Australian / New Zealand Restaurant Review.

(An Independent Review by The Gourmet Crew)

Mornington Peninsula  
Victoria.
Reviewed by Judy.

Service:
Most imformative and discussion re ingredients given freely  Excellent service!.

Presentation:
Classic silver and beautiful glassware Starched quality napkins and cloth.

Wine List:
Not huge, but very good variety of fine wines well chosen.  We had 2003 Pipers Brook "Tamar" Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Franc.

Value for Money:
For perfection you don't mind paying.
Chef/owner Erich Mohr.  Having dined recently at a special function where Phillipe Mouchel, a protogee of Paul Bocuse cooked for us, Erich surpassed even him with his flavours and quality.  A beautifully chosen menu and decisions took some enjoyable time to make.     I chose and Apertif Vodka Martini, Stolichnaya, Noilly Prat and a Sicillian green olive. He had a gin and tonic.
We had breads of Baguette roll and Babka Rye served with butter and Entenschmatz (roasting juices of duck with shredded duckmeat, herbs, onions, garlic and apples cooled and whipped.  Superb on the rye rounds.
Entrees were blue swimmer crab bisque flavoured with Calvados and a gingered blue swimmer crab souffle on watercress salad with a tiny touch of chilli.  So good I requested the recipe which chef has since given me.
Main course: Roasted crisp skinned duck on spinach with a pumpkin tart and a confit of duck in a pistachio crust.  Mine was home smoked duck breast served with a corn salad (also called lambs tongue lettuce, very small leaves with a wonderful buttery flavour) and sauteed speck and chopped eggs (special entree of the day served as a main course).  A side dish of creamed spinach flavored with nutmeg, garlic and salt and pepper, thickened with a blonde roux and pureed. 

Ambiance:
Although it was a cold day, this restaurant makes you feel special when you walk in.  It is situated in a Victorian building with all the ambience of stepping back in time.  This restaurant is a famous one and it's previous owners speak for that.  I went there the first time over 30 years ago when it was Bims.  Another owner was Lady Joy Sneddon as Joyeux, and post that I was there with the winners of a Melbourne Cup in the year 'What a Nuisance' turned the thoroughbred world upside down, owned by the then Chairman of Crown Casino.

The feel good factor:
This is definitely the place for a top notch, feel spoiled by our hosts meal.  It is opposite famous gardens near St Patricks cathedral and close to the Paris end of Melbourne.   Well known people have dined here for years. The tradition continues.
I give it a very deserved 5+ wine glasses.  

(The Best))