The Station Hotel

Ok, everyone needs to tell me about my bravery - I actually went to Footscray. OK OK - I'm kidding. I know I'm just being dramatic! I am however surprised at how much has changed over the last few years, such as the total transformation of the train station. I wonder if that awesome kebab place in Footscray Plaza is still around.
I've been wanting to eat at the Station Hotel for quite some time, where allegedly ex-Botanical chef Sean Donovan serves up amazing steaks with a few sea offerings such as oysters etc. I distinctly remember how brilliant the oysters were at the Botanical, with the ultra-freshly shucked varieties like label rouge, some mini japanese varieties etc.

The space itself did not feel much like a pub but more of a casual restaurant. I was quite excited at the anticipation of ordering steak as I rarely order steak when dining out. I don't know why, but it's not how I roll.

To begin with we had something light to share such as a goats cheese tart and we wanted to try the falafel but the waiter recommended we had way too much food if we were going to order steaks and he was damn right. The tart that we did order was fine - smooth pumpkin-ish filling with a crumbling crust - I couldn't get myself to eat the gooey cheese though. *shivers*.

For the mains, I ordered the 400g dry aged grass fed Angus whilst my friend had the New York Sirlion. When they both arrived I instantly felt relief that we didn't order more than what the waiter suggested - as it was indeed too much food. I couldn't even finish the steak - weak I know!

It goes without saying they were cooked to specification. I felt a little embrassed for not being able to finish it as everyone else in the room seemed to be able to polish their servings off - shame Dave shame!!

For desserts, I had the Valhrona chocolate cake with rhubarb jam and Debbie had the creme brulee. I pretty much finished the chocolate cake. And given my manifesto to try and have as little additive sugar as possible, that says a lot. Shame again!




The Station Hotel is a sophisticated gastro pub serving brilliant food - especially if you're after a brilliant steak in the West.

Where?
The Station Hotel, 59 Napier St, Footscray

The Meeting Pool, Montsalvat

Given that Eltham is really only 15minutes from home, I am shocked shocked shocked that I hadn't been to Montsalvat sooner - a not-for-profit art centre, that is home to one of Australia's oldest artist colony (who knows what that means).

I love the grounds, the building and the restaurant - it just seems so perfect for the cooling weather. I can imagine a hearty delicious meal here in deep winter. In fact, I might just make a point to do so.

For a restaurant in Eltham it was pretty good, as Eltham really lacks good eateries (with the exception of one or two places),

Before I go on, I have to say that you can't come to the meeting pool expecting flawless service, or faultless anything. It isn't perfect, the service was intermittent. But for what it lacks in slick operation, it makes up for in character. This place oozes character.

Well, my friend, Denise and I had virtually identical items, starting with the special of baked scallops, moving onto the duck as the mains. Both of which were full of flavour, and quite enjoyable. Only let down is that the scallops were well and truly "cooked". But all in all, delicious.

The duck with lentils was pretty damn good. It didn't look that sexy, but shit, did it taste good. But I'm slightly biased, I absolutely love duck, and I'm starting to like lentils a bit more, but cooking them at home is always a challenge.

For desserts, I ordered some sort of pudding and my friend an orange creme brulee.Both of which were good, but was not technically amazing. but it was solid.

Sometimes that's all that matters - good solid, delicious food.

Next time though, I won't use my damn GPS to guide me to Montsalvat, I'll just look it up like a normal person - cause it ended up taking me through the backstreets of Research! So there's my bit of advice for you boys and girls.

Where?
The Meeting Pool, Montsalvat, Eltham

Comme

Well, what can I say about Comme?

The space, was nice, but seemed to be just one big open plan restaurant, and lacked the same degree of character as perhaps some other restaurants of similar offerings.

Next door, the bar, on a Friday night, was incredibly busy - and loud - and it sure did penetrate into the dining room. This got old, pretty quickly. Do something about the acoustics FFS.



Comme didn't really feel exciting. The food was solid, but when you compare to other places, there are better eats to be had, especially when you feel like something delicious.

I can't really remember the food that I had in detail so I'm just going to put up the pictures and what they're called. All in all, not that memorable. All I can remember is thinking how my friend could possibly eat those snails.

I had the slow cooked tuna with a nicoise style salad, roasted hazeldene chicken and Saint-Emilion of chocolate, whilst my friend had the terrine- oh screw it, who am I kidding. I can't remember.








Where?
Comme, 7 Alfred Place, Melbourne

Yes I Did

SHIT. I just quit my job. So here's a photo of a creme caramel to calm your (my) nerves.