Lunched today at The Source, at a Wine Selectors function. Now I need to clarify a few things up front before I launch into talking about the food.
Firstly, I don't drink wine (generally). I'm NOT a wowser, I simply don't like the taste of it. So why was I at a Wine Club lunch? Simple answer - so I could get to Moorilla and taste Justin's food. I've been wanting to eat out there for ages, and the opportunity so far had never arisen, so when Nick wanted me to ferry him out there so HE could get shit-faced, I happily agreed. It was going to cost me $107 for the set menu package of food and wine, but what the hell! I would give my wine to Nick who would be more than happy to scoff all mine as well as his own! And that's what happened.
I need to fess up as well that I DID email Justin ahead of time and warn him I was finally coming out there - so forewarned was forearmed.
OK, I've got all that off my chest, so now I can waffle about the food, and the place generally.
Moorilla is another of those idyllic settings, and class acts in the Tasmanian wining, dining and general tourism scenes. Sometimes we (as a state) do it so well it sends shivers down my spine! And when Moorilla's additions are completed, it will be even better - if that's possible.
The restaurant is beautiful. So restful and picture-perfect. An ideal setting for Justin's food. We ate today from a set menu which was different to the day-to-day menu.
Todays food comprised:
Pacific oysters, sherry and shallot jam
Slow baked abalone - fragrant master broth, piquant apples and cucumber, fried enoki
Braised shoulder of Cressy lamb - rosemary duck neck sausage, rabbit cannelloni, parsnip, beans
Taverners nectar poached white peach - orange blossom 'snow egg', vanilla custard, almond cracker, syrup
It was all beautiful. Justin, unfortunately, had been in hospital, and signed himself out to come to work at 11.30. We arrived at 12.00. Talk about devotion to duty. He looked quite pale, and I was actually concerned about his health, but monopolised his time anyway, with my questions about the food, his plans, his hopes and dreams - all the usual stuff Rita likes to elicit from her 'victims'!
The oysters were offered round during the pre-lunch drinks, and were I a champers (or whatever they call it when they're not calling it champers) drinker, probably would have gone well with the Cuvee Brut everyone else seemed to be knocking back with gay abandon - well Nick and Deb were anyway!
The abalone was abalone. It took the form of shavings piled neatly on top of the cucumber, and topped with the enoki - which was gorgeous. I love abalone so they were on a winner with that, for me.
The lamb meal was magnificent. The peach was a fitting dessert to follow what had preceeded it, and I DID have a sip of the D'arenberg Noble One Botrytis - which accompanied the peach dessert and was out of this world! But - I would have loved it with my lamb. I hate having to observe social niceties like that! It really goes against the grain!
Anyway - Moorilla - I loved it, and can't wait to return -maybe to a night of degustation, which they plan on having once the additions are complete and the new restaurant up and running.
Saturday, 16 February 2008
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30 comments:
I haven't been there before. Sounds like I should go rita. Thanks.
Would you like a straw to go with that review?
PS
Topping will do fine thanks PS. Yes, sometimes I even make myself sick with such reviews!
Hey Rita,
Somewhere I've always wanted to go but haven't. Your review inspires me. How about if all goes well on Wednesday {how could it not} we make our next bloggers dinner Moorilla. I know I love the wine, can't wait to taste the food.
Sounds like a great plan Christina. Let's talk about it on Wednesday.
I ate there probably 2 years ago & the service was so bad it left a reaaly bad taste. I havent been back since. I have heard good reports about the food recently with a good friend raving about the food + service. I do think that it is a beautiful venue. Has the management changed?
Hi Anon 9.49 - no, I don't think management has changed lately. Maybe they've sharpened up their act from a few years ago? Can I suggest you give them another try? Then if they let you down again, you know for sure that's not the place for you. If you leave happy, it's a win-win.
next time i'm in Tas, we need to do a food /wine thing. We were so lucky at Marque to get it nearly right. Is it the taste that you don't like or the drug? I've been going ape since being home about ashbolt's Elderflower cordial and drinks. This is a very food friendly drink.
I haven't given up my my blog...but if noone posts it's a bit dull
Hi Sands. Don't worry about doing a food/wine thing with me - it'll be totally wasted on me! My dad still hasn't given up trying to educate me in wine appreciation! Last night he tried again in vain to make me appreciate another precious drop he claimed I couldn't possibly fail to enjoy! Unfortunately it too tasted like crap to my unenlightened palate!
Re the blog - I'm still learning as well, but it seems to me that the more definite (for that read potentially 'controversial') your views, the more response you'll elicit. Being the oldest sister of 6, then later mum of 5, it has always been second nature to listen to all sides of any argument/discussion then without making anyone feel wronged, facilitate it so everyone emerges from the contretemps equal.
That doesn't make for a very interesting or stimulating online discussion about anything.
If I could rid myself of that 'looking after everyone' responsibility, I reckon I would get off the fence and shove it right up anyone who dared dispute anything I uttered - thus turning it into the sort of Aussie brawl people like to stand on the sidelines and watch and cheer at!
I love reading Gobblers blog, because he just puts it right out there - take it or leave it! No hostages taken. Wish I could be more like that, but it's not my nature. If you just do a diary entry of your thoughts and doings, what is there for people to comment on?
