First of all, this is NOT a vacation review. All i want to do is to create a restaurant review, and alas, friendster doesn't seem to have a category for that (damn you friendster! =p) so here I am, actually creating a blog.
We (that would be the boyfriend, His Fussiness and me) had my belated birthday dinner yesterday at Grossi Florentino, a restaurant that first opened its door 79 years ago and is regarded as an institution in Melbourne.
There are 3 separate dining areas inside Grossi Florentino: (1) Restaurant (if you’re feeling adventurous and deep pocketed), (2) the Grill (the averagely priced), and (3) the Cellar Bar (the most reasonably priced one). The restaurant was His Fussiness pick of the day.
Now, His Fussiness doesn't usually like going for Italian. He thinks it's all Pizzas (Dominos) or Pasta (whose image for him has been distorted by those ready made pastas and sauces at Coles). So there was a lot riding on our (mostly his) expectation of Grossi Florentino. We could either go home with a changed perspective, or a major disappointment (His Fussiness doesn't like good food, it's either really good or really REALLY good).
The restaurant was located on the second floor and as we climbed the staircase, we saw framed pictures of the eras gone by (hey, the restaurant has been there for 79 years, of course it has a lot of mementos). The decoration inside was old school glamour; opulent, without being too heavy - think Louis XIV without the gold. Lighting was dim enough that you can still see your dinner partner and the murals at the wall. Music of choice was of course, opera. It was fine dining at its best.
We started by sharing an appetizer. There were some exotic items inside the menu; like rabbit and foie gras terrine or what is hailed as being "the best ham in the world" (for those readers who are also fans of Bizarre Foods on Discovery Travel and Living, it's the black footed pig from an episode where Andrew Zimmern went to Spain). We settled for the Wagyu beef bresaola with pickled carciofi, goat’s cheese mouse, chestnut flower honey dressing with artichokes and salad. Now, as an avid fan of Wagyu beef (I've tried wagyu beef steak, salami, even prosciutto), it was certainly one of the best Wagyu variation that I've had. The beef was thinly sliced and the mouse was a perfect companion for it. The dressing brought in the sweetness to balance out the saltiness of the bresaola. It was clear that we were off to a good start.
I went for the Veal Cutlet with a “pizzaiola” style sauce of tomato (basically a combination of tomato, garlic, capers, and oregano) and he ordered Hopkins river ox fillet with Madeira sauce and foie gras. My veal was exquisitely baked. Tender and the potato gratin that came with my veal was crispy-on-the-outside-but-melts-inside-your-mouth. The sauce was simple without it being too much like a stock. His Fussiness food was excellent. The foie gras did not empower the beef, which came medium rare (just the way he likes it) and the Madeira sauce was perfect as it still retained its flavour. We hardly talked during the meal(a sign of really good dinner), but shared amicably (the portion was enough to make us feel generous with each other =p).
For dessert, I ordered the Chocolate soufflé and His Fussiness settled with a glass of Latte. My Chocolate soufflé was the perfect soufflé. Spongey, light, and a bit on the bitter side.
Oh, and because I'm a sucker for service, let me just tell you that the service was excellent. The waitress was attentive, without being too perky or eager. She even went with us downstairs as we were leaving =)
In short, if there is a heaven, they would only serve Grossi Florentino =D. His Fussiness and I went home content, and with a new appreciation for Italian food in Melbourne. Just like my good friend Inta says, "it's a city filled with Italian immigrants! Of course they have good Italian food!"
ps: no pictures this time, I was too busy enjoying my food, that I got lazy....... xp
