01.28.07
Posted in My life at by bigmouth
Brunetti Cakes
Brunetti is something of an institution for serious set keen for a pit-stop of caffeine and cake. But for BigMouth and CB, last night was our first meal at its restaurant.
At first, a little unnerved by the hub-bub and clatter of the cafe bar, pasticceria and gelataria, our jangled nerves were soon to be soothed as we were ushered to the more sedate atmosphere of the cosy restaurant.
The menu boasted an array of traditional Italian dishes such as panini, bruschetta, calzone and soup. But we were tempted by offerings from the special’s board.
CB selected the Risotto Porcini. Its flavoursome mushrooms delighting us both. While BigMouth chose the Calamari Ripieni, served in a tangy Romano sauce. We shared a small garden salad which was most generous in its proportion and could easily have been dubbed “large”.
Although the restaurant does offer desserts, it is more common for patrons to wander off to the pasticceria section to be stumped by the wide range of options available. Be dazzled by the opera cake (layers of almond sponge, coffee butter cream and chocolate ganache), the biscuits and confectionery, or a cup of mixed gelato. Pick one (or more) and it follows you back to the dining table to complete your meal.
CB went for the passionfruit tart, which we decided would have been better with more of the former (the passionfruit) and less of the latter (the tart). BigMouth, having already shared in ample sampling from CB’s meals (without reciprocating), display a futile bravado at belated restraint - and nominated to have an affogato, which was delicious.
Add one glass of mineral water (for CB) and two glasses of wine (for BigMouth), wave the “Entertainment Gold Card” for a 25% discount, and then be pleasantly surprised to find the entire feast at a remarkably low $64.40.
Just how do they do it for the price?
The service was polite; however not always fully attentive. And it was for that latter reason alone that we have marked it down in our rating and reduced the tip to 10%.
Location:
198-200 Faraday St
Carlton, VIC 3053
Australia
(03) 9347 2801
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Posted in Eat & Drink at by bigmouth
Chefs/cooks looking for a career change might be interest to learn that Brunetti has a postion vacant.
The ever alert CB, having spotted a sign in the window, pointed it out to BigMouth as we dined there last night. In full it read:
“There is an opportunity to join our team of highly motivated and professional chefs. Experience required. See Elvira and Fabio”.
When applying, be sure to tell them that “BigMouth sent you”. (It won’t mean a thing to either of them, but the puzzled expressions on their faces should be priceless).
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01.20.07
Posted in Eat & Drink at by bigmouth
Almost forgot to post these from Tuesday. By gum it is good to have Ocha back.
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01.18.07
Posted in My life at by bigmouth
OCHA B Y O Japanese Restaurant
BigMouth and CB were at Ocha Tuesday evening for the opening of its 2007 dining season.
Although it was the first night for staff after the summer break, they didn’t miss a beat as we where ushered through to a window seat.
Without fail, CB and I return regularly to this strikingly small Japanese restaurant and which never fails to impress us for the quality of its cuisine, service and down-right value. As it ranks among our favourites, we have a rolling booking that aims to have us dine there once every 10 or so weeks.
Simply furnished, and with relatively few tables, a casual passerby might not realise the sizable cult following this establishment has built. But don’t bother showing up without a booking hoping to find an empty seat. Reservations are usually booked solid for weeks in advance for its three sittings - lunch through to 2:30pm, an early evening set from 6pm to 7:45pm, and a second evening setting from 8pm to sometime after 10:30pm.
The kitchen never fails to thrill us with its modern twist on Japanese cuisine.
This eatery’s reputation firmly rests on its food. What Bigmouth loves about the place is being able to ignore the menu, entrust the staff to pick a variety of dishes, and know that every dish that emerges from the kitchen will dazzle and delight the tastebuds. Even more impressive is that the staff have learnt and understood CB’s dining requirements and are still able to furbish us with an array of shared plates that cater to the polar extremes of our culinary habits.
We always finish the evening happy on every visit.
Location:
156 Pakington St
Kew, VIC 3101
Australia
(03) 9853 6002
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01.15.07
Posted in Eat & Drink at by bigmouth
Casa Farro
2 out of 5
This currently ranks as CB’s favourite pizza house and the absolute reverse for BigMouth.
The fare is yummy enough. All its pizzas use spelt flour (a non-hybrid form of wheat) and are baked in a large wood-fire oven.
But it’s the up-market price that BigMouth finds a tad difficult to stomach. Still, one mustn’t grumble. The bottled wine is reasonably priced and there is a range of light Italian blends and richer vintages to match the menu.
Casa Farro embraces you like a warm Italian home. On the walls are cheesecloth curtains, shiny copper pots and hundreds of rolling-pins.
On last night’s outing we samples the Osso Buco pizza thick with napoli, mozzarella, osso buco, olives, fresh rocket & shaved parmesan (cost: $19).
We finished with the chocolate custard with raspberries and nougat pizza (cost: $9.5) although CB misread the menu and was hoping the second ingredient was strawberries.
For the record, the items that annoy BigMouth are:
- The size offering is inflexible. The main, depending on how it is cut, is a six or eight slice (the equivalent of a medium at many other establishments). The dessert pizza is a four slice (equivalent of a small).
- No half-and-half option. The topics are preset on the menu and there is no point in asking for variety in a mix-and-match setting.
- No home delivery. However you can ring through an order and pick it up yourself; so at least they have that to their credit.
However we will return; whenever it is CB’s turn to pick a pizza place.
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01.09.07
Posted in Eat & Drink at by bigmouth
Curve Bar
4 out of 5
Although its the newest bar to open in the Southbank precinct, staff at Curve are already atuned to the peccadillos of BigMouth and CB.
Without prompting, I was greeted last night with a Bombay gin and tonic. Staff remembering not only the drink, but also the brand, I nominated at our previous visit four weeks earlier. CB (a non drinker) was equally impressed when presented with a chilled glass of mineral water.
Curve is fast becoming our favoured haunt for pre-show dinner and drinks. It offers a relaxing mood and great service.
An array of options means you can sink into the lounges, pull up a high-stool to a round table, eat at a long bench, retreat to one of the pocket alcoves, or enjoy the outdoor setting.
Our meals are always served in a timely fashion - with staff helping to keep an eye on the start time of performances at the Art Centre.
This time we shared a few plates and tried the desserts.
Without doubt, we shall be back. And soon.
Location:
the Arts Centre
100 St Kilda Rd
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Australia
(03) 9281 8317
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