Osteria Francescana (Modena, Italy)

We have made Osteria Francescana the main dining event of our honeymoon trip. We chose to stay at Bologna, which is a 45 minute train trip from the restaurant’s town of Modena.

The classic menu offers a twist to all the regional cuisine and ingredients. Every dish was a highlight but my favourites would be the “5 ages of Parmigiano Reggiano in different temperatures and textures” (self-explanatory), “all the tongues in the world” (very tender veal tongue with exciting choice of sauces), and “foie gras crunch with Traditional Balsamic Vinegar” (best pre-dessert I have had).

World #3 ranking well deserved.

1. Tempura with carpione
2. An eel swimming up the Po River
3. Caesar salad in Emilia
4. Five ages of Parmigiano Reggiano in different temperatures and textures
5. Cotechino 365 days a year
6. Snails under the earth
7. All the tongues of the world
8. Foie gras crunch with Traditional Balsamic Vinegar from Modena
9. A potato waiting to become a truffle


Details:
Osteria Francescana
Via Stella 22
Modena, Italy
http://www.osteriafrancescana.it/

Clareville Kiosk (Sydney)

We arrived at Clareville Kiosk for Sunday lunch. It was a nice drive along to northern beaches but the restaurant was not easy to find.

Aiming for a long enjoyable lunch, we went for the 6 course degustation. The meal was consistently good throughout. The seafood chowder at the start was my favourite. The eye fillet main course was extremely tender. And the pre-dessert apple crumble goat cheese ice-cream was a fantastic cleanser prior the carrot cake dessert. Portion of dessert should be bigger for a satisfying meal.

The newly awarded Chef Hat is well deserved.

Details:
Clareville Kiosk
27 Delecta Avenue
Clareville Beach
Avalon NSW 2107
http://clarevillekiosk.com.au/