While most of my posts are child friendly, home cooked in
the thermomix , vegetarian meals, this one is a little different. It was based on vegetarian food, in fact an 8
course vegetarian degustation meal, however it didn’t involve children (it was
our first night away in around 3 years), and it wasn’t home cooked but rather a 2
hat restaurant...
It was simply an amazing night away in Melbourne that Veggie
daddy organised as a surprise for my birthday and our 20th
anniversary. And for the sake of staying
child friendly, I’d highly recommend it; actually I’d recommend it to anyone!
We stayed the night at Crown Metropol, complete with a visit to the infinity pool with 180° views from the 27th floor and late checkout, but the high light was dinner at Ezard. “E who?” I hear you ask, as I first thought. Ezard. A smallish restaurant tucked underground in Flinders Lane known by it’s reputation not bright light. With the need to book in advance the reason is clear... With impressionable service and knowledge of staff the evening is all about you and the food you consume. And yes it is simply amazing food. While there is a choice of a la carte or degustation ( both meat and veggie options) I recommend the later simply for the range of palatable experiences. Especially when topped off by the dessert tasting plate... Heaven.
Couldn't help myself to take photos to share the memories!
We started with locally made bread served with house made Parmesan, garlic and rosemary oil with chilli salt and Szechwan pepper. Rather sweet than spicy. Followed by...
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| pumpkin and ginger soup with coconut cream and tofu and wasabi shooter |
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| salad of heirloom beetroot and carrot, asparagus, parmesan custard, hazelnuts, white truffle vinaigrette |
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| steamed spiced tofu with chilli, fragrant oils and crispy sweet potato |
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| soft white polenta with sauteed mushrooms, peas, poached egg, parmesan crisp, truffle oil |
I missed the photo of
sesame rice noodle roll with asian mushrooms, soy mirin broth, black bean crumbs  |
| caramelised eggplant, tomato and lime salad, yellow curry dressing and fragrant jasmine rice |
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| handmade potato gnocchi, manchego cheese, dried black olive, cauliflower, raisins and toasted brioche crumble |
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| palate cleanser |
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| ezard dessert tasting plate to share |
And while absence makes the heart grow fonder and we missed
our little cherubs dearly, we agreed that time out really is of benefit for the
kids (or was it that they were spoilt at Grandmas!)
