Trendy Food - Taco's

I often wonder how a food trend starts.  How does one particular dish or cuisine become a mainstream obsession?  Why do a collection of venues all vie to be at the top of the chain for a certain food at the same time?  Who starts this game of dominoes? 

If there’s a ‘movement’ to join, I want in!  Is there a system or a committee that predicts food trends like fashion forecasters?

At the moment I think it’s fair to say there are a few food trends on the circuit.  Burgers are trending big time.  Not the fast food variety but the gourmet style - a wagu beef patty with zucchini relish and goats cheese on a sunflower chia seed bun.  That kind of burger, you know the ones I mean.

The other trend that’s in my face, literally, is taco's.  Forget the ‘Old El Paso’ kit that Mum used to dish up when I was a kid, with browned minced meat, shredded lettuce, diced tomato and grated cheese shoved into a corn chip shell.  No, I’m talking about the lightly toasted tortilla filled with extravagant ingredients such as slowly braised pulled pork and mixed cabbage leaves or spiced chicken with white bean and avocado puree.  Yes, those ones!

These I cannot get enough of right now.

Fortunately I have befriended one of my local restaurants that every Friday for $5-gets me two different taco’s both with scrumptious fillings.  This goes all day, every week…now you know where to find me on a Friday!

GPO Taco's

There are loads of places doing groovy Mexican and serving up terrific tacos.  There’s even a ‘Taco Truck’! But in my neck of the woods I frequent ‘GPO’ in Bendigo.  Each week Chef Chad and his team push the limits a little further and bring with it some taco fillings to challenge anywhere else.  But remember – only on a Friday.

Tell me…where do you get your taco on? 

GPO Bar & Grill

60-64 Pall Mall, Bendigo, Victoria.

Phone – (03) 5443 4343

www.gpobendigo.com.au

St Katherine's

“St Katherine’s is all about friendship, family and food.  St Katherine is the patron saint of Shane’s family home of Zejten in Malta and the church that George was baptized in.  The selection our team has put together specializes in Greek, Maltese and Turkish beverages to compliment your dining experience.  Our friendly staff would be please to assist you with any questions you may have.

Saha and Kali orexi.”

This week I dined at St Kat’s as a part of a prize that I was fortunate to win at the Problogger Conference (#PBEVENT) that I attended in October last year.  To spend a day with Shane Delia was my lucky prize.  The opening paragraph is what you read, in three languages, when you open the beverage list at St Katherine’s in Kew, owned by Shane Delia and George Calombaris. 

Dining at St Katherine’s was a real treat and an experience I loved.  Upon arrival the team make you feel extremely comfortable.  I was greeted with “Welcome to St Katherine’s, your table is this way”.  Not only was I impressed but also I felt like they knew me.  They of course didn’t as I noted that the staff greeted all of the customers with the same enthusiasm that they greeted me with, like a friend.

Second Course

First Course

St Kat’s is best described as a contemporary modern day bistro with European influences that will suit the entire family. The setting is bright, light, airy and relaxed with the upmost professionalism at all times from the dedicated team.

I was treated to the ‘”When mum feeds me” shared lunch ($40 per person Monday – Friday).  The kitchen brigade created a menu around what was best in the kitchen that day.  This three-course spread of the best on offer that day was incredible.  Every dish was a creation of flavor and passion.  It was filling and very satisfying.

Third Course

Along with the various shared menus St Kat’s also provide al a carte dining and any dietary requirements are well taken care of.  They welcome celebrations as well as more private and intimate dining.

St Kat’s is simply fabulous – you must go there.  There is no way you won’t love it!

St Katherine’s

26 Cotham Road, Kew, Victoria.

(03) 92007 7477

www.stkatherines.com.au

Open

Monday – Friday 12noon – 4pm & 5.30 – 11pm.

Weekends – 11.30am – 4pm & 5.30-11pm.

Seasons Mildura

Seasons Restaurant in Mildura, northwest Victoria, is somewhat of an institution.  As the owners, Andy and Mandy Williams, go into their seventh year of trade it’s clear that their mission is not waning.  Prior to opening they believed that there was a gap in the market between cafe style dining and fine dining in Mildura so they decided to create a place where diners could enjoy a great affordable food, wine and service experience.  They wanted their guests to feel like they were returning to an old friend with the comfort of a warm and relaxed but quality atmosphere.  This set the scene and created the original foundation for their restaurant.

I have dined at Seasons several times over the years and something that remains constant is the passion and professionalism of Andy and Mandy. It’s possibly the reason they are still staying firm and strong in the competitive and sometimes difficult game of owning a restaurant. It is clear that their values are instilled in their team.  You can see that they get on with their job with that same passion and professionalism. 

From the moment of arrival at Seasons you are greeted with open arms and big smiles as you are whisked to your table with the warmest welcome.  The Seasons beverage list is comprehensive, thoughtful and smart.  Andy is to be credited for this.  He has a wide and varied knowledge and understanding of any beverage that might tickle your taste buds.  So if you find it too difficult to make a decision leave it to Andy – you won’t be disappointed.  On this particular night Andy treated the table beside me to a spectacular performance where he conducted ‘sabrage’ with a 'sabre'.  This is the traditional French way to open a bottle of Champagne by slicing the top of the champagne bottle open with a sword.  It was fabulous and the entire room was impressed.

This is what you get to understand about the Seasons menu when you open it – ‘we believe that food in season is food that is best.  When sourcing our produce we give priority to locally grown food, we know the best suppliers, where it comes from and when it’s in season.  This is our privilege.  Our seasonal menu salutes the diversity in Australian cuisine.  The menu is a fusion of modern Australian influences.  Join with friends to share our passion’.  A perfect introduction to the dishes you are about to experience.

Andy's Choice

The menu is broken up into sections – the introduction, the in between, the main event and the sweet afters.  There is also an amazing daily specials board to compliment the delicious seasonal menu.  Kids, vegetarians, gluten free are all really well catered for.  The other area they cater for so wonderfully are the people like me.  The ones who sometimes don’t want to make a decision.  Leave it up to Andy or Mandy and they will arrange something perfect for you from the kitchen.

If you are in Mildura you need to dine at Seasons. Or if you are after a prime steak from the grill Andy and Mandy also run the adjoining restaurant ‘The Spanish Bar and Grill’.  Either way you will be well taken care of and you will enjoy an excellent night.  Make sure you tell Andy and Mandy that I sent you!

Food – 8/10

Service – 8/10

Ambiance – 8/10

Seasons Restaurant

Corner Langtree Avenue and Seventh Street, Mildura.

Phone – 5021 2377

www.seasonsmildura.com.au