When in Oz

From regular reading of our blog, you’ve probably gathered the fact that we like to eat.  But more than that, we’re slowly but surely making our way into eating more natural and organic…or, at the very least, trying to figure out what that all means.

Rockpool Bar & Grill, on Melbourne’s Southbank, promised to be a must-eat-treat for those looking for a fine-dining experience and who are conscientious of what they’re eating and from where it originates.

According to the website, “Rockpool Bar & Grill Melbourne was inspired by the great steakhouses of North America. With an uncompromising focus on excellent produce – in particular the meat program – beef sourced from only Australia’s very best producers, an outstanding wine list and sharp and enthusiastic service, this is a dining venue that offers a refined yet relaxed experience…the menu is simple and uncomplicated, the room luxurious.”

Everything from the ambiance to the customized daily menus made it feel like a fine-dining experience.

Our waitress was very knowledgeable about the menu, including the over-50-page wine list.

The only disappointment is the fact that the food was (in my humble estimation) over-priced.  My dad had a steak, which was prepared a perfect medium-rare, but lacked the tenderness we anticipated.  My hunch is that our American tastebuds are so used to Midwest beef that it just wasn’t quite what we expected.

Ryan had the Grilled Coorong Yellow Eyed Mullet with Tomato Confit, Olive and Basil Dressing which was good…just good.

I had the Wood-fired rotisserie chicken with Tuscan bread salad.

This was probably the best of all three dishes.  The chicken was tender and the salad was not too heavy but still filling.  I was, however, slightly disenchanted when I found the exact recipe on the Rockpool blog and realized I could’ve made the same thing at home (to serve 4) for way less than $39 (for one).

Bottom line: You pay for the name, the ambiance, the great service, and knowing that what you’re eating has been raised and procured ethically and responsibly.  Just don’t expect to be blown away by the food…perhaps just the prices.