European Vacation - France

The fearless four have returned for the second European Vacation with Raymond Capaldi. It's Bastille day and our destination is France!

Once again there is a 3 course set menu - options include a Soup and Side dishes as well as wine matches. We've once again opted for the whole experience.

~Soupe~



Ignore the horrid colour shift in the photo, the soup was more brown in colour. Quite a different texture from what we'd expected due to the inclusion of lentils - as velvety as you'd expect but with more body. Seared rounds of langoustine adorned the center of the bowl.

~Hors d'oeuvre~



To drink: 2007 Reverdy La Reine Blache Sancerre

What a clever dish - all the ingredients of cassoulet presented as a terrine. Even the cassoulet crust was represented by those garlic croutons and scattering of loose beans. You can't see it in the photo but I especially loved that beans were also in the terrine, located at the very top in the corner.

~Plat Principal~



To drink: 2003 Parker Terra Rossa Cabernet Sauvignon

According to the menu the braise took 14 hours, 19 minutes and 12 seconds, I also have a bridge in Sydney I'd like to sell.

However long it took, the end product is divine, fork tender, meltingly beautiful. Sweet carrots and a cloud-like mousseline.

~Side Dishes~











~Dessert~



To drink: 2005 Le Tertre du Lys d'Or

Chausson aux pommes translates to Apple Slipper, it's a type of apple turnover. Sorrel crème had a refreshing green apple taste.

The details:

Matteo's
533 Brunswick Street, Nth Fitzroy
Phone: 9481 1177

Open:
Lunch: Sunday-Friday from noon
Dinner: 7 days from 6pm

web:
www.matteos.com.au

Breakfast @ Home Dining Room

It's Sunday and there's no better way to start the day than with a low stress breakfast.



Lovely thick slices of ham, a good benedict sauce and



Yes! Why can't all eggs we like this?



Nourishing and satisfying.

The details:

Home Dining Room
601 Burwood Road
Hawthorn
Phone: 03 9819 5555

Open:
Breakfast and Lunch - 7 days
Dinner - Tuesday to Saturday
Fully Licensed but offer BYO wine Tuesday to Thursday