What's new @ ASC

Location: 2 Acland Street, St Kilda
Phone: (03) 9536 1175
Link: www.aclandstcantina.com.au
Cuisine: Mexican
Overall Impression: 9/10

Boasting some of the best Mexican food in Melbourne, Acland St Cantina has in recent times established itself as a prime destination for accessible yet sophisticated dining and entertaining. From a relaxed breakfast in the diner to dinner and drinks in the sleek tequila bar and funky restaurant, ASC is extremely versatile.

One of the reasons we love ASC is the constant stream of new dishes that regularly make their way onto the menu. The new ASC menu is vibrant, fresh and innovative with a strong focus on seasonality and locally sourced produce. Here is a collection of a few of our favourite dishes from their new menu which have kept us coming back for more. 

ceviche - scallop escabeche w. fennel, watercress & ruby grapefruit

queso fundido (Mexican cheese fondue served w. warm tortillas or tortilla chips) - heritage pumpkins, padron peppers & black cabbage

prawn & pumpkin tacos w. spicy peanut mole

The Asian accents of this spicy peanut mole blended beautifully with the fresh prawns and sweet pumpkin. 

smoked duck tinga sopes, mandarin & fennel salad w. mezcal dressing

The tinga sopes (corn masa cakes) were beautifully crispy on the outside and deliciously savoury and creamy on the inside. The duck was smoky and full of flavour. The mandarin and fennel salad added a beautiful acidity and freshness to the dish. 

pueblan style rabbit tamales w. chestnuts, bacon & cavolo nero

Served in classic Mesoamerican style, the tamales arrived tucked in corn husks. Generous amounts of sweet rabbit were dispersed throughout the sweet corn dough. There is something about the sweet corn dough used to make the tamales that is simply moreish. This is one of our favourite dishes on the menu at ASC. 

chipotle glazed cantina pig ribs w. apple slaw 

cerveza braised beef cheek & tongue w. refried beans & tortillas

The beef cheek and tongue was tender and delicious, with caramel undertones courtesy of being slow-braised in beer. The creamy texture of the refried beans made them the perfect accompaniment.   

spiced rice pudding, dulce de leche cream, blood oranges 

The newest dessert on the ASC menu, the spiced rice pudding is well-balanced with the tartness of the blood orange cutting through the creaminess of the dulce de leche cream. This dessert is a masterclass  in textural balance and layered flavour. 

ice cream & sorbet selection 

The passionate staff, excellent food and wonderful wine list combined with being just minutes away from beautiful St Kilda beach make ASC a shining light in Melbourne’s progressive dining scene.