Date Night at Vue De Monde Melbourne

Date nights are always great and I love an excuse to dress up so with my best plastic and cheap jewellery which I adore, my perfect 70's vintage bag, Chocolate and scarlet shoes and a nifty little number I picked up a while ago I headed out into the chilly Melbourne weather to destination unknown...I love a nice surprise. I always carry a compact and this is my fav' from Shiseido which gives a lovely matt finish and a freshly pressed handkerchief - be prepared.

What I was not prepared for was to dine at Shannon Bennett's Vue De Monde - the exclusive assess begins with a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory like entrance via lift from there it is all a little bit lovely. The restaurant has an incredible cellar with some very rare vintages. Expert Sommelier Anthony is a virtual wealth of information and enjoys sharing his passion, I love seeing people truly love their vocation. It was an unexpected delight to learn the heratige behind this 1969 bottle.

The view the restaurant offers perched above the Rialto is quite extraordinary and must be seen to be appreciated. 

Everything is part of the theatre and delight - be warned if eating offal and native animals offend you might need to let staff know. I only shied from one dish alone this image is the beginning of the degustation experience which was an enlightening culinary ride. The staff who attended us the very warm and attentive Natasha, Rachelle and Anthony made the experience inviting and made me want to revisit the restaurant before the evening was over. I have worked in service and this team gets it so right. One thing I also would urge you to do is try the Tasmanian Black finely ground Pepper it is full of flavour and naitve notes I adored this love love!

You can see the MENU here. I enjoyed the Champagne and the Rose'. 

You can book online and when you get there tell them Lisa sent you Cheers! http://www.vuedemonde.com.au/

Then you can always take a little peice back home with you.

I hear there is no need to make reservations for Live Jazz at the Lui Bar every Sunday

...is it Sunday yet?

Ben the Banjo, the Birthday and the Delight.

So I had reason for a celebration recently - my birthday. Someone was kind enough to book at a unique resturant well in advance as is required.

Living in Melbourne you stand little chance of having a bad food experience we are throughly spoilt and I have had my fair share of unique dining experiences but nothing can prepare you for the Attica experience. Like MONA in Tasmania being frugal with your description is the only way to truly serve it justice, one needs to feel their way through.

It's been a week since our date and its only now that I can attempt to distill the experience. Like Shirley Bassey one said Where do I begin? 

It's no where, no where signifigant or glamorous thats for sure, but my once you even hover near the door the seduction begins. A dedicated team lure you in like food sirens. The interior I would liken to a classic black tuxudo, lit like a sceen from a Woody Allen film noir. The walls are like a soft velveteen black balanced agianst the slick hard true black gloss of the door surrounds and the like.

Every dish is served with a full disclosure of its ingredients and intent. Bowls and dishes enhance and delight as it frames each unique oral visual and fragrant bounty. Like a slow medative visual swish each course requires individual recognition.

Like a culinary walk through the Ausralian and New Zealand bush, scents of blossoms visit your tongue enter your nostrils. Delicate touches paying tribute to the wholesome yet refined approach are executed with heightened perfection.

Do not have any preconceived ideas, my advice is to let the experience wash over you. My compliments to the staff, mature and delightful, the entire team behind the scenes to Ben and Banjo...

Bravo!

I had no idea of what to expect - thus the delight was enjoyed 10 fold! Thank you all x.