Romantica - Étlap

Citrico

➤ 376 Queens ParadeAUVIC 3068, FITZROY NORTH, United States

Meat • Steak • Seafood • Chilean

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"Citrico Concina is a South American restaurant blending in many cuisines, Chilean, Peruvian and Argentinean were the ones that stood out for me the most. In conversation with the waitress, we mentioned having been to Harley House not too long ago (as we saw some similarities) and to my surprise, the head chef had previously worked there also.<br/ <br/ We start off with their regular Pisco Sour which was well made and strong. Later during the night I got a Machurita which is based off Inca Kola (Peruvian soft drink and pretty much popular throughout South America). Is was light so if you want to get the full experience drink it by the bottle (pricey at $7). Unbeknownst to me the cocktail was made incorrectly and they brought out a new one which was more vibrantly yellow and strong. Good pick up (their main barman was away).<br/ <br/ We started off with some oysters in tiger milk and finger lime. Strong start, none of the ingredients used detracted from creamy oyster and the sourness wasn't overwhelming even with an additional squeeze of lime. We also had some ceviche prepared nikkei style (Peruvian/Japanese) which saw pairings of unlikely ingredients together (ponzu and leche de tigre). The scallop were slightly seared and the kingfish tasted really fresh.<br/ <br/ We could not get enough of scallops we also got conchitas, scallops cooked in Pisco-yellow chilli butter, puffed rice, cherry tomatoes and rounded off with lomo saltado sauce (which is mostly soy sauce and vinegar). Excellent. On the side we got some anticucho verdura which was a melody of vegetables in a Kapallaq sauce, well cooked but I didn't manage to dig up any mushrooms.<br/ <br/ Snacking on we also got some pollo Chifa (Peruvian/Cantonese) which unfortunately was their only Chifa item. I'm guessing it's their take on salt and pepper chicken which was served with a lovely salsa which gave it a brightness.<br/ <br/ For mains we got a bit of surf and turf. We go for their 500g rib eye (40 days dry aged) served with lemon and chimichurri on side. Tasty (especially the fat) and well seasoned, more medium than medium rare (preferred) and not as melt in your mouth as expected. Walking past the kitchen (to the toilets) you can take note of their cooking station and usage of charcoal. That brings us to the grilled octopus and squid which had a slight char and smokiness to it, to octopus tentacles especially tender. Not to be outshone by the protein, we couldn't stop picking at the side of cauliflower with Manchego cheese and walnuts, soft yet crispy and the natural sweetness from the cauliflower came through.<br/ <br/ Finishing up we had some passion fruit sorbet with fruits, chocolate dust and a purple corn tuile, very refreshing. The sweet potato pumpkin doughnuts were coated with a fig sugar syrup and chocolate sauce on the side for dipping. This fried snack was bouncy and chewy, it's difficult to dislike such a dessert.<br/ <br/ The premise of this visit was to grab some Pisco Sours somewhere (I think my friend is addicted) but it soon became an exploration into South American cuisine. You'd be hard pressed finding many restaurants doing this kind of food yet alone obtaining the ingredients they utilise, no doubt they'd have to import some down. Front of house staff were engaging and accommodating which resulted in a positive experience."

Jesus

➤ 174 Smith StreetAUVIC 3066, Collingwood, United States

Fish • Tacos • Drinks • Brunch

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"We ordered the Bang for Banquet which was absolutely delicious, but the timing and sequence of servings meant all the bigger portions were served toward the end and we couldn't finish the last couple of mains at the end of the meal before our sitting was up. But that aside, the service was spoton and even with restricted capacity the familiar ambiance was still there. Have always loved this spot and will definitely be back"

Punch Lane Wine Bar

➤ 43 Little Bourke StAUVIC 3000, Melbourne, United States

Wine • Steak • Drinks • Mediterranean

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"I'm sorry no pictures on this one, but I had cut the butcher and my colleague had the dry aged sirloin. You were really good, though my colleagues..."

Chichora

➤ 749 Nicholson StAUVIC 3054, CARLTON NORTH, United States

Indian • Australian • Art Museums • Non Bookable

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"We had an amazing breakfast at Chichora. They offer the standard breakfast options, but we decided to go with the savory pancakes topped with bacon and chili scrambled eggs. The food was incredibly delicious, cooked to perfection with fresh ingredients and Indian spices. If you're tired of the usual Brunswick breakfast spots, Chichora is a must-try. You won't be let down. We can't wait to go back for dinner!"

Mesob Ethiopian and Bar Northcote

➤ 213 High StreetAUVIC 3070, Northcote, United States

Bar • Wine • Vegan • African

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"Superb food. Had the herbivore platter vegan, we are no strangers to Ethiopian food, this was VERY good. Really helpful waitress. We had a great evening"