Luna 1878 returns!

As I sit at home all snug listening to the strong winds outside on this cold Melbourne night, it sets the perfect scene for a winter-related post...

A year has gone by since the launch of Luna 1878 at the Queen Victoria Market and this year the Winter Night Market is back with some new tastes and vibrant entertainment.

The bonfires lure you in from the cold winter's air while you are welcomed by the delicious smells from the amazing food on offer.

My usual game plan is to do a lap and then make the tough decision of where to start and this time I started my tasting journey with Hoy Pinoy Filipino BBQ. I had their traditional glaze chicken skewers which are a must-try! The glaze melts in your mouth and in combination with the smokey charcoal flavour, it is a sure winner!

Next stop was Hungarian Street Food where I tried a savoury langos - a traditional fried bread, with cheese and garlic, accompanied by a mulled wine to help keep warm.

But the choices don't end there.... The Meatball Company are back for more this year, with their large pans of meatballs sizzling away and delicious fries which seem to be a popular choice for all guests. On a sweeter note, there's pancakes with oozy chocolate sauce and ricotta cream or if you feel like a taste of Germany - try Bretzel Biz for a warm pretzel!  

While I was enjoying my food and inhaling the brilliant aroma from my mulled wine, a rush of music comes marching through the market and drew in the attention of all the market goers. It was the lively drumming of percussion group Maracatu Estrela do Mar!

With two weeks left of this Winter Night Market, I suggest you get out of your winter blues and make the most of what this market has to offer (and perhaps gain a new appreciation for Melbourne's colder months).

Luna 1878 is on every Wednesday night through August from 5pm - 10pm. See you there!

A Vue to Remember...

Well it was that time of the year again, another year older... which means more food orientated celebrations and getting spoilt by my beautiful friends!

This year, my surprise dining adventure lead to me tasting a little slice of France under the Vue de Monde family... Bistro Vue. This establishment represents a more relaxed, Parisian-style dining experience compared to Shannon Bennett's renowned Vue de Monde.

The warm lighting brings an intimate feeling against the wooden floors and floral accents, whilst the friendly staff ensure you have a memorable and personalised experience. Again accommodating to my dietary requirements of mostly non-dairy, (which can be a struggle with a French cuisine) the staff assisted by suggesting appropriate meals and making substitutions where necessary.

Feeling the urge to try the seafood at this establishment, I had the John Dory which was light and full of fresh flavours. I must admit it is hard to provide you with suggestions here as the meals all around the table were delicious but I would definitely take advantage of the specials on offer, as my girlfriends both ordered from this selection and were very pleased!

I must however take you to the next step of this food journey and have a serious chat about dessert time. You can't do French food and not rave about their dessert.. it just doesn't seem right!

We ordered a few plates to share and I would say this is the best way to go as you get to sample a variety of dishes (that is, if you are dining with friends who are willing to share their delicious choices with you!). It was a struggle to decide but after much debate we went with the Tarte Tatin, Beechworth honey crème (sorbet for me) with oats, cassis and pear and last but not least a cheese board - choosing from a selection on their cheese trolley... yes! They have a cheese trolley on display for you to walk up to and drool over and make the selection for yourself (mmm.. drooling just thinking about it). If you couldn't tell... cheeseboards are somewhat of a weakness for this particular group of girlfriends and myself!

Now, my dish of the night and an absolute recommendation for when you visit Bistro Vue -

(...drum roll please.....)

I think this may actually be a first but it was a dessert this time and rightly so as this dish is a well talked about dish of the restaurant - it's the Tarte Tatin! This sweet number is brought out to you on the pan and flipped before your eyes - so you enjoy the experience of seeing the finished product for the first time along with the staff taking care of you for the night. It crumbles in your mouth as you bite into it and was the perfect end note to a great night out.

However... just when I thought the night was over, the staff also bring me one last birthday surprise. It was birthday wishes to me written in chocolate accompanied by a delicious sugary treat. This last little touch definitely personalised this dining experience to make it extra special!