The Town that Beer Built

I've been reading up on Melbourne's foodie history and it's an interesting stuff. But don't take my word for it. Here's some tipple-bits, courtesy of Flavours of Melbourne by Charmaine O'Brien:
- John Pascoe Fawkner opened Melbourne's first public house. By all accounts the teetotaller was a cantakarous and disagreeable man. Those who ate at his place often had to endure his pontifications and patrons could tell if they were in or out of favour by the size of the meal he served up.

- The first auctions held in Melbourne became quite the social affair as free cold meats, bread, beer, brandy and 'shampagne' were offered to get the crowds in. Many attended the land sales without the faintest intention of lifting their hand to bid ... not so different from auctions in Melbourne now, really. Except for the free food/drink.

- Within the first 12 months of settlement Melbournians had consumed some 2000 gallons of rum, 150 gallons of brandy and who knows how much beer and gin.

- So it's probably no surprise that Melbourne became the brewing centre of the British colonies with 32 of them operating at the height of the industry in 1874.

Parma chapter 2

The conquest for a parma worth talking about continues...
This time I tried out what the TRC has to offer. Parma was acceptable. Ham ditto. And chips ok. But the napolitana sauce was too plain - most likely tinned tomatos. Unforgiveable. Because taste ain't expensive.

Tasty Tassie

I may not have been in the apple isle long enough to call it home, but I have been here long enough to stuff my face at a large number of establishments. So I thought I would share with you my Top 3 Tasty Tassie moments:

3. Breaky at the Village Store, St Helens.

It was open on a Sunday (thank god) and had a brilliant menu option dubbed Salmon Mardi Gras, which I was quick to snap up. I ended up with two perfectly poached eggs sitting on a generous serving of smoked salmon, sliced avocado and sourdough bread - which was all smothered in a delishly lemon hollandaise. A dish that danced in my mouth. They do good coffee too, but hurry: as the business is for sale.

2. Lunch at Strathlynn, Rosevears.

Also open on a Sunday (but strictly a lunch-time venue) I finally got a booking here but Daniel Alps - the chef who's name had graced the venue's title - was gone. I tell you what - I didn't even notice. I eat three courses and none disappointed. The highlight was an amazing dish of sliced, pink roast lamb with beets, spinach and a super tasty sauce. They also have a cheap wine list and views that I'd be happy to die looking at.

1. Black Cow Bistro, Launceston.

I've never really been that mad about meat. Yep, even beef. And lamb. And chicken. So the fact I've picked a steak house as my numero uno tells you something - this place is out-of-this-world awesome or, i've become a carnivore. I'm still not that into meat, but I would be happy to regularly tuck into a melt-in-your mouth, Tassie-reared steak at this place. If only I could afford to. Save your pennies up and treat yourself.