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MELBOURNE | The historic Mt Erica Hotel Prahran has been revamped, and is now home to Austin’s, a Spanish and Mediterranean inspired restaurant and bar. Named after the head chef Sunny Gilbert’s son, Austin’s uses locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to create innovative shared tapas dishes and daily specials.
The City Lane was invited to attend the launch party of Austin’s, and we were unable to resist an evening of entertainment, canapés and cocktails! Upon arrival we were offered a premium selection of Spanish cava (espumoso), red (tinto) and white (blanco) wine, followed swiftly by a range of creative, beautifully presented canapés. To begin with we were served tapas including manchego cheese topped with honeycomb, a Spanish style black pudding with pea puree and crackers with spicy salami and ham.
My favourite dish had to be the duck breast, served with figs, summer cress and port-soaked currants. The duck was incredibly tender, presenting an interestingly sweet and savoury flavour combination. I also loved the crispy skinned pork belly, which was served with pickled fennel and apple, as well as the mouth watering slow cooked roasted lamb, on a bed of creamy mashed potato. Both warming and hearty winter dishes. Aesthetically a work of art, it was clear that each plate and fusion of ingredients had been carefully thought out, and the results were incredible.
In true Spanish style, the seafood of the evening was divine. From the calamari, to the octopus, each dish was exceedingly fresh, made using only the highest quality produce. The final savoury dish of the evening was seafood paella, using a range of ingredients to create a delicious, traditional dish bursting with flavour.
As well as entertainment including fire throwing and dancing, the live music was sensational, creating a lively, fun atmosphere. As the party came to a close, we were offered a selection of innovative cocktails – for me a highlight of the evening! My favourite was the Cosmo, a sweet cocktail made with Ketel One vodka, cranberry/anise syrup, curacao, lime and topped with cranberry/almond foam. I also loved the Chocolate and Chipotle Espresso Martini, a mix of chipotle bourbon, mozart chocolate liquor, espresso and curacao.
I would highly recommend checking out the brand new, exceedingly stylish Austin’s Restaurant at Mount Erica Hotel. Austin’s offers a premium dining experience, as well as constant live music and events. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly, attentive service makes it the ideal place for dinner over a bottle of wine and great food, or even for a cocktail or two at the spectacular bar.
Austin’s Mt Erica
420 High Street
Prahran
Victoria 3181
Australia
Telephone: (03) 9529 5770
E-mail: n/a
Website: http://mterica.com.au/
Open
Mon – Sun: 11:00am to 10:00pm