The Smith | Taste of Melbourne Double Pass giveaways
This is a pretty epic post on a pretty epic month of November (THIS MONTH!). Time sure does fly when you’re busy!
If you missed out on last year’s Taste of Melbourne, then don’t miss out this year! It promises to be bigger than before, with a whole list of new names and attractions all vying for your attention – Albert St Food & Wine, Bomba, Burch & Purchese, Chin Chin, Huxtable, Huxtaburger, Saint Crispin, The Smith and Tonka, just to name a few…
As a prelude to what we would expect to see at this year’s event, I was invited for a lovely dinner at The Smith a few weeks back. Courtesy of Hot house Media who organised the night, I will also be giving away entry tickets to Taste of Melbourne (entries now closed).
First up. A Laurent Perrier champagne Masterclass, showing us through three different champagnes: 1) Brut non-vintage – largely chardonnay, with a smaller percentage of pinot noir & pinot meunier; 2) Brut Millésimé 2004 vintage – a 50/50 blend of of chardonnay & pinot noir; 3) Cuvée Rosé Brut. All were great champagnes, each with their own character and personality. But I personally preferred the cooler, thirstier notes and heady nose of the Millésimé. After-all I am a big wine person…
Soft shell crab tortilla with avocado, black bean & jalapeño salad – has been a running favourite on the menu for quite some time with a soft tortilla juxtaposed against its crisp, golden, tangy contents with a small lashing of heat.
Sticky beef bun with black vinegar and cucumber – the braised beef cheeks are sticky, incredibly moist, with a punchy balance between sweet – savoury – chilli. The pillowy white bun, whilst no eureka moment, fulfils its job well – carrying the star of the show.
Asian Style Tuna Tartare – I never like it when people label something as Asian style. It is like saying European style, which is absolutely absurd. Word pedantry aside, this was actually quite the winner amongst the bloggers that night. With chunky cuts of tuna with avocado drizzled with a touch of lime and soy, and a bite of crunch from the crackers – it surely can’t fail…
Crisp master stock free range chicken – cooked sous vide, the chicken here was not surprisingly very tender and moist, with a little flash frying to give a golden sizzle on the outside. The mix of crisp noodle salad, hot-sour-sweet dressing, son-in-law egg with chutney did however leave the dish suffering from a bit of overcrowding and hectic with flavours. I would have liked to have seen a little less sweet, and a little more acidity.
The Smith Rocky Road – is that meringue? Nope, it is marshmallow that is lightly torched. Topped with a smooth quenelle of chocolate mousse, and dabs of sour cherry this makes for a simple but balanced dessert.
Rating: Yummy+1.5. I am no stranger to the creations dished up by Michael Lambie here at The Smith. There is a creative play with an international fusion that sails from Asia to South America then up towards Europe. The notes are punchy, colourful and irresistibly moreish, and worthwhile bringing a friend or two so you can try more of the food. The finishing touch is made with The Smith’s killer desserts, taking home its fair share of media spotlight – the peach soufflé (lauded by Momo and Coco), and their Knickerbocker glory tower (graced on the Herald Sun’s 25 best desserts).
[The Smith]
Where: 213 High St, Prahran
Contact: 03 9514 2444
[*Disclaimer:: Dinner at The Smith, and ticket giveaways courtesy of Hot House Media, Laurent Perrier & Taste of Melbourne]
Ok so onto the real business…
::How to WIN::
1. Follow me on Facebook or Twitter. And share this post with your friends.
2. Comment below: Which featured restaurant are you most looking forward to trying out?
3. Leave an email address.
4. Do this all before the 10th November 2013, and you could be in the chance to win a double pass to Taste of Melbourne. Winners will be drawn on the 11th November 2013, and tickets will be sent out be express post, and can be redeemed on any of the available dates (as below).
**ENTRIES CLOSED** Winners have been contacted via email.
::Taste of Melbourne details::
When:
Thursday 14th Nov, 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Friday 15th Nov, 12pm – 4pm + 5:30pm – 10pm
Saturday 16th Nov, 12pm – 4pm + 5:30pm – 10pm
Sunday 17th Nov, 12pm – 5pm
Where:
Pelican Lawn – Albert Park
Site: http://www.tasteofmelbourne.com.au/
Just when you thought that was enough food for one month… here a half a dozen more events, just to name a few.
Click here for: ::Other NOVEMBER 2013 Foodie EVENTS::
Almost Always Ravenous 
Definitely looking forward to try Chin Chins, I’ve heard great things about it for the longest time but still haven’t had a chance to try it out!
Saint Crispin!
I’m looking forward to try all of them!! Well, if I can only pick one then it’s Saint Crispin! But The Smith looks so good too!! Lol
Been meaning to try Albert St for aaaaaages =)
I am really keen to try out Albert St and Saint Crispin 🙂
I am not going to lie.. There’s a heap of stuff that I really want to try but after reading your review on The Smith, I am dying to try what they have on offer! I have always admired food that have an asian influence or are lead with it asian flavours. It always give that extra difference in flavour pallete. 🙂
Ps – Officially a new fan of your blog!
My children are driving me batty,
I’m totally stressed to the max,
A Mamasita dinner is just what I need,
To sit, eat, drink and relax!
Lols you always make it so hard to choose……. and then I have food envy when I see your pictures =________=”
Still need to redeem myself from the missed Le Flaneur dinner 😛
I will vote Albert St Food & Wine ^___^
Taxi dining room! Though I doubt they’d have duck on the menu…
Quite looking forward to mamasita again. They have been absolutely incredible every year.
I will have to go with mamasita. They have been absolutely incredible every year.