Monday, November 17, 2014

Tutto Bene, Southbank (by invitation), by Obelix

It's The Age Good Food Month and the Southgate precinct are part of the festivities. To celebrate, the restaurants in Southgate (Hophaus; Amarok Bar & Restaurant; Artusi; Bluetrain; PJ O'Briens; La Camera; Red Emporer; Tutto Bene; The Deck and BearBrass) are serving up their favourite Signature Dish along with a matching glass of wine or beer or cocktail from $15 - $35 for the month of November.

Southgate precinct has had a rehaul of late with new venues opening, refurbishments and new chefs at some of the restaurants, so it's definitely a place to check out or revisit. I was very lucky to be invited to sample the signature dish at Tutto Bene.  It was a lovely dining on the shaded balcony taking in the view of the Yarra River, the promenade below and the city skyline.


The staff were very attentive and friendly - our waters were kept topped up and offers of more warm fresh bread were frequent.  We kicked things off with the said bread - crusty on the outside and warm in the middle, olive oil for dipping and a few juicy olives.


My friend P, wanted it to be known that the green olives were particularly fine.


The signature dish package came with a matching wine.  In this case it was a glass of Te Mata chardonnay, Hawkes Bay, NZ.  Chin-chin!


Tutto Bene's signature dish itself was the Granchio Risotto.  This was a spanner crab risotto with tomato and chilli.  It was soooo flavoursome and seafoody. There were chunks of crab dispersed through the rice and the chilli gave it a nice kick without being overwhelmingly fiery.  


The rice itself was probably a bit too al dente compared to what I am used to.  But overall it was a lovely dish matched very well wine served in a very scenic setting.  The signature dish package of the risotto and the matching wine is $35.


We finished off with a latte and a cup of tea (not included in the signature dish package).







Verdict - we liked it a lot!

Overall
Tutto Bene has one of the best seats in the house for a scenic view over the Yarra and the city skyline and for people watching (for those inclined!).  The service was friendly and attentive.  This is a wonderful place for a meal after shopping and exploring the Southgate precinct.

Tutto Bene on Urbanspoon

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