RECAP: MATILDA 159 DOMAIN LAUNCH, SOUTH YARRA
Chef Scott Pickett (the mastermind behind Melbourne dining gems Saint Crispin and Estelle by Scott Pickett) has unveiled his latest restaurant, Matilda 159 Domain, and it's a real stunner. The South Yarra eatery doesn't hold anything back when it comes to its super sleek interior and exciting, mouthwatering flavours inspired by an open flame and hot coals.
Matilda 159 Domain makes its mark as soon as you step foot into the venue; there's the gorgeous timber hues for your eyes to take in but more prominent yet are the smoky aromas from the open grills. Cue the drool. Morsels like the chargrilled octopus (which I'm not usually a fan of - tentacles don't sit too well with me) and smoked spanner crab with prawn butter on flat bread highlighted the magic of fire and char in making the natural flavours of fresh produce sing. Seafood options sans torching were also in abundance, with guests enjoying fresh oysters with finger lime, scallops and tartlets of salmon roe and bonito cream. Fire also carried through to desserts with a Glenora rhubarb tart with burnt custard and lemon verbena and torched meringues among other sweets to end the evening on a sweeter note.
With Melbourne's biting cold winter well and truly underway, Scott Pickett's latest addition to the dining sphere is quite the welcome addition. There's of course the guaranteed toasty warmth from the open flames but your taste buds will also have one mighty fine time with the menu.
Matilda 159
159 Domain Rd,
South Yarra, Victoria, 3141.
(03) 9089 6668
Disclosure: I attended the launch as a guest of Matilda 159 Domain. All opinions expressed in this post are based entirely on my experience and observations made during the time of my visit.