For the record, Alla Wolf-Tasker is credited with educating Aussie palates away from steak-and-three-veg meals toward the seasonal, fresh produce from local farms, in accord with the exquisite European cuisines. On the other hand Paul Wilson¹s exotic cooking style ranges from rustic to subtle. His signature dishes are poached egg with local truffles, Reggianno and soft polenta and kingfish Carpaccio with oyster panna cotta.
His kingfish Carpaccio has been described as ³one of Melbourne¹s greatest dishes.²
According to Leigh Arredondo, the Regional Manager of North American, Tourism Victoria, ³Melbourne cuisine has really come into its own and it¹s a true honor for two of our celebrated chefs to be featured at the acclaimed James Beard House and we welcome this opportunity to highlight why Melbourne is considered Australia¹s culinary capital.²
And believe me, my lunch which started with delicious canapés of seared scallops with spiced carrot puree and caramelized chicory (witlof) and stuffed figs with spiced lamb. These delicacies were followed by forest mushrooms in a veloute with chestnuts and wild rice, a Carpaccio of snapper with rock oysters, fennel and native lime and a marvelous sampler of crusted beef brisket and a Filet Mignon.
To top it all off, I had a dessert of orange blossom honey panna cotta with poached quince and citrus Madeleines with lemon curd. Of cause we had paired with our meal Victorian Chardonnay, Shiraz, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir from the Macedon Ranges, Yarra Valley, the Grampions, Mornington Peninsula, and Rutherglen.
Incidentally, Victoria is known as the ³wine state² and has 22 wine regions-more than any other Aussie state with 500 wineries. More than 250 have cellar doors for public tastings and offer a local food experience - from simple country cafes to elegant fine-dining venues. This region has gained recognition as having vineyards comparable to the best of California¹s Napa Valley. The Yarra Valley is home to Victoria¹s oldest vineyard and is known to be one of the world¹s foremost wine growing regions.
From my recent eating experience of Melbourne¹s culinary delights, I can accept their statistics that 250,000 foodies descend upon Melbourne each year to mingle with notable international chefs during the two week festival that covers more than 140 food and wine events across the entire state of Victoria. I¹m also impressed with their assertion that the World¹s Longest Lunch, where 5,000people will sit down to lunch at 23 scenic locations across Victoria; and the Ultimate Cellar Door, showcasing some of the state¹s finest vintages.
I was advised that a trip to Melbourne should include three overnights at Alla Wolf-Tasker¹s Lake House, a Small Luxury Hotel in Daylesford (90 minutes from Melbourne) and purported to be Australia¹s Most highly awarded gourmet retreat, gourmands can enjoy a tasting dinner of several courses featuring the region¹s fresh produce, a wine tasting with the sommelier in the 10,000 bottle private cellar, a country style breakfast on the first morning, and a bottle of sparkling wine. The area is Victoria¹s spa country, rich with mineral springs, working artist studios, quaint village streets, surrounded by natural forests abundant with indigenous flora and fauna.
Also the city of Melbourne has a passion for sports including Aussie Rules (Australian Rules Football), Australia¹ premier spectator sport, known for its rough, fast-paced play. Pub life is embraced with no less gusto. Quaff a cold Victoria Bitters (Melbourne¹s local Brew) at a local corner pub, or relax at one of a dozen charming European style cafes while sipping a ³long flat white² (latte) or a ³short black² (espresso) cup brewed to your specifications. Just hop on one of the ubiquitous green and yellow trams in a colorful neighborhood.
The last two weeks of January in Melbourne would be of particular interest to me. I would also want to attend the first of the four Tennis Grand Slams at the unique Rod Laver first and only convertible roof All-Weather Stadium. Neither rain nor the oppressive January summer heat ³down under² will deter the tennis championship match.
I¹m certain that I¹ll be well fed at any time in Melbourne.
For more information contact your local travel professional or visit wwwtmelbourne.com
Copyright by Marcia Abramson
E-mail: mascribe@verizon.net
