Last night I had the pleasure of being a guest at the Mosaic restaurant in Altona, for their Yering Station wine dinner. The menu was an 8 course degustation style to compliment the chosen wine varieties all featured from Yering. It was a superb presentation of exquisite food masterfully matched with each glass.
Before I go on I have to paint a picture for people.
We live and work in Prahran which is considered an extension of the city of Melbourne, in some ways, and has its own vibrant cafe/food society. You could eat out each night for at least two weeks somewhere different and never leave the Chapel street strip. It goes without saying Melbourne CBD has a fine, and very long, list of incredible dining options making it a true gourmand city( and I really dont care what anyone else's opinion is on this statement)
Altona is a beach suburb around the bay from the city, far enough for it to not really be on the Melbourne radar. Its one of those family friendly places where locals know each other and participate in their community. There is a small shopping area and its not overflowing with bars, nightclubs and restaurants. They do have an utterly divine cake shop called Melissa's but thats for another day.
I am of the opinion you dont need a lot of things if the one thing you do have is great.
Well I found Mosaic to be just that. Great.
Its a simple refined urban look but aside from the well chosen fittings and decor the focus is clearly on the offering. Clean, efficient, staff minus the 'attitude' which unfortunately becomes all too common the closer in you get to the city.( Anyone who has been served up snottiness and rude with their coffee on Chapel street knows what I ma talking about here) A visible working kitchen( I love to see the action) with a great team headed up by a Michelin Chef no less. This piece of information got me really interested in what looked like a fairly straight forward menu and I can say in all sincerity that there was nothing ordinary in anything served. Each taste plate utilized quality produce and interesting ingredient combinations which were bliss with each mouthful. The menu follows below but sadly there aren't enough words to sufficiently describe just how wonderful the experience was. You will just have to get off your behinds and out of your dining rut and take the trip yourselves. These wine dinners will be a monthly feature but go to their website to see the everyday menu and be prepared to be amazed and delighted. I hope the Altona residents know what they have here and support it because it would be a welcome addition to the city and would fit right in.
Here is what we were treated to
7pm Chef's Canapes and Yarrabank Cuvee in the courtyard -a refreshing teaser to whet the appetite
7.30 inside to be seated and 1st offical course- Sweetcorn soup in shot glasses( creamy, sweet and nutmeg like) with a tiny Chicken drumstick- 2009 Little Yering Chardonnay- quite fresh and fruity but not sweet
2nd course- Tomato tart with Yarra valley Persian Fetta and a pea and basil vinaigrette- I cant begin to describe how blissful this tasted
2009 Yering Station Sav. Blanc- too woody for me and better suited to mid summer I think
3rd course- Wild mushroom tortellini with a poached quail egg and smokey bacon and parsley
2007 Yering Station Chardonnay- a heavy strong one
4th course -Utterly divine and completely heavenly Citrus cured rainbow trout with Yarra Valley caviar and avocado mousse
2006 Marsanne Viognier Roussanne -light fresh crisp and delicious
We were then served a kind of Rockmelon soup cleanser in shot glasses at this point because the menu switches to meats and reds.
5th course- Roast duck with a pear boulangere and aromatic savoy cabbage
2008 Yering Staion Pinot- a lovely light Pinot
6th course- Rack and loin of lamb (the sweetest youngest I have ever had) with artichoke
2007 Yering Station Shiraz Viognier- heavy and dark
7th course- a confection of vanilla panacotta and rhubarb jelly with gingerbread icecream
2008 Yering Station 'Late Harvest' Riesling- a dessert wine so light in color it was almost clear and was not too heady and sweet.
We were then treated (at midnight) to fabulous dark chocolate truffles. Sigh.
Congratulations to all at Mosaic. It was one of the best nights out I have had in a long time. I would do it again in heartbeat.
Cheers
The Baroness
