Cutler & Co.

Cutler & Co.

Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, late 1800s. The street is steeped in poverty, crime and prostitution. Long gone is a pleasant picture of class harmony and so starts a period of economic depression.

By the end of the 19^th century, Gertrude Street became a home to a number of businesses, servicing the working class locals, including a metal works factory.

This particular metal works factory now belongs to Andrew McConnell, whose thread of restaurants (Cumulus Inc., Golden Fields and Cutler & Co.) have imprinted on the contemporary and stylish gastronomy of Melbourne dining.

Cutler & Co. is has been preserved within the old metal factory on Gertrude st and gives light to a range of stylish, yet simple dishes that incorporate a range of interesting flavours.

The interior is very noir, with low ambient lighting and is separated into intimate and homely areas, to appreciate and experience the philosophy behind Cutler & Co.

The structured menu gives you a range of options to choose from: a la carte, set entrees with your own choice of main or an extensive degustation menu.

I was fortunate to enjoy the degustation menu and divulged in the following:

·         Moonlight Kiss oyster , Clair de Lune Bouton oyster and The Rusty Wire oyster   7.5/10

Salty, soft, flavoursome and light.  

·         Bonito sashimi, avocado, sorrel & cucumber    8/10

Delectably smooth and soft sashimi, with creamy avocado and a agreeable combination of fresh herbs and vegetables. 

·         Aged pigeon, hay baked carrot & gingerbread    6/10

Tender pieces of pigeon served with rustic carrots and gingerbread .

·         WA marron, wagyu bresaola,  iceberg hearts & whipped cod roe   10/10

Amazing! Enough said.

·         Peas & zucchini, sunflower seeds, onion & bergamot   7/10

A light cold dish that incorporated bergamont citrus tones and a soy dressing to blend the greens. 

·         Earl grey ice cream, chocolate, Pedro Ximénez prunes & honey   9/10

As a personal chamomile tea drinker, I never thought I would appreciate the flavours of earl grey infused into a creamy and velvety ice-cream. Amazing! The combination of earthy tones and sweet chocolate would make this the perfect way to finish off a drawn-out meal.

Hawthorn Pale Ale

Hawthorn Brewery Pale Ale
330ml
4.7%

A few weeks ago i first tried the hawthorn pale ale at the Commercial Club Hotel in Fitzroy, Whilst it was a rich amber colour, and hardly a pale ale, it had striking floral aromas and strong hoppy presence which closely resembled an IPA. The following week i went to Dan Murphy's and bought a 6 pack for $16.95 which is an appropriate price. Upon inspection of the bottle i saw that despite the strong hoppy profile the beer was less than 5% alcohol, which i think makes for fantastic drinking on summer warm afternoons. Ultimately the hawthorn pale ale makes for very good drinking, for all occasions, it is currently one of my favourites.

8.5/10

28 Pale Ale

Burleigh Brewery 28 Pale Ale
330ml
4.8%

The 28 pale ale is a 70's style ale with strong floral aromas and delicious hoppy and fruity flavours, the beer is a rich golden colour with the perfect head. Personally i think it is one of the best beers around at the moment, which is verified by winning gold at the world beer championships in 2010. Best of all it doesn't break the bank, at $60 a slab its a steal! Perfect for any occasion, but best for a summer BBQ.

9.5/10

Moo Brew Pale Ale

Moo Brew Pale Ale
330ml
4.9%

Recently bought a couple of bottles of the Moo Brew pale ale from the local Bottlemart on Lygon St, Princes Hill. At 2 for $10 the ale is hardly cheap, but it is one of the smoothest pale ales that i have had. The bottle itself is very unique with a wide base and long thin neck, which more closely resembles a vase than a beer bottle. The Ale is a rich golden colour and whilst it isn't overly hoppy or bitter, it is remarkably smooth across the palate with a clean finish; a perfect thirst quencher.

8/10

25 Killer sandwiches

http://www.goodfood.com.au/good-food/cook/25-sophisticated-sandwiches-20130211-2e827.html

You Yangs Regional Park

Yesterday we visited the You Yangs Regional Park which is located 60km south west of Melbourne. The park is known for its distinctive granite peaks and dense bush surrounds.

From the base car park it is a 8.5km return walk to Flinders peak which is 340m high, the walk is generally easy, however there are a lot of steps from the turntable car park to the peak.

The peak is named after Matthew Flinders, and was used by Flinders to map out parts of port Philip bay. At the peak there is a viewing deck and a bench which makes for the perfect lunch spot.

