Absolutely Famished: Top 10

C's:

1: Pumpkin gnocchi, Gorgonzola, macadamia, beetroot shoots, shallot, gingerbread - Persimmon @ NGV

I have eaten this three times and each time it was a pleasure.

2: Potato with purple basil and candied lemon - L'Arpege

A taste revelation for me, certainly elevates the simple spud.

3: Poivrade artichoke in a touch of thyme with tomato confit - Joel Robuchon

A flavour explosion - artichokes have never tasted better.

4: Sautéed Shredded Potato in Vegetarian X.O. Chilli Sauce - Lung King Heen

Highly addictive!

5: Brownie - $12.90 - The Pier

Chocolate heaven.

6: Mushroom Tart - Persimmon @ NGV

Delicious, light and satisfying.

7: Tomato soup & tartare - Guy Savoy

Seaweed ice anyone?

8: Slow cooked egg yolk, truffle pomme mousseline, and sesame soldiers - $19 - Cafe Vue

Truffle and egg - classic.

9: Banana Three Times - Absynthe

Finally, the banana done elegantly, and well.

10: Fines ravioles potagères; consommé végétal - beet, smoked vegetable ravioli in broth - L'Arpege

Delicious.

R's:

1: Canard de Challans á l’Hibiscus - L'Arpege

I will always remember this dish. I did not want the dish to finish. I wish I was stuck in ground-hog day on the day I had this dish! Its hard to describe the flavours, but there is something about the hibiscus that just cut through the dish and made me moan with pleasure. Sex on a plate might be the best way to describe it.

2: Caramelised pork belly - $32 - Pure Tastes

The perfect balance of Apple Puree Vs Pork. Trying to order the same thing from other restaurants 2 or 3 times this year leaves me dissapointed.

3: Violet crumble - Attica

Best desert I've had. Wish I lived closer to Ripponlea so I could have it once a week!

4: Fines ravioles potagères; consommé végétal - beet, smoked vegetable ravioli in broth - L'Arpege

You wouldn't think this dish would be spectacular, but don't let the picture fool you. Perfectly cooked with such simple flavours that melt in your mouth.

5: Bitter chocolate fondant, mint ice cream, chocolate pop rocks - $17 - Persimmon @ NGV

Ordered 5 or so times. The best fondant around!

6: Cooked tomatoes - L'Arpege

I will always remember getting this plate in front of me and thinking "is that it? We are paying 300 euro and we are just getting cherry tomatoes". Boy did I eat my words, or my thoughts I should say.
Best tasting tomatoes ever, with bursting flavour with every bite. Amazing.

7: Braised Shark's Fin with Fresh Crab Meat - Lung King Heen

The couple of drops of vinegar that where added to this made this amazing.

8: Mushroom arancini - Huka Lodge

Just a appetiser, but there had to be something good about considering I had 6 or so of them.

9: Berthillon Ice Cream

One flavour didn't stick out more the other for me. But when someone asks you "what's the best icecream you have ever had" I know my answer. It just tastes what proper icecream is meant to taste like!

10: Peanut butter parfait, caramelised banana, bitter chocolate - $15 - Persimmon @ NGV