Tasty Travels

Here’s a tasty morsel from regional Australia, a foodie adventure from our neighbour across the ditch, and something to whet your appetite next time you’re flying overseas…

Wellington Foodie Mecca
This gorgeous dining room used to be a bank chamber back in the 1920s, but as spectacular as it is, it’s not the main reason you should be planning a trip to Logan Brown. Situated on the iconic Cuba Street (the home of all things funky in Wellington) Logan Brown just took out the Supreme Winner for the 2009 Cuisine’s New Zealand Restaurant of the Year competition. Cuisine food editor and awards judge Lauraine Jacobs, declared Wellington New Zealand’s “Gastronomic Capital”. She could be onto something, as Matterhorn (located just down the road), won the gong in 2008. I can personally attest to the brilliance of the Swiss inspired setting – truly great food and excellent coffee.

This announcement came on the second day of Wellington’s inaugural gourmet festival, Wellington On a Plate which is a new initiative from Positively Wellington Tourism. While festivities are over for this year, it’s the perfect time to start planning an ‘eat-till-you-burst’ tour for 2010. The 2010 festival will run from August 14th-29th so check out the website for more information: www.WellingtonOnaPlate.com.

Logan Brown Restaurant, 192 Cuba Street, Wellington www.loganbrown.co.nz

Rossini Raises Bar
The Rossini Company owner and creator, Carlo La Rosa says: “The airport is an emotional place; it’s where people come together. And that’s what Italians do around food. It’s all about passion.” I was certainly a little emotional last month when I found real food at Sydney International Airport. For far too long it’s been the home of fast food, so it’s exciting to see a family business (that started back in 1982) bring to the forefront some quality food. Start your day with exceptional pastries like Nutella Doughnuts, Croissants and lovely Brioche; move onto dishes like Eggplant Parmigiana, Italian Meatballs or Pasta Alla Norma (penne with Sicilian eggplant, cherry tomatoes and ricotta) and finish with gelato that you can watch being made fresh on site! Their great range of flavours includes Tasmanian Fig, Oreo, Queensland Mango, Green Tea, Kinder and Coconut. Rossini also have a signature store at Circular Quay: www.rossini.com.au

Mauritian at Old Bar
Chef Martine Mungoven has brought a little bit of Mauritius to an unlikely regional location in tiny Old Bar. The moment you walk in the door you’ll smell the heady aroma of her tasty curries. They’re of course the signature items on the tight little menu, but there are also plenty of modern Australian favourites there too. Martine’s skill in the kitchen is highlighted by her deft handling of scallops, served up uniquely with a turmeric mayonnaise. Wallis Lake oysters were pleasantly left to speak for themselves (au natural), and Kingfish was served up with a creamy lemon sauce that set off the fish wonderfully. Wine is well-priced, and Martine is adept at wine and food pairing. Our Dune Sparking ($21/bottle) was a gently fizzy and utterly pleasurable drop, complementing prawns and oysters well. Reservations are recommended, the buzzing space was full of locals on the night I dined, all keen for a taste of the exotic. Staff also impress with genuine warm and friendliness.
Martine’s Cafe & Restaurant, 47 Old Bar Rd, Old Bar (02) 6553 3188