A TASTE OF MELBOURNE
In Melbourne you can experience: the best restaurants, fantastic boutique wineries, markets with fresh foods plus all the fantastic things that Australia is famous for, like the cute and cuddly wild life, the beautiful coast and amazing scenery - all a short distance from the city!
Each course and paired wine below represents the essence of the Melbourne!
SPARKLING WINE TO START...FROM THE YARRA VALLEY
Yarrabank Cuvee Sparkling Wine
Waterwheel crackers* with Valley Produce Company Truffle Honey* and Crème fraiche
*Available Oxbow Wine and Cheese Merchant, many Wholefoods & Gourmet Stores
APPETIZER: Vietnamese Lamb paired with wine from the Yarra Valley
Melbourne's melting pot of cultures offers cuisines of all types and nationalities. This is reflected in its microcosms of restaurants, cafes, bistros and bars.
Recipe for Vietnamese Lamb and Noodle Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lb Australian lamb eye of loin, trimmed of membrane
- 1 bunch cilantro, with roots if possible
- grated rind of 1/2 lime
- 1 tablespoon brown or palm sugar
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 packet cellophane or thin rice noodles
- ½ cup torn basil
- ½ cup mint leaves
- 2 birds eye or small red chili, diced finely
- 1/4 cup chopped macadamias, peanuts, or raw cashews
- Reserved cilantro leaves
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoon rice wine (Mirin)
- Lettuce cups, if desired, to serve
- Chop the leaves from the cilantro and set aside for the salad. Chop the white root or the base of the stems, so you have about 2 tablespoons. Place in a mortar and pestle or small food processor and crush with the remaining paste ingredients. Spread paste over the lamb and marinate in a non-reactive dish in the refrigerator overnight.
- To cook the lamb, heat a grill pan or barbecue to high, add a little oil and sear the lamb for 1-2 minutes each side. Remove and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
- Soak or cook the noodles according to directions on packet, then drain and separate with a fork. Place in a bowl with all the leaves, chili and nuts. Combine the dressing ingredients and toss through, then add the lamb. Using tongs, spoon the mixture into lettuce cups or bowls and serve.
The range of gourmet produce available throughout the Mornington Peninsula is superb. The region has a rich history of farming and fishing, and produces fresh seafood, mouth-watering meats, succulent berries and specialist cheeses. Its cool climate and variety of soils provide the perfect environment for a diverse range of agriculture and boutique farming. The Mornington Peninsula is also known for great experiences
DESERT: Pavlova with flavored coffee
Melbourne is the coffee capital of Australia. In the CBD, the cobblestoned laneways are filled with the aroma of espresso coming from a myriad of cafés. Further afield, Richmond, St Kilda, Fitzroy, South Melbourne and Prahran also offer great café strips, with a more laid-back feel.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
>> www.australia.com
