Carrot Cake

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Beatrix – North Melbourne – Saturday 26 September 2015 – Dessert

Pistachio lemon curd layer cake and carrot cake

Pistachio lemon curd layer cake and carrot cake

It was not mere coincidence we were back in North Melbourne a week after last visiting. That time we decided to go a little out of our way following another great trip to Pope Joan, to Dolcetti, on the border with West Melbourne. During that adventure a close friend and local of many years told us we had to try Beatrix.

It played on our mind that there was a popular cake place that we hadn’t tried, and so began our walk from the back of Richmond one week later. After a bit over seven kilometres we had a tremendous appetite. As we walked up Queensberry it got quieter and quieter and then on a non-descript corner we found what we were searching for.

Beatrix is a tiny corner shop that is a temple to cakes and associated paraphernalia. It is one of those lines that even if many metres longer you would still be deciding and strategising your choice at the counter. Today is described as “quiet” but there is still a line, and most chairs of all varieties are taken.

When we get to the counter it is decision time and we feel it was a great choice and a good choice (though looking around at the pleasure on faces of all ages there were no bad choices). The pistachio lemon curd layer cake is exceptional. If there was a prize for perfect balance of acidity and sweetness, this would win it. Every mouthful was amazing and the next time around we’ll be ordering it again.

The carrot cake was very good, but given we were eating both at the same time, was completely outshone by its sibling. As carrot cakes go it was very good, but we were looking for enlightenment, which might need a reset of our expectations!

My coffee was okay and I’m not even sure why at a place doing such an amazing job on the cake making that I expected better. Next time I’ll join Catherine with a tea. While the staff are busy, they clear tables quickly and are friendly, even when waiting for pesky people like us who are still deciding once at the counter.

It is not beyond the realms of possibility that this could quickly become a favourite where we’ve tried all the cakes available over a few months. It’s funny but there is not a lot of competition in such a classic arena. These are not the intricate cakes of a patisserie like Zumbo, or Chez Dre, but they are classical, incredibly delicious, and definitely extraordinary.

Beatrix Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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Saxon + Parole – Bowery, New York – Saturday 25 October 2014 – Dinner

40oz ribeye with bone marrow béarnaise

40oz ribeye with bone marrow béarnaise

Early reservations is something I do so regularly that there is a good proposition I’m going to have a smooth transition into my older years. Normally it is to secure a booking or have time to go out later. This time I’m second guessing myself as we walk through a pumping bar area and front dining room to an almost completely empty room at the back.

The four of us sit down and by the time we’ve ordered some drinks and are having a chat reading the menu, the back dining room at Saxon + Parole is pretty much full and the second guessing is gone. It seems the airconditioning is either on (freezing) or off (okay) rather than temperature controlled, but that will be my one and only criticism of the entire evening. Food, wine, service, and company, could not have been better for our catch up and celebration with friends.

Oysters

Oysters

The menu is focussed on meat options for entrée and several modern starters that can be easily shared, including an impressive list of oysters. That is what takes my fancy and I try two sets of three from different places on the East Coast that produce smaller, more flavoursome, and less creamy varieties. They are so good I forget to even once try the vinegar, lemon or chilli accompaniments. The others try tuna tartare and grilled octopus which is definitely enjoyed.

Grilled octopus & calamari, potatoes, celery, lemon, chili spice, capers

Grilled octopus & calamari, potatoes, celery, lemon, chili spice, capers

There is an option for a 40 ounce rib eye that we all immediately want to try, so entrée is sorted. While the rib eye is $140, it comes with several sides of potatoes, salad, mushrooms and a rich bone marrow béarnaise. The rib eye, cooked medium rare, and chargrilled perfectly, just tasted incredible. Add some of the béarnaise and the flavour was turned up a further notch. It was serious steak heaven. Even greater a match was a ripper of a Chianti by Pacina, which had the earthy nose I love, leading to savoury, tobacco notes and a fine but rich berry, lingering on the palate.

Carrot cake

Carrot cake

Carrot cake is something I’ve rarely had for dessert outside of family get togethers at relatives houses as a child. Just like me, the carrot cake at S+P is all grown up! Absolutely divine is the best way I can think to describe it. Even Alana who doesn’t really eat dessert, thought it was amazing. Georg ordered the deconstructed cheese cake, which was tasty, but we expected something completely different.

Eggnog cheesecake

Eggnog cheesecake

It was one of those meals that had highlights that you do not forget quickly. When I hear ribeye and carrot cake I’m sure I’ll think of Saxon + Parole in years to come.

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