I was rather excited when we were invited to attend the launch of Archie Green Restaurant + Bar. I used to work just off Flinders Lane near Katherine Place and it’s amazing the change in the area; it’s now full of fabulous eateries and I think Archie Green Restaurant + Bar will add even further to that!
Smoked carrot
The design has been beautifully thought out and implemented. I love the idea of the banquet seats and table seating, and how it’s divided from the bar by lush greenery in black, vertical semi-industrial shelving. The interior is sophisticated and smooth with some interest added by a lovely mural, green plants and an Archie Green sign at the back.
At the launch there was a DJ mixing some tunes, and behind another divider, a large dining table that was used for wine tasting on the night. I’m not a wine drinker, but if the divine luxurious French champagne I sampled is any indication I’m sure they’re well chosen.
The canned punch of strawberry, muscat and gin, was a quirky and yummy opener and served in style!
I also loved the canned mixed olives - there’s just something a little special about good food served a little differently!
There were plenty of delicious nibbles. The sweet, savoury, rich, heavenly five spice doughnut with a smooth chicken liver parfait filling was divine. The flavours and textures made them little bites of bliss! I may have searched out a second one!
In a similar vein, and just as well-executed was the en croute pork and duck pate. It was served with a slightly sour little relish and a touch of sweetness. Another delicious morsel. I would go back to Archie Green just for those two dishes!
The little spoons of, I think, king fish with tomato were nicely balanced. The tomato had that rich sweetness of well-cooked tomato that makes you think of hot summer days and it was a great combination.
The smoked fish on crusty toast were a textural delight, rounded out by a a dark lovely sweet balsamic reduction. The fish had a firm texture with a good bite, and the smoked flavour was subtle.
The three textures of pumpkin with egg yolk on lettuce was sweet.
The pigs cheek croquette with squid ink mayo was another crunchy carby bite that hit the spot. Again a great combination of textures and tastes.
I’m a bit of a sucker for crispy skinned pork belly - this one with smoked eggplant, grapefruit and jalapeños didn’t let me down. That crack as you bite through the crunch! The grapefruit segment and jalapeños cut through the richness of the pork and smoked eggplant.
The meat course, slow-cooked lamb, arrived in the room rather spectacularly with smoking rosemary infusing through the room!
White chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich with passion fruit
Banana with shredded pastry and peanut butter ice cream
The white chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich with passion fruit was good but the banana with shredded pastry and peanut butter ice cream was an absolute winner, and I don’t actually like banana! The soft, warm, buttery banana, enrobed in layers of crispy pastry, much like kadayif pastry, had a lovely mouth feel and just made me happy!
The still-warm from the oven Madeleines in plain, chocolate and matcha were also good.
Verdict
We loved it.
Mid value.
Overall
A beautifully designed and out-fitted new bar and restaurant in a thriving laneway. The food was deliciously moreish - I would do quite a few things just to be able to devour another chicken liver parfait doughnut. The drinks are lovely and the place has a gorgeous vibe. The breakfast menu also look rather enticing - especially the triple cheese and bacon toast and the swimmer crab scrambled eggs!
The Eat and Be Merry Crew were guests of Archie Green Restaurant + Bar.
Find it at
Archie Green Restaurant + Bar
10 Katherine Place
Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9448 9770
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