Fifteen
(Melbourne) seems to be THE PLACE to check out for everyone
who has watched Jamie’s Kitchen
Australia which premiered in September last
year. Although it has received a few bashings
online, we decided to take the opportunity to experience it ourselves to see what the hype and media hoopla is all about.
We had made a reservation months in advance, before we left for our trip
to China and Singapore. A good day (as it was our second wedding anniversary) or rather we have the excuse to indulge in a nice meal :).
Serena had Roasted Berkshire
pork with fennel seed and rosemary, Mt Zero lentils, baby chard, crème
fraiche and pan juices for mains and I had the Grilled
Wagyu Beef (medium rare) with rosemary potatoes, large leaf rocket and
swiss chard. The
pork was perfectly roasted to such a tender texture that the
meat and fat literally melts in your mouth. With the soft tender meat
infused with all the flavours from the herbs and pan juices it was absolutely
lip-smacking. An absolute bonus was the layer of crisp pork skin roasted
to perfection and intense flavour. Although the Wagyu Beef was grilled just right and the
slices were succulent and juicy, it just wasn't gastronomically satisfying somehow.
For desserts we had Chocolate
and star anise tart and
Vanilla Panacotta. The chocolate is thick, rich and luscious and the
Vanilla panacotta has just the right tinge of vanilla infused into
it. Simply divine! Mmm....
All in all the food is excellent but it doesn't scream "I want more and I will be back soon!". I guess the expectation
shouldn't be too high since most of them are still trainees learning
their trade. Value for money wise, there are other restaurants in Melbourne
that can offer much more. As some people put it, "Fifteen is a
dining experience for the curious."
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