ED CHARLES dishes up the latest on Melbourne’s food, wine and bars
BEER DE LUXE
As the fourth owner of the Upper and Lower House space in Federation Square in two years, the Belgian Beer Cafe’s George Christopoulos is renaming it Beer De Lux. Old-fashioned burgers are on the menu and upstairs is a grill. Italian food is served downstairs and sweets are available in the atrium cafe. A beer garden is planned.
DOGS DINNER
Food at the Dogs Bar (54 Acland St,
St Kilda) is being given a well-deserved lift with the arrival of award-winning
UK chef Graham Hendersen. He is refining the rustic menu, though the $16 special of pasta or risotto with a glass of wine remains.
WAGYU JOURNEY
A single wagyu steak can cost $100, but for $20 more at lunchtime you can take a journey across a whole beast at Jamon (3 Murphy St, South Yarra) from May 8-12.
Cuts from porterhouse, chuck rib, tongue and tail will be served as sashimi, sushi, soups and in traditional Kobe style. Dinners are $250.
Best feed
I’m searching for the best pho (soup) and may be getting close thanks to Cuong Phu Le, who curated the I Love Pho exhibition last year in Liverpool, NSW. He sent me details of four pho shops, one of which is Pho Dzung Tan Dinh (208 Victoria St, Richmond). One of Melbourne’s originals, it specialises in noodle soup and offers every variation. Beef, chicken and, for the daring, tendon, beef pizzle (penis) and coagulated-blood versions are offered.
Read Ed Charles at www.tomatom.com