Longrain, Melbourne CBD by Kit Kat

We visited Longrain with its beautiful mix of trendy yet traditional Thai dishes; which was only fitting given it was the last day of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival. On entering the restaurant we were greeted by a wall of green tile fish scales (possibly indicative of a food staple dominating the restaurant’s menu?); another similar themed wall was located towards (in front of) the kitchen.

Our choice for lunch was from the set menu with a choice between two entrees, two mains and two deseerts. The deal: a choice of either 2 courses & a glass of wine for $35, or 3 courses and a glass of wine for $45. We went for 2 courses and the glass of wine and we weren't disappointed.

We were promptly attended by staff from the time we were shown our seats to the time we left the restaurant. The restaurant was busy for a Tuesday though we put this down to the last day of the food and wine festival. It would seem on first appearance that Longrain attracts mainly the corporate clientele, though, taking into account the delightful decor of hardwood tables, medium to low lighting depending on where you are seated, there are a few corners that would seem suited to a romantic dinner date.


The wait for our food wasn’t long, the entrees arriving about 20 minutes after we ordered. We were impressed that a different waiter to the one that took our order knew who ordered which dish. The entree was probably a little big for an entree and having chicken at all as an entree dish was a bit out of the ordinary. But wonderful combinations of BBQ flavour with chilli, mint and coriander.

Then came the mains and eventually, the steamed rice. The only downside was waiting for the rice; when it didn't arrive around 5 or so minutes after the main, we thought that it had been forgotten and reminded a passing waiter.


Green fish curry


Yellow lamb curry

Both the mains were curries; one, a green curry (fish) and the other a yellow curry (lamb) and both bursting with flavour. I was a little disappointed to discover though that the yellow curry was smaller than the entree. On the flip side, the lamb was very tender.


Last of all came our dessert. An appropriate serving size and not too rich or heavy so that you weren’t left feeling overly full. I experienced my very first tapioca, which I am now quite fond of and will be on the lookout for next time I’m at a Thai restaurant. It was served with a scoop of very refreshing pine lime sorbet.



Overall
I am familiar with the old adage of “quality over quantity”; I think in the case of Longrain this is partially true. Considering the price, I would have liked to have seen a slightly more generous serving of the yellow curry; however, the size of the dishes may have had something to do with the Restaurant Express offer. I suspect that this will not be my last visit to Longrain; an enjoyable culinary experience.

Verdict
Food - 8
Ambience - 8
Service - 7
Price - 7

Address
44 Little Bourke Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
Ph: 03 9671 3151