The east west circuit which explores the lower lying bush surrounding flinders peak is an additional 4.5km in length. The east west track can be very steep in parts and a solid level of fitness is recommended.

Additionally there are around 50km of mountain bike trails to explore, hence the You Yangs Regional Park is an ideal choice for anyone looking for challenging day walks and/or rides in a truly beautiful setting.

North Carlton Canteen

North Carlton Canteen

The canteen that goes beyond providing an assortment of fruit, egg curry sandwiches, snap back schnitzel sandwiches and homespun rocky road slices.

If you are looking for a peaceful surrounding, on the ambient and floral end of lygon street, with only a pocket or coinpurse full of change, then stop by for a cheap treat.

As a coffee lover, I was impressed with the standard of my unburnt and creamy latte. The kind waiter even offered my pooch some fresh water...winning!

The brunch/breakfast menu is outstanding with a list of pleasing savory and sweet items such as the pumpkin and feta fritters and the banana bread pancakes.

My hungry eyes led me to the lunch items and choose the pan-fried gnocchi with tomatoes, olives and parsley ( simple, but extended to every taste bud!) and quickly satisfied my ferocious stomach.

I would definetley venture back to this lovely little sweet spot and endevour in some more delicious food.

"The Convict" Australian Strong Ale

The Convict Australian Strong Ale
640ml
7.2%

Recently tried a bottle of the latest limited release brew from the Gage Roads Brewery, named "The Convict". In short its a beast and certainly not for the faint hearted! At 7.2% alcohol it is certainly one of the more alcoholic brews around, however this isn't simply a regular beer with amped up alcohol. The brewers state that they use 6 speciality malts and 4 local hops, so evidently "The convict" is as full flavoured as they come, the beer is a coppery colour with a strong frothy head. at $8.50 a bottle its a real bargain and well worth seeking out.

9/10

Kosciuszko Pale Ale

Kosciuszko Pale Ale
330ml
4.5%

Bought a 6 pack of the Kosciuszko pale ale last week, at $18.50 from Dan Murphy's. Id heard good things about the beer from friends and other reviews, and whilst it isn't the worst beer going around, its not worth the price. The beer itself is a strikingly pale in colour, there are subtle notes of fruit on the palate, the beer is definitely refreshing and very drinkable, however it lacks the strong hoppy profile of truly memorable pale ales. Worth a try, but won't be lashing out for more anytime soon.

6/10

Palookaville

Palookaville!!!

If you're looking for a quick and tasty meal in the Fitzroy area or fancy a game of pool accompanied with a wine or beer, venture over to Palookaville( near Alexandra parade end).

The Thai/middle eastern/ Mexican/contemporary menu satisfies both the humble and gourmet eater. I find there is always room for an entree, main and a sweet to share ( with your loved one). Inside, you will have the choice of eating in comfort, nestling into one of the many vintage couches or chatting with friends on a group table. There is also the option of dining outside on a nice balmy night.

Check out the link below to source out menu items!

My personal favourites are:

1. Moroccan cigars
2. Thai chicken salad
3. Banoffee pie

http://m.palookaville.com.au/

Great Chinese in Melbourne

http://www.goodfood.com.au/good-food/eat-out/chinese-gets-its-groove-back-20130204-2dtna.html?location=Melbourne

Weihenstephan German Beers

Last week i bought four 500ml beers down at the local bottle-mart for $20, from the Weihenstephan brewery. The brewery located in Bavaria, Germany, has claims to be the oldest brewery in the world as it is said to have opened in 1040. Upon a visit to brewery webpage (www.weihenstephaner.de/) i could see that they brew more than a dozen beers, varying from wheat beers to radlers. However the ones that i tried were the Tradition, the Crystal Wheat Beer (Kristall Weissbier), the Dark Wheat Beer (Hefeweissbier Dunkel) and the Original.

The Tradition was golden in colour with a rich caramel and nutty flavour, and a strong head. Out of all the beers it was my least favourite, but by no means a bad beer. 6/10

The Crystal Wheat Beer was a beautiful pale straw colour, and possessed one of the best heads i have every seen on a beer, it was strikingly refreshing with strong hop and malt flavours. Clearly the best of the beers i tried. 9/10

The Dark Wheat beer was stout like in colour, rich dark brown, however the flavour was indicative of a much lighter beer, it was similar in taste to the crystal wheat beer, however it wasn't as crisp in flavour. 8/10

The Original was much different to the other three, as it was a pale ale, so it lacked the same flavour punch that the others possessed. However the original was very refreshing, with a slight hoppyness and was easy to drink. 7.5/10