EAT: TULIP BAR & RESTAURANT, GEELONG VICTORIA
Lucky for me and my westside roots, Geelong is one of my favourite regional Victorian getaway spots that is only a stone’s throw away from home. We recently made the short trip down one weekend for a little bit of sightseeing and much eating at hatted Tulip Bar & Restaurant.
The well-rounded flavour and texture combinations in each of the dishes left quite the tasty impression. Case and point with the goats cheese and beetroot; neither of which I’m particularly a fan of but together worked their magic on the taste buds. Other highlights of our meal included the salted kangaroo and poached King Salmon, both of which were sensationally silky (a testament to their freshness, quality and preparation), and their natural flavours lifted by the ingredient pairings. We didn’t have the room for dessert, supposedly, but the waiter managed to convince us to order one to share. The chocolate dessert is popular with diners, but we decided to go the less decadent route given how full we were feeling. And after trying one bite of the soft milk cake, we were VERY glad that he convinced us to dig deep for dessert. The milk cake was airy light, and complemented by fresh strawberries, cubes of jelly bursting with raspberry jelly and crispy caramelised pastry. The best was definitely saved for last, with Tulip Bar & Restaurant’s take on a strawberry and cream dessert nailed to perfection.
MENU
Goats cheese, beetroot, quinoa crisp and black garlic
Duck pate, duck crisp, date and jamon floss
Salted kangaroo with parmesan, anchovy, capers and saltbush
Cured fish with blood orange, fennel and wasabi
Poached King Salmon, with grilled cucumber, lovage and mussel cream
Soft milk cake with organic cream, strawberries, raspberry jelly and caramelised pastry
Tulip Bar & Restaurant
9/111 Pakington St,
Geelong, Victoria, 3218.
+61 3 5229 6953