This Week In Food: Annam launch, winding up winter at St Kilda and new Italian

The latest in food news with Kate Stevenson…

JUST OPEN

This week up the top end of Lt Bourke Street, Jerry Mai has launched Annam, the culmination of her cultural & professional background and the flavours that make up Vietnam’s rich culinary landscape. She’s promising vibrant, satisfying dishes like tuna tataki with cumquat nuoc nam and crispy onion, whole grilled Hiramasa Kingfish with rice paper, herb plate and pickled lemongrass nuoc nam, or braised goat (above) Somm La curry with pea eggplant, green papaya and roasted rice.

www.annam.com.au

JUST CHANGED

Meanwhile, down in Flinders Lane, what was Yak Italian Kitchen and Bar has transformed into “Lello Pasta Bar”. The name is a nod to head chef and co-owner Leo Gelsomino, formerly renowned for his cooking at the Grand Hotel in Richmond. Pasta is made fresh, in-house, daily from sprouted, germinated flour – which they say gives it a lower gluten content and higher nutritional profile, for a light and authentic taste. Some of the more unique options include Culurgiones – a Sardinian dumpling (above) filled with potato, mint and pecorino, served with fresh broad bean pesto and roasted almonds. Yum! http://lellopastabar.com.au

WINDING UP WINTER

St Kilda’s West Beach Bathers Pavillion is saying goodbye to chilly winder and welcoming warmer weather with a #BEACHSIDEWINDUP. They’re getting together 30 local wine makers, brewers, cider makers and distillers for next Friday 20th October, firing up some tasty finger food and playing some chilled out summer tunes. Tickets are just $30 and include all wine, beer, cider and spirits tastings as well as finger food and a #BEACHSIDEWINDUP glass to take home. https://tickets.westbeachstkilda.com.au/

WHAT A WEEK

To celebrate Victorian Seniors Festival Week, The Hotel Windsor is offering up a great deal on their famous Afternoon tea – from 9th to 20th October, Seniors get a midweek afternoon tea for half price. That’s the true Windsor-style, traditional three-tiered stands, a glass of French sparkling wine and a choice of 11 teas served in silver teapot for $34.50 rather than $69. More details at: http://www.thehotelwindsor.com.au/