Thursday 21 November 2013

All our words are but crumbs that fall down from the feast of the mind.


Recently my travels on a date night introduced me to a warm and chique restaurant/ bar. Mr & Mrs Howell is bustling with diners on a Friday night and were lucky to be apart of their full house.

A warm greeting by staff is always a perfect way to start, but whats more perfect is the cocktails that were ordered and made for a busy day at work come to a smoothing and relaxing end.

The menu is Modern Australian inspired and encompasses our diverse culture of Melbourne to deliver a beautiful and inspiring menu.

A selection of amazing dishes were ordered, and each made for the perfect grazing evening. First to begin was the Almond crusted goats cheese, drizzled with candies orange and honey. 

The bar was set high for the remaining dishes as we gorged ourselves with this creamy and slightly sweet cheese on crisp baguette. 

Accompany some of this creamy heavenly cheese with some micro herbs and enhance and change the flavours, with hints of baby basil and more it is an eye opener on how such simple flavours can change so suddenly.

I am not afraid to admit this either but I was caught as they say licking the plate clean..... 

Grilled scallops with a black pudding crumb served with almond cream apple was shortly followed.

Perfectly cooked scallops with their slight golden caramelisation top and juicy flesh were tender and sweet. Bursts of black pudding softened the sweetness of the scollop adding a slight salty but delicate flavour. 

The smears of the almond cream apple added a pleasant finish and like any puree suck as cauliflower, celeriac or have it be a sweet potato under the scollop, it should never take over from what is really meant to be the high light of the dish. And in this instance it was perfectly balanced and structured. 

A softening course was presented to us prior to hitting more dominant flavours, and was a great cleanser between. The Prawn dumplings in a fish broth with mussels was filled with elegant flavours and well balanced.

The broth had such clarity and was not overpowering in fish flavours. Stocked with 2 large dumplings and 2 mussels it had such amazing flavours and textures. It was not long before it was devoured.

Our final main dish of the night was a slow roasted Pork Belly coated in a coriander, ginger and maple served with an Asian slaw.

This fall apart melt in your mouth pork was not only voluptuous in flavours, that makes you dive back in for more but was something simply balanced with the freshness of the slaw itself. Couldn't have been more happier.

I was impressed that when ordering we were not specific on how each dish came out to us, and was grateful that it had pre thought by our waiter and kitchen to ensure the balance of flavours from each meal would make our evening so complete.

We were able to remember each dish and hold on to each of their contrasting flavours and still be able to enjoy the next with out being confused on whether the flavours you were tasting now were from either the new dish or the old.

Dessert was a pleasant finish to the night, with jam donuts exploding in mango jam and coated in fine sugar along with the Creme Catalena. 

The Creme Catalena is almost a creme brulee. Silky smooth vanilla custard with that caramelisation of toffee which cracks as your spoon enters into the velvety underneath.

Our evening was sensational, a combination of fine foods, great service from staff who you can tell enjoy working here make for a great evening.

Happiness is always with in beholder and dining here can only bring you happiness.... and full stomaches of course, but the happiness I felt dining here is now making me want to return time and time again.


Mr & Mrs Howell
173 Sydney rd,
Brunswick
9381 - 0846

Mr and Mrs Howell on Urbanspoon

Friday 8 November 2013

In the Glori(a)ous Kitchen

Above the dwellings of Swanston street nests a Lounge where Gloria's Kitchen sets up serving an American inspired menu. A perfect choice to match the bar beverage selection whilst you lounge around with friends and co-workers for Lunch, dinner, late or in between. Basically any time of day.

Start the Lounging with some Mac 'n' Cheese balls, looking like circular aranchini's but not. These crumbed golden balls are all about the mac and the cheese with bacon pieces and served with a spiced aioli. Any American food hunter wouldn't want to pass these up.

Sliders are the way to go but watch out, they are all above normal slider size and can become very overwhelming, rich and filling. All sliders served with a side of fries means you don't need to get that side of wedges or fries you usually do in most places. But I'd suggest maybe choose a salad to cut through the grease and the richness.

The Pulled pork Pig slider is as a duo with both over flowing with tender juicy pork and coleslaw in a soft whit bun. Simple but tasty, nothing to over powering and for those who are hesitant on rich American foods, this is a good choice. Settle down with a beer and this, and you are set for the evening.

The Philly-Steak Slider needs some preparing for. Steak pieces finished off with peppers and a rich melted cheese is to be a rich food fanatics dream. Unfortunately to rich for the likes of me, but flavoursome all the same. Having two of these bad boys would be a triumphant to get through on your own with the side of chips.

A special board is on display as you enter so make sure you check it out before you find a table, or ensure you double check it before you order at the bar. Today's special was the 'Pho Boy'.

Golden battered pieces of prawn and fish on a bed of lettuce in a soft white bun. Tasty yes but I question like I do with everyone taking on the Pho Boy, on how much batter and oil covers the fish itself. For me I'd just love to scratch the batter completely and have someone make the changes to grilling the fish to make for a less coronary experience.

The dining area is huge, with live music being played on some evening, which you can check out online for the line up. Sit on the outer decking for the fresh air option and gathering spots for that 5pm knock off drink with co-workers.

Service is friendly and food is served promptly with a smile. Atmosphere is relaxed and has a warm funky feel to it with vines over lighting and themes wall paper.

It's worth a check out in a group where you just need to unwind and arrange a social gathering.



Gloria Swanston's Kitchen
243 Swanston Street
Melbourne
9663 2916

Gloria Swanston's Kitchen on Urbanspoon