Simon's Peiking Duck Restaurant

Where: Box Hill South, Vic, Australia
When: Tuesday 28th June, 2011, Dinner
Occasion: Dinner with Sam and Kat
Wine: Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc
http://www.simonpeikingduck.com/

On a lazy Tuesday night, Andrew and I were called up on the way home from looking a little Millie and asked if we wanted to join our friend's at the movies that night. They asked whether we had time to get a quick feed, so we jumped at the opportunity to try this local restaurant.

Andrew and I adore peiking duck so we could not go to a peiking duck restaurant without indulging in a whole duck. This restaurant prepares the duck for you in the traditional way, were the peiking duck rolls have the crispy skin in them then the duck meat is then transformed into another dish. Although the duck was beautiful, I as slightly overwhelmed by the amount of skin without any meat on it and searched out pieces of skin with some sign of meat. It was great that we saw the duck prepared before us, they then gave us a demonstration about how to make the duck pancakes then were left to wrap the 15 individually. Great!

Shortly after finishing these duck pancakes, a dish of duck meat and bean shoots appeared on the tabel. The meat was deliciously tender and I could tell that it was thoroughly enjoyed by all as we didn't speak whilst shovelling in this dish.

The next dish we shared was Timorese oven roasted boneless chicken marinated with tamarine, chilli, garlic, black pepper finished with fresh lemon, sesame seeds, spring onion and sweet soya sauce. I had to copy this description directly from the website just to help you understand the reason why we chose this dish. The flavours were intense without being too spicy. We quickly ate through the whole serve and left me wanting more!

The final dish we ordered was a deep fried flounder with spicy salt and chilli. Although this caused some challenges in understanding the best way to serve the fish, the flavours were amazing!


Overall, this local restaurant is fabulous and will be frequently visited by Andrew and I again for many years to come! We only hope we can have enough room for their dessert next time....

Circa, the Prince - Winter Solstice Feast

Where: St Kilda, Vic, Australia

When: Tuesday 21st June, 2011, Dinner

Occasion: A's 30th Birthday celebration

Wine: Provided

www.circa.com.au

Milestone birthdays come around with less frequency than the Winter Solstice but it's delightful when they coincide. There was simply no better way to celebrate both than at Circa, The Prince.

We were treated to a truly outstanding meal in a lovely venue with waiters more than happy to help.

As a mushroom fanatic, which you will no doubt hear more about in the future, I was very excited for the first course. Despite the small stature of the dish it, what it lacked in volume it made up for on taste. A delightful, rich and flavoursome broth.

'Entrees to share' followed the rich theme of the night, with some succulent pork and cauliflower more delicious than I've eaten before. The saffron risotto was a delicious cheesy and warming concoction.

Strips of smoky duck with winter veg was incredibly tasty, but the hazelnuts didn't do it for me.

By this time the richness of the food was starting to take its toll on my tightening belly. And the richest of dishes was to come.


All of which were exquisite and richer than the last. I moved slowly from duck, to wagyu pie, savouring the flavours of each. Then on to a breath taking cassoulette (a personal favourite dish). I lack the skill to communicate just how rich they all were, but picture Scrooge McDuck diving through a vault of dark chocolate coins and you'd go close.

Our back teeth were under by the time dessert arrived and the queen of puddings with creme englaise was a stand out, something to enjoy slowly and remember for years to come.

And so we waddled out of there, beyond sated, stomachs full to bursting after a truly spectacular feast.