Jishan Garden, St Kilda Road

It was a rainy and cold night when we ventured up to Jishan Garden along St Kilda Road, CBD for dinner. The restaurant has been opened for a few years but it was our first visit to the establishment. We rarely stop at this stretch of St Kilda Road because the location is not great for parking and there are not many reason to stop by. 

The restaurant is housed in a grand old house of yesteryear, but still in great condition. I love historic structures and we spent quite a few moments admiring the statues of unnamed Greek goddesses, the architecture of the building and the latest additions of swings, little dining pavilions on the grounds. 

Inside, we were welcomed warmly by the waitstaff into a private nook with a bamboo curtain separating our table from the other diners. The table was already laid out for us with custom porcelain ware, including disposable chopstick tips. I find the latter such a good idea to reduce waste. 

We ordered Bang Bang Chicken with Truffle ($22.80). This is a cold entree. The chicken was poached and dressed with a delicious truffle sauce which we lapped up. 

This is my favourite dish the Signature Sweet and Sour fish. I'd forgotten the price but the menu on their website shows $58.80 for sweet and sour wild blue cod. The fish bone is removed, the fish cut in criss cross fashion then deep fried and doused with a sweet and sour sauce. It takes real skill to be able to make this dish. I enjoyed the crispy yet tender fish meat.

We also ordered the Spicy Dry Wagyu Beef ($26.80). The waitperson warned us that it will be very spicy, so we asked them to tone the spiciness level down but it was still quite pleasantly spicy! I cannot imagine how spicy the original dish would have been. The wagyu beef is tender but because of the spice it is to be taken in moderation. 

 The restaurant decor is beautiful, there is even a guzheng or Chinese zither on display. When I stopped to marvel at the instrument, the waitperson kindly invited me to take a picture playing the instrument. Of course, I do not know how to play the zither but I jumped at the chance to be pictured pretending to play. In ancient China, the zither is associated with gentlewomen from rich families (and I imagine, pretty too!). After all, only those from a rich family can afford the time and cost to do anything other than work in the fields for a living in the ancient times. 

Jishan Garden offers chinese style high tea as well and it would be lovely to revisit when the weather is a little warmer and sit outdoors.

Tansy's, Kyneton

Tansy's is one of the best restaurants in Kyneton. It is a small place, only a few tables manned by the chef whose restaurant bears her name and a sommelier. We would not have known about this place until Gaz's friend who is a big foodie recommended we try it during our visit to Kyneton in April. 

I was told that Tansy's kitchens were where big name chefs receive their training in French cooking. Later, she relocated to Kyneton from Melbourne to open a new restaurant in her home.

Reservations fly out the door quickly so we were happy to be able to have lunch here. There is only a set menu, $80 for entrees and main, or add another $20 for dessert to make it 3 courses.

There are 2 choices per course. I chose the sardines in romesco sauce. The sardines were so fresh and nicely grilled.

Three cheese souffle was a bit rich but came with some salad to lighten up the dish.

Seafood in saffron sauce as the main dish. Saffron sauce was so good, earthy and distinct flavour. I have finally tasted some good saffron! I used to think saffron didn't have much taste. The seafood was cooked so nicely.

Duck, polenta in spiced sauce. Our introduction to Pedro Ximenez a Spanish sherry which John so kindly described to us and even gave us a sample. We liked it so much that Gaz bought a bottle when we returned to Melbourne.

 This was a Michelin starred food experience. We enjoyed talking to John about the food and sherry and even waved goodbye to Tansy's.  The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious. What a wonderful experience!