Ex-Ramsay Chef creates new school British classics for Hooked Fish and Chipper

Raymond Good has been bringing sustainable and healthy options to Melbourne’s fish and chip scene since he opened up his first Hooked on Chapel St in 2006. Now he is bringing the classics.

Neale White of Flinders Lane’s lauded Papa Goose and ex-chef of Gordon Ramsay has teamed up with Good to craft a new winter menu inspired by classic British comfort food. 

The menu now features warming classics such as minted smashed peas, smoked fish croquettes, panko crumbed prawns in a basket (a la quintessential British 70’s pub food; 'scampi in a basket’), and a crowd favourite, fish and scallop pie. 

With the new menu comes a sea-change of sorts with a relaunch as Hooked – Fish & Chipper, a nod to Ray’s British heritage and his uncle Johnny’s ‘chippy’ by the English seaside where Ray spent his summers as a little nipper.

Warm, flavoursome, comforting and delicious - these dishes are ‘new school British classics’ unique to the booming fish and chip scene and unique to Melbourne.

Grilled blue grenadier, rice and salad

Available for both dine in and take away, daily fish specials (e.g. certified-sustainable blue grenadier, snapper, salmon and barramundi) are sourced from the market and cooked fresh to order, while the store’s famous potato chips are hand cut by the kitchen. 

Fish and Scallop Pie 

The hand cut chips were addictively good - beautifully crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The scallop pie was full of flavour and boasted buttery crumbly pastry while the minted pea mash was wonderfully seasoned.

English Sticky Date Pudding 

​T​he sticky date pudding was wonderfully ​light and fluffy​. It was​​ ​an​ exemplary ​​​execution of the classic dessert​. D​ecadently coated in copious amounts of ​rich butterscotch sauce, it was an absolute treat.

What Hooked does, it does well. The new winter menu inspired by classic British comfort food is a welcome addition to loyal punters and fresh foodies.

Locations: Prahran, Fitzroy, Hawthorn

Link: http://www.hookedfishandchipper.com.au/

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Hooked Fish and Chipper.

Bababoi Kitchen & Bar

One of the few restaurants in Melbourne to serve Peranakan or Nyonya cuisine, Bababoi stands out from the crowd with offerings that really pack a flavour punch.

The Nyonya cuisine is a Malaysian cuisine which combines Chinese, Malay and other influences into a unique blend resulting in dishes that are tangy, aromatic, spicy and herbal.

The menu is extensive with something to suit everyone - From well-known crowd pleasers like their 5 spice marinated chicken to authentic Nyonya dishes like the Ayam buah keluak which is not served anywhere else in Melbourne. 

The food boasts beautiful flavour courtesy of the house made rempah (a blend of fresh spices which are ground together) that are meticulously prepared.

Lobak 

Our dinner commenced with a plate of Lobak from their “Something Light” section of the menu. The Lobak is a mixture of ground up lean pork, water chestnuts and herbs wrapped in a beancurd skin which has been steamed and then pan fried until crisp. The crispy beancurd exterior, juicy interior and salty-sweet chilli sauce makes for an excellent appetiser. 

Tamarind pulled pork (a.k.a. babi assam)

A dish of pulled pork with hints of tangy tamarind, the dish displayed a depth and complexity in flavour and had a lovely hint of tangy sweetness that complemented the overall savouriness of the dish. 

Nyonya chicken curry (a.k.a. ayam kapitan)

This classic Malaysian chicken curry was a stand out. Boasting creamy coconut and aromatic kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass, it was wonderfully hearty. We enjoyed the richness of the curry and the generous use of spices which showcased the customary punchy flavours exhibited by Malaysian curries generally.  Together with steamed rice, it was an addictive and comforting dish.

Chocolate chicken (a.k.a. Ayam buah keluak)

The chocolate chicken was yet another highlight. Particularly enjoyable for its robust and fragrant nutty flavour. Each morsel was cooked to the point where the meat simply melted in our mouths. The flavours from the herbs and spices were unique and very enjoyable.

The Jewellery box - Earl grey pannacotta topped with black tapioca pearls

The visually attractive pannacotta was a wonderful creation of melt in your mouth pannacotta and perfectly chewy tapioca pearls. Absolutely delectable, this dessert was a masterclass in textural balance and great use of flavour. The pannacotta was textured perfectly. A welcome departure from the mundane dessert items usually found, this dessert offered its own unique characteristics. 

Bababoi celebrates the fusion style of Nyonya cuisine, with distinctive blend of Chinese and Malay techniques, flavours and spices. If you like your South East Asian flavours rich and gutsy, you cannot go wrong here.

Location: Shop 2, 60 Siddeley Street, Docklands

Phone: 0490 029 968

Link: http://www.bababoikitchenandbar.com/

Cuisine: Asian, Chinese, Malaysian











Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of MATRADE's Malaysian Kitchen Program.

OLDTOWN White Coffee

OLDTOWN White Coffee recently opened its first Australian outpost mid last month.

Established in 1999, OLDTOWN White Coffee is Malaysia’s largest white coffee café chain.

The menu pays homage to Malaysian food in general with particular emphasis on dishes from its place of origin, Ipoh. 

Sotong Kangkung Rojak

We started with a dish of cuttlefish and spinach (also known in Hokkien as “Jyu hu eng chai”). A “salad” of sorts, the dish had beautifully wilted water spinach and tender cuttlefish laced in rojak sauce which is a flavoursome concoction of  shrimp paste, black caramel sauce, belachan, sugar, tamarind water, lemon juice, chilli powder and fresh chillis. 

