Friday, September 4, 2015

estelle bistro

High Street is the shiz. Ever since we moved here I can't get over it. Without overstating the point that I am very happy to live here now, High Street Northcote has everything that our old neighbourhood didn't have, and everything here is cooler and better!

Take, for example, Estelle Bistro. Labour of love of Scott Pickett (who is family friends with 1405's family, awesome right?), developed from a dining room for 24 people into a beacon of fine dining good times in the north side. 

We ordered a la carte tonight, too much of a good thing... can give you gout. So we abstained, and had a go.
Jerusalem artichoke veloute, creme fraiche and saltbush
I freaking love Jerusalem artichoke right now. My parents said that the Empress Dowager Ci xi of the Qing dynasty ate Jerusalem artichoke every day and lived to 72 in a time when people died at 50 on average. Basically, good for you and full of that umami nutty taste. Nice texture blend with the crispy herbs.

Rabbit raviolo, morels and nettles
 I love the idea that these herbs are sourced locally and authentically eaten at the right time. Rabbit is a meat that is underrated, I think. It is more sustainable to eat rabbit than beef and it's leaner and tastier too.

Diamond Valley pork, carrot and raisin.
This was different parts of the pig, cooked in different ways, with a mesmerizing light but flavourful sauce. I had thought I was over pork belly, but this was really yummy.

Roasted cauliflower risotto.
 My favourite dish of the night. I love to dine out, but sometimes, you just want an honest dish that is a little bit peasant-y with really fancy seasoning.

Roasted pumpkin, goats cheese and pumpkin seeds.
You know it's pumpkin season when roasted pumpkin is so sweet it tastes like dessert.

Steamed chats, chicken butter and sage.
Potato steamed, not fried. But equally delicious with the crispy bits of sage. I will make a note to cook like this from now on.

We don't eat desserts anymore (legit health reasons) so we ordered a ported Cropwell Bishop Stilton, which was a ceramic pot of whipped Stilton blue cheese, overlaid with a clear quince jelly disc and served with raisin toast. This was so moreish, we both felt kind of drunk on food.



The modern interiors, textured walls and dark lighting make this restaurant an ideal date place where you can really impress the pants off someone. Or just to bring your partner or a small group, broody authentic food.

Estelle Bistro Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato