MoVida (Melbourne)

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.

George, Marion & Frank Camorra of MoVida (Masterchef Season 2, 2010)

 

Bocadillo de Calamares (calamari sandwich with Basque guindilla & mayonnaise) $6.50

Bomba (potato bomb filled will chorizo) $4

Grilled scallops with salmorejo, fried almonds & cauliflower $21.50

Pancetta con morcilla (confit pork belly, morcilla & poached blood plums) $23.50

Gambas a la sidra (prawns cooked in terracotta with garlic & cider) $22.50

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

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The Apothecary 1878 (Adelaide)

By St

When you walk past Apothecary 1878, don't let the bar fool you. It looks like a small French salon-style bar on ground level but a stylish room greets you downstairs where the restaurant takes hold against an impressive wine cellar. No wonder it's a heritage-listed building.

We're lucky that Nate and friends knew of this place and that he had booked us here for dinner as a surprise. (Yes! No need to walk 40 minutes to find a decent place.)

2008 Lawson's 'dry hills' gewurztraminer $9.50

Baked swordfish with caramelised onion and muscatels $14

Pork and fennel sausage, polenta and tomato sugo $13

Fusilli with asparagus, peas, lemon, mint & stracciatella cheese $23 main

Chargrilled Rib Eye 400g with tomato, anchovy & caper panzanella, crisp shallots and mayonnaise $35 main

Brown sugar pannacotta with plum and walnut praline $10

Being such a class act, I had to take Timmy to eat here too. We had the same swordfish and chose to have 3 more sharing savoury dishes since they are of very generous portions and a main to share.

Grilled veal scallopine with fior di latte, snowpeas and horseradish $14

Pork and veal meatballs and parmesan $11

Duck liver parfait with pear and rosemary relish $12

Risotto of farmed rabbit, broad beans, pancetta and pecorino $25 main

The service is superb, with Tash spot on with her recommendations. The bar also provides high tea catering in the afternoon, which is a favorite for small groups or hen's parties. 

Overall, the food is well-priced, there's plenty to eat and the baked swordfish and duck liver parfait shouldn't be missed. (If she wasn't sick, Becc would have devoured the warm dark chocolate pudding which she heard is exquisite.) 

Wokking rating /5: 

The Apothecary 1878
118 Hindley St
Adelaide
08 8212 9099