This was definitely the most exciting restaurant I’ve been to in ages, Sydney or Melbourne. Or anywhere for that matter! The décor is amazing, picture you typical underground steakhouse complete with pictures of cows and dim lighting.

I was so lucky today because my good Maxus friend Justine has invited me to lunch with one of her suppliers so that I can meet new people.  When we arrive I’m introduced to the 3 strangers from the sales team of a partner digital agency but I remind myself that this has to be the norm for me now and to my delight, I immediately feel comfortable. One of the guys is your typical media salesmen, chatty and very easy to get along with. The other guy is very down to earth and both are happily married which let’s be honest, always takes the pressure off. The girl with them is actually down from Sydney for the day and is fresh off the boat from the UK, admitting that she’s joined the rest of her country folk in Bondi.

Justine Mills & Daisy the Cow

This is exactly the sort of lunch I was hoping for with strangers in Melbourne.  For someone like me who relaxes after a glass of wine I was happy when we ordered a bottle of wine – BUT it was definitely not one of those ‘loose’ type lunches I’m used to.  The conversation just flowed and throughout the whole meal I genuinely enjoyed myself.

The food itself was AMAZING! Ironically out of the starters, the one I loved the most was the complimentary cheese pull apart with Burgundy butter which sounds simple but was far from it. For a main I had a Coffee Smoked Wagu Fillet Mignon and I’ve never had anything like it.

During the service someone mentioned to the waiter that they’d heard of the renowned crispy pork crackling and was disappointed that it was no longer on the menu.  Ten minutes later the chef came over with a serve of the crackling with the disclaimer that he didn’t have much time to make it. The restaurant is newish and underneath our office which they’re aware of so they are looking to impress – but that was over and above.  We sit and chat for almost 4 hours, only going through two bottles of wine between 5 of us, and leave when we realise we’ve been in there alone for far too long. To be honest, I could have stayed for another 5 hours.

http://www.littlehunter.com.au/

Today we headed for lunch to PM 24, a French bistro which I LOVED.  It’s another restaurant under the Made Establishment umbrella – same group as The Little Press – but that was just by chance and you would never have guess they were related.  Having been to this one today, I would say it was better than The Little Press but probably more of a treat too.

PM 24

One thing I’m noticing about Melbourne restaurants already is how often the kitchen counter is the focus of the whole restaurant space (just quietly I’m cheering because more often than not you can actually sit there alone). This was no different and we were seated right in front of the kitchen, above which had a list of the chef’s names and what their role was during the service, i.e. James Dean on the grill – very cool.  It was one of those places where the food is actually reasonably fancy and very French but the atmosphere remains quirky and cool and by no means stuffy.

We started with salmon rillette which was like Mum’s salmon dip but slightly more fancy, followed by some pomme frites cooked in parmesan and rosemary .  I was lucky enough to be facing the kitchen and watched all our meals be prepared and was hypnotised to the point where I wished I was on my own so I wouldn’t be distracted by the lunch conversation with my collegues!

I had the pan seared squid, wanting a healthier French option.  Unfortunately it was the wrong choice as it came on a bed of very strong tomato puree which to me tasted more like tomato paste (I’m trying to avoid high levels of sugar so it was pretty much the worst option). However the lamb next to me looked to die for and I’ve since vowed to go back to order it for myself.  Along with the chicken which is their specialty, the lamb is freshly rotisseried for 20 minutes before serving, so you definitely need an entree to keep you going – but man, it looked worth it!

Bread, entrée and main were more than enough, especially for lunch so we didn’t even look at the dessert menu but I would assume it would have been amazing. I really enjoyed the place!

P M 24,  24 Russell Street, Melbourne

I’m lucky in job for a lot of reasons. One of those is the restaurants I get to go to when my Sydney based boss Rob is in town!  I figured I’d take a leaf out of my Sydney on Sunday concept and write about these and any other note-worthy places I go.

Tonight we went to The Little Press & Cellar which is next door to The Press Club which was undergoing renovations when we arrived (I’m told Press & Cellar had just completed theirs).  It’s a very small space and you’d be forgiven for thinking it was merely the bar/waiting area for The Press Club next door.  Great vibe though, and I mentioned to Rob during our meal that I’d probably feel comfortable sitting alone here with a book.

At the moment I’m trying to be as healthy as possible – the two weeks before my move down here, I literally went out 11 of the 14 days, all of which included copious amounts of food and alcohol – so I’m immediately happy with the menu. A Greek theme – which I should have known given it’s a George Colombaris restaurant as I’m quickly reminded seeing his cook books behind the bar – lots of salads and fresh sounding options.  The menu encourages you to share your meal which seems to be the preference of most people in the restaurant and the set menus that seem to be coming out look really good. Alas, given my new ‘healthy’ self, I suggest we order our own meals to save Rob from anything too small or boring.
The Little Press & Cellar

So we start with a salad each to start and mine is a classic Greek salad which i’m expecting will be the standard ‘classic’ with all the trimmings. Apparently I’ve been deceived this whole time though because what I coz was literally coz lettuce and cucumber. Seriously. Anyway, it was fresh I guess so I got what I asked for 😛

Thankfully the place redeemed itself with the main meal and my Salmon with fennel salad and tzatziki is fresh but also yummy! Rob went with a braised beef with potato puree and wild mushrooms. Looked. Amazing.  

I suspect The Little Press & Cellar is enjoyed best when you know what to order. There was tables around us who received a paper bag full of what I assume was chips and then given spices to add to it and shake. So cool – but I deliberately looked at the menu as I left and didn’t see anything that sounded remotely similar but I think I’d go back just to find out!

The Little Press & Cellar, 72 Flinders Street, Melbourne