Dinner @ Matteo's

We're joining Elle and Al for dinner and one of their (and our) favourite spots - Matteo's. As usual, we've gone the degustation route.



From left to right: Semi-cured Hiramasa Kingfish, prawn remoulade sauce, Oyster Shot with mirin & sake, Oyster Natural with Tom Yum Jelly, Soy glazed smoked Eel, rice crusted tofu, pickled plum and bonito mayonnaise
To drink: 2007 Ocean Eight Pinot Gris and instead of the listed 2001 Coldstream Hills Fizz, we enjoy our it with the champagne we'd ordered


As Elle isn't too found of oysters, her dish came with a fantastic Mushroom Chawanmushi

We've had elements of this dish in previous visits but I will never tire of eating that kingfish - it's just a knockout. We were also very impressed with the Oyster Shot, you could seriously enjoy a half dozen of these!




Left: Paillard of Petuna Ocean Trout with shiso breadcrumbs, fennel and avocado salad, ponzu dressing; Right: Pan-fried rice noodle "raviolo" filled with eggplant and miso bechamel, sweet soy and sesame dresssing
To drink: 2007 Pieropan Soave and 2005 Yarraloch Chardonnay

I especially enjoyed the consistency and texture of the rice noodle raviolo.




Left: "Osso Bucco" of braised lamb shank rolled in zucchini with bone marrow dumpling, parsnip puree, slow roasted cherry roma tomato; Right: Seared Wagyu beef rump, teriyaki glazed field mushroom, tempura okra, chilli and black bean sauce
To drink: 2005 Majella Merlot and 2004 Brini Estate Shiraz-Grenache

The "osso bucco" was made using meltingly soft lamb shank, moulded to form a circle and then wrapped with zucchini.



From left to right: Caramelised Apple Confit with Marsala Zabaglione, Coconut Milk Gelato, Warm, dark chocolate fondant pudding
To drink: 2006 Cookoothama Darling Point Botrytis Semillon

As usual, we're certainly very happy campers by the end of the meal - a perfect combination of excellent food and wine with friendly service.


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