Dinner @ Rathdowne Tavern

Valentine's Day is probably not the best day for going out to dinner with most places offering limited fixed price deals. So to do things a little differently we are heading out to the Rathdowne Tavern with Elle and Al.

We begin with Pol Roger Rosé



Pink Champagne is oh so Valentine's Day!

For starters we decided to order a few dishes to share


Salami Plate


Spicy Mussels served with a delectable tomato based sauce - this sauce had us all finding bread in which to soak it up. Paalo and Al both thought they were some of the best mussels they've had. It was good to see that the spice was well judged to leave just enough of an impression to make it interesting.


Arancini - perfectly crisp exterior shielding the flavoursome rice.




Platter of breads and grissini - served with olives, roasted red peppers and olive tapenade.

For mains:



Elle had the chicken breast cooked with herbs and tomato and topped with cheese - it's not sulubrious but it was flavoursome and well cooked



Both Al and Paalo had the Sausage served with mashed potatoes and jus - the sausages are made in house and tonight were lamb and rosemary.

I ordered the Pappardelle with Pork and Veal Polpettine which for some odd reason I forgot to take a photo of.


For sides, we also ordered the sautéed mushrooms and potato gratin though they weren't really needed as the mains were quite filling.

Paalo and Al managed to squeeze in dessert - they both went for the panna cotta



From the outside it may look like a crack house as Elle joked (I think it's more shabby chic) but you couldn't really criticise the interior or the food/wine or service. The food is wonderfully fresh but the prices are just way too cheap! You almost feel guilty eating here.

The details:
Rathdowne Tavern
184 Rathdowne Street, Carlton

Phone: 9348 1133

Open: Seven Days - Lunch and Dinner