The Hunter's Kitchen at Lucky Penny

Now, we all know Lucky Penny as the bright and air space coated in fresh white brick walls, warmed up with furnishings of pale wood, tanned leather and soft lighting. Vintage modernism vibes coupled with quality coffee and an all-day breakfast menu full of flavour and variety. But did you know about their exciting winter dinner concept, The Hunter's Kitchen ?

Created by Head Chef Jason Chan,The Hunter's Kitchen concept focuses on home style, sharing dishes, inspired by traditional Nordic, Scandinavian and Viking food. Yup, that's right, the ultimate winter comfort food to warm the heart.

Thinly Sliced Rare Wagyu, cauliflower, mustard, freeze dried horseradish

Cured Salmon, celriac puree, cornichons, dill, celery leaves, salmon roe, rye

Bannockburn Free Range Farmhouse Chicken, bacon, roast celery and kale chips

Slow Cooked Venison, venison sausage, confit red cabbage, spiced pear chutney

Inspired by the traditional Danish snack smørrebrød, we started our Viking feast with the Cured Salmon and Thinly Sliced Rare Wagyu, followed by the hearty Slow Cooked Venison and Bannockburn Free Range Farmhouse Chicken served on heavy cast iron pans. Oh man, the most succulent chicken smothered with smooth creamy potato studded with salty bacon bits, roast celery and crispy kale chips. Hands down, the favourite of the night.

Roast Beetroot and Rhubarb with buffalo mozzarella 

 Burnt Broccoli, brown rice, currants, almonds

Complementing the heavier dishes, we enjoyed a smokey Burnt Broccoli Salad with nutty brown rice, sweet earthy currants and crunchy almonds together with a Roasted Beetroot and Rhubarb Salad with soft buffalo mozzarella.

Glühwein (Mulled Wine)

Blueberry and Elderflower Crumble with vanilla ice cream

Warm saffron cake with treacle sauce and ice cream

Our eyes sparkled as the traditional Nordic inspired delights came around. We satisfied each and every sweet tooth with the Blueberry and Elderflower Crumble, and demolished the most decadent Safrron Cake with treacle sauce and ice cream. Hmmm... hot and cold, hot and cold.

Let me just say, the food and drinks at The Hunter's Kitchen is exactly what you need tot cozy up in the chilly days this season. Get lucky.

confessions of a little piggy was invited to dine as a guest of Lucky Penny

Lucky Penny

481 Chapel Street

Prahran, VIC

http://www.theluckypenny.com.au/

 

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Mountain of Bears

Ormond locals rejoice ! From the dream team behind Manchester Press and Loco Coffee comes Mountain of Bears, bringing Melbourne's most beloved bagels and coffee to your neighbourhood. 

You'll find this humble little cafe tucked away in an arcade adjacent to Ormond train station. The bright and airy space is fitted out with polished timber furnishings, hanging plants and accents of yellow that would brighten up anyone's day.

Serving up 8oz coffee, refreshing salads and all things bagels, you really can't go wrong here. From toasted bagels with hummus, salted silver beets, grilled mushrooms, fresh avo and poached eggs to a New York open bagel with BBQ pulled pork, there is something for all. For a lighter option, there's the Chia Pudding with banana and coconut milk porridge topped with orange yoghurt, fresh strawberries and walnuts. Then there's hearty rustic stews of slow cooked brisket and root vegetables with a side of chilli salsa to warm the soul.

Pumpkin and Goats Cheese Smash Open Bagel 

The Pumpkin and Goats Cheese Smash Open Bagel was completely…smashing. The subtle flavour of pumpkin was amped up with smooth and creamy goats cheese, resting comfortably on a bed of fresh spinach leaves, smoked capsicum and onions. With added eggs for extra protein of course ! Plus, there are studies that prove that pumpkins are a happy food. Smiles all around I tell you.

Pastrami Open Bagel 

After something a little meatier, my friend decided on the Pastrami Open Bagel. Now won't you just take a look at those slices of tender pastrami served with a crunchy salad of cos, cucumber, capsicum, onion, carrot, tomato, caramelised onion and horseradish mayo.

Mama Bears Salad 

My other brunch buddy went for Mama Bears Salad, a nutritious salad packed with kale, kidney beans, goji berries, buckwheat, onion, cucumber and tomato drizzled in balsamic vinaigrette. Topped with sexy folds of smoked salmon and a perfectly poached egg of course. 

So what are you waiting for ? Climb the mountain and meet the bears.

confessions of a little piggy was invited to dine as a guest of Mountain of Bears

Mountain of Bears
556 North Road
Ormond, VIC
http://www.mountainofbears.com

 

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The Green at St Columbs

Located in the former chapel at the St Columbs church, The Green at St Columbs is the latest wholesome, community-minded project from Jesuit Social Services. Interior by ZWEI, coffee by Code Black Coffee and a modern, all-day menu crafted by Head Chef Kevin Dick (ex Cutler & Co. and St. Ali North) ? It's all exciting stuff.

Skinny Flat White

Salmon Gnocchi and Eggs

The hot smoked salmon fillet was beautifully cooked, rich and packed with flavour, working wonderfully with a pair of oozy poached eggs. Served on a bed of horseradish yoghurt, golden pillows of pan fried potato gnocchi and a crusty slice of sourdough made this dish a substantial meal. 

Middle Eastern Vegetarian Braise

On the other end of the table, my friend picked the Middle Eastern Vegetarian Braise with poached eggs and toast - a warm and hearty feed for a cozy brunch on a winter's day.

Fig Jam Doughnut

To skip dessert at The Green would have been a crime, with their boastful display of house-made cakes and pastries glistening from behind the glass counter. Their fig jam doughnuts were absolutely gorgeous - think fluffy pastries injected with luscious fig jam that sugar-coated our lips with each bite.

Brunching whilst simultaneously helping The Green at St Columb's mission of building a just society where people can live to their full potential ? Why wouldn't you. 

confessions of a little piggy was invited to dine as a guest of The Green at St Columbs

The Green at St Columbs
5 St Columbs Street
Hawthorn, VIC

 

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