Sotong Sambal Petai

The Squid with Petai beans cooked in sambal was delicious. One of our favourite Malay dishes, we enjoyed the gentle bitterness from the Petai which cut through the richness of the sambal. 

Assam Pedas Fish

The Spicy Assam Fish was yet another highlight. The perfectly seasoned assam curry broth possessed the customary punchy flavours exhibited by Malaysian curries. We loved the beautiful tartness from the assam base which goes particularly well with fish.

Whether you’re looking for a light snack of kaya toast and coffee, or a Malaysian feast, OLDTOWN White Coffee delivers with their great range of Malaysian cuisine. 

Location: 303, Elizabeth St Melbourne Vic 3000 

Phone: 03 9939 4268

Link: http://oldtownwhitecoffee.com.au/

Cuisine: Malaysian

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of MATRADE's Malaysian Kitchen Program.

Fox in the Corn

Fox in the Corn is the manifestation of Joshua Murnane and Josh Bayne’s dream. Being both from Millgrove Pasta (a small gourmet food company producing snap frozen and fresh cut pasta supplying some of the biggest pasta bars in Melbourne) it only seemed natural to open their very own.

With a love of coffee between them, the Millgrove boys combed through all of Melbourne and carefully selected Monk Bodhi Dharma as their boutique micro-roaster, for their direct trade, seasonal and mostly single estate coffee.

Fox in the Corn showcases the finest in small batch brewing available through 8 taps and a plethora of bottled beers.

The space has been designed for beer lovers to sit and enjoy a personal connection to the master brewers of the world. 

Buffalo Mozzarella Salad w cherry tomatoes & rocket 

Fox in the Corn showcases the Millgrove boys’ pasta and love of local produce. Importantly, they let the pasta do the talking.

Beef Ravioli with Vegetable Broth with fresh veg, peas & spring onion

The menu is simple. Pick your pasta then choose a sauce. The sauces range from very light (like the above vegetable broth)…

Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli with Slow Cooked Beef Ragu w spring onion

…To heartier options like the hearty beef ragu to heavier creamy pasta options.

Fox in the Corn is certainly a welcomed addition to Footscray’s ever evolving dining scene.

Location: 4 Droop Street, Footscray

Phone: 9362 7858

Link: http://www.foxinthecorn.com.au/

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Fox in the Corn.

Breakfast @ Magic Mountain Saloon

Magic Mountain Saloon brings the vibrancy of the Thai café culture to its breakfast offerings in Melbourne.

From the creators of Cookie, The Toff In Town, Revolver Upstairs and Boney, Magic Mountain Saloon opened in January this year and already has a loyal band of followers thanks to its authentic Thai cuisine which offers something distinctive for Melbourne’s breakfast culture.

Located at the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, a significant feature of Magic Mountain Saloon is its design - a fusion of industrial and contemporary. 

Green Curry Chicken Thighs, Apple Eggplant & Bamboo Shoots

The perfectly seasoned curry possessed the customary punchy flavours exhibited by South East Asian curries and was a great match for the beautifully cooked chicken. We loved the inclusion of tender eggplant and textural bamboo shoots.

Sour Orange Snapper Curry, Prawns & Morning Glory

The snapper curry was an outstanding curry which had a unique flavour and ample spice. It was a clean and bright dish with a perfect salt-sour-heat balance.

Black Sticky Rice, Strawberries, Banana, Coconut Cream & Dried Mango Granola

A modern breakfast take on the traditional Thai dessert of black sticky rice pudding with coconut, this bowl of goodness arrived as pretty as a picture, boasting a lovely deep purple colour. Magic Mountain Saloon’s version was absolutely moreish - luscious and striking without being too sweet. It was wonderful with fresh strawberries, banana and textural mango granola.

Magic Mountain Saloon provides a new dimension to brunch in Melbourne by offering an authentic Thai breakfast experience.

Location: 62 Little Collins Street, Melbourne

Phone: 03 9078 0078

Link: http://magicmountainsaloon.com.au/

Cuisine: Thai, Asian

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Magic Mountain Saloon.

Proper & Son

Proper & Son is the new kid on the South Melbourne market block.

Possessing an eclectic familial charm, the café boasts a contemporary fit out of wooden furnishings, ceiling suspended lighting and an open kitchen where diners are able to peer in and be fascinated by what goes on behind the scenes. The result is an inspired, modern vibe.

Proper & Son is an establishment that proudly pays homage to quality Australian produce, as is successfully reflected in its dishes. Being based in South Melbourne Market, the menu lends itself to being created using the best ingredients available from the market.

Proper & Son delivers quality Toby’s Estate coffee to the public poured by adept baristas.

Salmon and leek squeak

The salmon and leek squeak was lovely.  The smoked salmon was fresh, the leek squeak was beautifully flavoured and the egg was perfectly poached.

Lamb shoulder, freekeh

We shared a salad of lamb shoulder and freekeh which was a medley of enlivening flavours and textures.

Field mushroom, haloumi and romesco roll

The field mushroom, haloumi and romesco roll was a stand out. Sandwiched between thick slices of toasted brioche were plump beautifully roasted mushrooms, crisp salty haloumi which matched beautifully with the romesco. Abundantly flavoursome and fresh, it was a triumph.

Proper & Son has succeeded in crafting a convivial atmosphere in which to enjoy a lazy brunch. The menu is delicious and caters for all kinds of appetites while the staff are friendly and affable.

Location: 13/322-326 Coventry St, South Melbourne

Phone: (03) 9699 7057

Link: http://properandson.com.au/

Cuisine: Modern Australian, Healthy Food, Cafe

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of South Melbourne Market.