To a degree you're right Rita abouth the controversy however its a fine balancing act. Its easy for the debate to get into a slagging match where no one is the winner, I've found that out myself!
Your blog is a haven for respectful exchanges & I think people recognize this & it must be underpinned by the amount of traffic your site generates. I know I get many referrals from your site.
Perhaps we do like a bit of bolshy opinion now an again but if we need a more regular fix, theres always the shock jocks, today tonight or Fox news for that!
Keep up your good work!
The food seems to be the problem at Moorilla, especially with the functions.
Half of my friends who have experienced a function have been disappointed.
The service in the restaurant is much better of late.
The food in the restaurant has seemed more confident.
Rita... what I want to know is how the hell aren't you the side of a house?! if only I could eat out as much as you... mind you I consume my fair share of vino which is where you can probably have dessert!
LT
Thank you Rita. I am pleased (and humbled) that you enjoyed the lunch. We had a lot of fun cooking for the group.
I would however like to thank my staff for doing a fantastic job. Too many times the chef gets the kudos whilst his staff do not share in any of the credit. I have a dedicated, talented and passionate team both front and back of house. They have helped lift standards and reach what we are trying to achieve at Moorilla.
For those who may have had bad experiences, yes places do go through ups and downs but I think that the Moorilla of old is gone. There has been a change in top and some middle management which is helping to shape a positve and exciting future.
Justin Harris
Thanks for that Gobbler. Interesting comment Anon 11.09. LT - the reason I'm not like the side of a house is easy - I have a condition which means I have "issues" with food digestion. The degustation and tapas menus suit me very well. And yes, I expect the fact that I don't have the wine component that the rest of you eater-outers have would probably make a difference.
Justin - you're right, and I apologise profusely to your staff, both front and back of house for not including them in the compliments I handed out. FOH staff headed up by Andrew were excellent. I was genuinely impressed with their service. The boys out the back ditto.
I haven't been to Moorilla since its early days as a food/wine centre.
It was all very sunny and pleasant then but too hard-surfacey, modern for us. I like oak beams and whitewashed rendered walls in me wineries.
So, how is it now?
Sir G for someone who is very vocal & has very firm views on the state eating out here you dont seem to eat out yourself apart from some cheap & cheerful places & ethnic joints. Open your wallet a few times before you open your gob, jsut for a cjange.
I did say I'd been to Moorilla and quite enjoyed it, thankyou.
I suppose your views aren't firm then....you might be a politician.
Prevailing wind and all that.
What's the point of having a view if it ain't firm, you impotent twit.
And if cheap and cheerful and ``ethnic joints'' (depends on your starting point, eh?) are indeed where I go, what's wrong with that?
That isn't the whole picture at all, but why should I justify myself to you?
When I start telling you where to eat, you can start telling me.
Fair enough, moosh? And if you don't like what I say, tough titties.
Typical dummy spit from sir tantrum
it serves no one having a go at a fellow blogger... the trouble with this town is that some of the inhabitants are very quick to make it personal ... save it for your local anon ... there ain't much space left in the Cool Room.
Oh Sir G - I love you - purely platonically of course. You never lose your humour, despite the provocation!
Kzee
Well said, Sir Grumpy
Anon2
Anon 8.52 - that was pretty uncalled for, and generally uncharacteristic of comments made here. This is the 'school marm' speaking!
Sir G - I'm sorry I drifted off while watching 4 Corners last night, and woke after the above slanging match had finished - or I would have spoken up - as Cool Room, Kzee and Anon2 have done.
Hope your feathers aren't TOO ruffled?
To answer your original question about how Moorilla is now, it's different to the old Moorilla, but I myself really like that modern 'glass' look, especially with the view they have.
Yes, Rita, I like the views around there too and it sound like they're a good mob. I might be back sooner (are you listening anon).
Thanks to all those who blogged up in my defence...I wasn't that ruffled but I had been looking at the youtube or whatever footage of those poor chickens at a certain egg farm, so was feeling less than philanthropic towards arseholes.
They forget it is a food blog about ALL aspects (I think) from ingredients to recipes to events and to eating out from the humble takeaway to the dizzy delights of Marque IV.
We can't all afford top end all the time. I've mainly fallen away from the top end not because I don't like much of the offerings but I am more casual in my older age and like to hang loose baby.
(Must get new underpants).
Hey, I'm in my second rebelhood, so jeans and trainers with a T-shirt are the go.
Hang on while I cue up this Bob Marley LP will you, there that's skanking good man, now where's my box of hops..red Stripe I hope.
Good one Sir G. Good food is good food. Simple as that. Doesn't matter if it was from a take away, a fine diner or a meal cooked ith love by a friend. As long as there is care and the produce is excellent what else really matters. Too much time is used making our food into a status symbol these days.
New chef is Philippe Leban at Moorilla. Link here:
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/executive-lifestyle/french-chef-mouchel-prepares-to-bid-farewell-to-crown/story-e6frg8jo-1225830792451
Confirmation Foreman left and why he left also...
Nice pickup Mighty Mouse!
Anyone being since the new chef started? Thought someone would have gone by now since he is such a big name "signing".
John Lethlean said he ate there this week & though good its still the old menu?
Looks like the new menu is up for the new chef. I'm out of Tassie for a few months so if anyone wants to go...
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