from the finest chocolates and ingredients and melted in the mouth.
The Lindt Chocolat Cafe was my final destination. I opted for a dark chocolate hot chocolate - a perfect way to conclude my afternoon of tasting. Out of Crowns, stomach full - mission accomplished!
Review by Monica | OnlyMelbourne Review Team
Taste of Melbourne
❊ Web Links ❊
➼ Taste of Melbourne | Top Five
➼ www.noburestaurants.com/melbourne/
➼ www.thebotanical.com.au
➼ Lizzy's Chocolate Creations Ph: (03) 9568 0689 (no web link)
➼ Review by Monica
➼ www.tastefestivals.com.au
Disclaimer: Check with the venue (web links) before making plans, travelling or buying tickets.
Accessibility: Contact the venue for accessibility information.
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