My food hunt indeed went to an interesting range that originally wanted to make a reservation at Estelle (now had change to Estelle Bistro) which the kitchen this young chap is part of the team by Young Chef of the Year 2015 – Josh Pelham, also was one of the guest chef in Masterchef Australia 2015 and did not even realise that my best friend Enmi found out that they have new section which is Estelle by Scott Pickett (another new section which establish not that long that lead by chef Scott Pickett himself which he got nominated as Chef of the Year 2014). What got her excited is that they got degustation menu under his belt.
The seven-course degustation-only menu is $130 with an option Wine Pairing. . I am not going to elaborate much about the food as their menu do change from time to time (which I realise the menu I dine and now – September and I look at their website, the menu had changed.)
Estelle is more like a casual modern dining in Northcote neighbourhood and neither did I know that Scott Pickett by Estelle is just next door that totally will transport you into whole new dimension.
Walking into a fine dining restaurant that you do feel it is a contemporary fine dining restaurant with its dim lighting and best of all they have open concept kitchen with bar seating.
For starter, you will be serve with 2 version of their homemade bread that is serve fresh from the oven along with their homemade butter.
Their ham bread is amazing, aromatic, warm and I do not mind to have a few more.
Chef Scott Pickett leading the kitchen for tonight degustation menu and also surprise to see Chef Josh Pelham along in this kitchen. To me it is like 2 super star in one kitchen and what can you expect? Good food to come along the night.
Was told that they specially crafted their cutleries with an E in their utensils.
All the chef that pay attention to each details of the meals is quite impressive by using different kind of cutleries to do all the necessary platting.
Then for each dish, the chef in charge will introduce the dish to us and explain what is in it.
I am not too sure if this blue cheeze platter with poached pear is offer in the degustation new menu and however this is a bomb. Love their cheeze which is aromatic, not too thick cut yet the middle is with blue cheeze which is not that strong in taste to pair along with their fresh home made biscuiti .
Palate cleanser with a hint of chili at the end. Indeed refreshing and interesting flavours.
One of the best desserts in my Melbourne trip by far.
Manage to take picture with Chef Josh Pelham
It was exciting to see both chef in action and got serve by Chef Josh Pelham himself is indeed amazing. Glad that my best friend book this place which I have to thank her.
Its a great restaurant to hunt for and indeed lift my expectation on both of them with amazing presentation of food and food quality is there. I wish that their bar seating dining could be slightly more spacious as it was too tight and hard to eat at times with the server need to pour drinks that I literally have to squeeze myself some space for them.
However AUD130 is well spent and if got the chance I would certainly love to be back.
Location:
Estelle by Scott Pickett (ESP)
245 High Street, Northcote, VIC
Website: http://estellebysp.com
Contact: (03) 9489 4609
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday evenings from 6pm til late; Friday noon-3pm.