WELCOME!

Welcome to Melbourne Foodie. The blogspace of a young foodie with a passion for cooking, fine dining and quality food and produce. Melbourne Foodie, along with the other sources I write for is my way of casually expressing and recording some of the experiences I have had for others to enjoy. I always welcome any feedback, comments or restaurant suggestions you may have and would love to hear from you soon.

MUST VISIT SOON: Livingroom, Hare & Grace

MOST RECENT FEASTINGS: Pei Modern, Sarti, PM24, Vue de Monde

BLOG OF THE MOMENT: I Eat Therefore I Am

Happy eating,
Jon!




Saturday, April 26, 2008
Giuseppe Arnaldo & Sons (revisited)
Last week I returned to Giuseppe Arnaldo and Sons for another casual dinner, eager to try more of the menu. Unfortunately I made the mistake of turning up just before 7PM (it seems that this is a little late to get a table at GA&S). I am initially offered a seat at the bar, but turn it down opting to wait for a table. I am told they would have something within 30-45 minutes. Well - come 8:30PM I am finally seated and once again look forward to my meal. I understand that restaurants cannot really predict how long each guest will stay for, so I don't hold this against them, but it is something to bare in mind if you plan on eating here as they do not take bookings.

I start the meal off with some of the amazing salumi: this time I choose the enzo ($10), another soft variety that is one of the best I have eaten. The slices are generous and the meat just melts away in the mouth and has such a beautiful mild flavour. Every last bite is savoured. I am surprised that more guests are not trying the range of cured meats: the quality is sensational; something you simply cannot pick up at your local deli.


For mains it was a tough choice whether to order meat, or a pasta. I decided on the latter option and go for the Papardelle with a wild boar ragu ($23): The pasta is cooked al dente (although probably a tad too firm for my liking) and the ragyu is rich with tender pieces of braised boar meat. It has a fairly simple composition, but is a good dish, finished well with a shaving of fresh pecorino. The dish is indicative of the general theme here: simple food that is done really well. The sort of stuff you may be able to cook yourself, but don't have the time or patience to do so.


I have it on good authority that the crumbed pork cutlet, and eggplant "parmigiano" are both very good. I plan on trying both on my next visit. I am also still waiting to try the "Zuppa Inglese" as well, which is only available to be shared amongst two or more. I was set to return with friends earlier this week, but not in the mood to wait around we decided to head down to the Bistro Guillaume bar, where we enjoyed a stunning dinner.

To finish the meal at GA&S my waiter recommends some of their chocolates ($10). Happy to be surprised I let him choose. I receive a chocolate and hazelnut block which is extra smooth. Far superior to most of the commercial chocolate we consume in this country. Along with a good espresso it was a very pleasant way to end the meal.


The overall experience at GA&S is a really good one, with reliable home-style Italian cooking at prices reasonable enough to keep its punters coming back for more. I am adjusting my score a little though as service can nod on and off when busy. My waiter must be given full credit though for doing his best to attend to everyones needs, whilst clearly run off his feet. It was also a little dissapointing to see empty tables remain uncleared for over 20 minutes, knowing that there was a long queue of people outside eager to eat.

MY RATING: 15/20 - Food 7.5/10 Ambience 4/5 Service 3.5/5

Giuseppe Arnaldo & Sons has previously been reviewed by Melbourne Foodie here

Labels: ,


  posted at 5:23 PM  
  9 comments



9 Comments:
At April 26, 2008 at 6:09 PM, Blogger thanh7580 said...

I love cured meats of any variety. I think most people didn't order it because cured meats are something they think they can get from the deli and not pay top price for it at a restaurant. But as you say Jon, you won't be able to get that quality at the deli.

A 1.5 hour wait is quite long. I would have been faint from hunger by then. I have decided that I don't like the no reservation rule they have.

 
At April 26, 2008 at 10:29 PM, Blogger Desci said...

I must say, I'm also not a fan of the 'no reservation' policies popping up around town. I'll finally be trying Longrain with a friend in the next week, so I'll see how it goes in practice!

 
At April 28, 2008 at 2:25 PM, Blogger Adski said...

I can't wait to check out GA&S, the food sounds and looks great! Especially after visiting North Bondi Italian Food, it's great to have a little sister restaurant here in Melbourne, even if it is at the dreaded Crown Casino. You can't beat the view looking down Bondi Beach! Ok... maybe Aria's view beats that, by just a smidge.

 
At April 29, 2008 at 10:38 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

How bizarre to receive a block of chocolate as the dessert?!? Did it come unwrapped?

Nice post though. My mouth is watering and I can't wait to try them out.

 
At April 30, 2008 at 11:03 AM, Blogger Jon! said...

thanks for your comments guys. it was served wrapped. i unwrapped it for the photo.

 
At May 18, 2008 at 1:13 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

When you say (as you do here) that you've already reviewed a place, you should provide the link, so that I don't have to search around for the original review.

Thanks for the write-up.

 
At May 18, 2008 at 5:10 PM, Blogger Jon! said...

Thanks for your feedback anon. If you click on the sidebar links it will generally take you to all the reviews of each restaurant, but I will definitely try and link to past reviews and update the blog as I get the chance.

 
At June 27, 2008 at 10:49 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous - very disappointed. Very pushy staff. Menu was the most confusing I've ever seen in my entire life. Not flexible with menu & to even state this on the menu is ridiculous. 1st time, never again. Food quality is below average. If you're looking for weird, expensive & bland, your headed in the right direction. Big & poshly set in a good location yet very bad service & quality.

 
At April 8, 2009 at 1:30 PM, Blogger Maree said...

I absolutely adore this place- I love the meats- in fact I coulkd just do cured meats and cheeses for lunch- seems a waste not to try everything- as I 've been there a couple of times and it always seems to be different. We weren't that fussed with their pasta dishes- but their meat dishes are divinne- I had a lamb cacciatore there once with King Island lamb- to die for!
Agree the evening no bookings policy is annoying- but this is a great place to duck in for a luscious lunch- have never had problems at lunchtime...

 

Post a Comment

<< Home



About Me


Name: Jon!

Thanks for visiting Melbourne Foodie. I hope you enjoy reading about my personal culinary journeys of Melbourne and beyond. Happy eating!

My Complete Profile

Rate Melbourne Foodie!
Like my posts? Vote up my buzz at Foodbuzz

Need a Professional, Customised Resume?
Jon from Melbourne Foodie is a Professional CV Writer.
  • Alpha Resumes

  • Search This Blog

    Copyright

    Recent Posts

    Blog Archives

    Post Topics

    Favourite Food Blogs

    More Foodie Blogs

    Miscellaneous

    Credits
    Blog Design by:


    Powered by:
    Blogger

    Photos from:
    istockphoto