Melbourne Trip Part 1 - Hellenic Republic

So "C" and I met up in Melbourne for a couple of days of culinary adventures. The first night, we went to this famous Greek place ran by a celebrity chef apparently.

Bookings are essential if not arriving really EARLY in the evening would be recommended in order to dine at this place.

Interesting bit of history of their restaurant in the menu, however the next few pages were the ones that really interest me.

"C" and I were feeling adventurous so we decided to go with their "ATHENIAN" banquest for two.

 

First up was the "Mezzes" or appetisers, consisting of freshly baked bread, Cod Roe dip, Marinated Octopus, Deep Fried Calamari, a Fig and Goats Cheese Salad. Lastly, Kefalograviera cheese with peppered figs on a hot plate (This dish was really exceptional with the blend of savouriness from the cheese with sweetness from the figs, pure indulgence).

Next was the Seafood "Thalassina" Course which consisted of a grilled scallops, sword fish fillets and prawns. All these were accompanied by a special Cypriot Grain Salad (Kipriaki salata dimitriakon) consisting of a mixture of grains, nuts, pulses and topped off with marinated yoghurt and a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds.

Naturally after some seafood, one should progress to the consumption of land animals. In this case we were served a combination of Chicken and Lamb straight from their grill. The sides included a cabbage salad, roasted potatoes and Tzatziki (Yoghurt infused with dill, cucumber, garlic and olive oil).

At this point both "C" and I were almost bursting at the seams but hey, I guess no meal is complete without dessert and the Greeks really have a way with them! Dessert consisted of two courses. The first was a Watermelon Salad (Salata Karpouzi - watermelon salad, feta, mint, rosewater, toasted almonds) which kind of served as a palate cleanser and prelude to the next dish. The last dessert was "Risogalo" (Rice pudding, salted caramel, shortbread crumble, pistachio), think creamy goodness mixed with sweet and salty flavours with the aroma of butter from the shortbread and the crunchiness from the pistachios. Ahhhh.....

434 Lygon Street
Burnswick East
Victoria 3057

+61 (3) 9381 1222

 http://www.hellenicrepublic.com.au