Jason Rodwell heads the kitchen @ Albert St Food & Wine

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Albert St Food & Wine.

Housed within an old bank, Albert St Food & Wine epitomises Melbourne’s unique dining culture - world class food served in a casual environment without pretence.

Since moving into the position of Executive Chef at Albert St Food & Wine in January 2014, Jason Rodwell has been preserving Albert Street’s position at the forefront of Melbourne’s dining landscape with a refreshed menu and a range of special dining events. 

The dishes at Albert St Food & Wine are undoubtedly the creations of an accomplished chef who not only understands and appreciates fresh, high quality produce but is able to craft from it perfectly harmonised flavour combinations. 

Having been a part of the team at Albert St Food & Wine since its inauguration in 2011, Jason Rodwell's resume is impressive - including stints at Michelin-starred restaurants Nahm and Royal Hospital Road in London as well as Auberge du Bon Laboureur in France’s Loire Valley. 

Left: Organic chicken, smashed cucumber, charred cost, sesame

Right: Wild mushroom ‘en papillotte’, crème fraiche, autumn crisps

Crispy scale blue cod, cauliflower, mussels, cavelo nero

The blue cod was cooked to perfection, retaining its characteristic delicate but firm texture, the sweet flesh was a delight. As promised, the skin was impressively crisp.

Grilled lamb breast, eggplant, smoked yoghurt, sheep sorrel

The perfectly seasoned, tender lamb with moreish. Eaten with the smoked yoghurt and sheep sorrel, this dish was complex and wonderfully crafted, immediately transporting us to the Middle East. 

Over the course of the evening, new Bar Manager Joey Tai, (previously of Brunswick Mess Hall and Golden Monkey and winner of a range of cocktail awards) wowed us with delectable cocktails (including a constant stream of espresso martinis).

Caramelised apples & quinces, quatre épices ice cream

A winter-warming dessert, the caramelised apples and quinces were perfectly poached with a delicate hint of cinnamon. 

Chocolate tart, mandarin ice cream, pop-corn

Decadently rich, the chocolate tart was a lovely end to a wonderful evening. The soft, rich chocolate filling was framed by thin sweet biscuit pastry. Topped with gold leaf, the mandarin ice cream provided freshness and was a clever counterbalance to the indulgent tart.

Albert St Food & Wine has consistently delivered captivating food to diners over the past few years. Under the expert guidance of Jason Rodwell, it appears the restaurant is in safe hands.