By St
I've had this one up my sleeve for a while waiting for the new Masterchef season. Last season was a phenomena and even though they are bringing more culinary big wigs onto the show this year and going to more countries (and oh yeah, blowing ch10's budget), the contestants haven't wooed me yet. Why the Masterchef talk (esp since many working in the food industry a la apprentices detest the show)? Last season, the only person to win an immunity pin was Marion, and it was against MoVida's chef, Frank Camorra. (Photo from: http://www.masterchef.com.au/masterchef-2010-episode-recaps.htm#). Ever since the show, I wanted to try the cornets but we were too full (damn paella) for dessert this time round.
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| George, Marion & Frank Camorra of MoVida (Masterchef Season 2, 2010) |
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| Bocadillo de Calamares (calamari sandwich with Basque guindilla & mayonnaise) $6.50 |
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| Bomba (potato bomb filled will chorizo) $4 |
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| Grilled scallops with salmorejo, fried almonds & cauliflower $21.50 |
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| Pancetta con morcilla (confit pork belly, morcilla & poached blood plums) $23.50 |
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| Gambas a la sidra (prawns cooked in terracotta with garlic & cider) $22.50 |
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| Paella de Marisco (bomba rice cooked in seafood & saffron) $60/$95 |
The best dish of the night goes to... the calamari sandwich! Just so tasty, that mayonnaise sauce with the calamari is to die for. Biggest disappointment were the prawns which were very average and overpriced. The pork belly was great and very filling (enough to share between 4) and the boys loved the crusty and juicy paella.
There are several MoVida in Melbourne now, the original being the one in Hoiser Lane with the iconic graffiti walls outside, same one where Marion had her Masterchef celebrity challenge. It's a very small place with bookings for up to 6 peopler only. You can try your luck at 'MoVida Next Door', literally next door which doesn't take reservations. We went to MoVida Aqui which fits more and easier to book! Some really really fantastic tapas, some so-so and it can get pricey but would come here again.
Wok rating /5: 
MoVida Aqui
Lv 1, 500 Bourke St
Melbourne
03 9663 3038
