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Thursday May 17, 2012

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The Grange Restaurant

Posted by: Ela Carte | 13 August, 2010 - 1:10 PM
Grange Restaurant

The Grange Restaurant

12 North Concourse, Beaumaris
www.thegrangebeaumaris.com.au 

I have to admit, Bayside Melbourne remains somewhat of a mystery to me. Having lived in the south-east and the west, holidayed on the Bass and Surf Coasts, it’s been sorely neglected and I’m trying to rectify that – starting with a visit to Beaumaris.

The Grange is such a classy, sophisticated looking local eatery. From the white tablecloths and gorgeous light fittings, to the crisp walls punctuated with floor to ceiling mirrors, it feels a little France, a little CBD, and yet every bit comfortable in its own part of the bay.

Quiet on this Wednesday, the service was polite, punctual and personal. Getting a little complementary taster of a gorgeous cauliflower and truffle soup certainly was a nice start.

Had a hard time choosing between the Crispy Fried Soft shell crab with pickled paw paw salad or the Pan-seared Scallops on chorizo with pea potato puree, but the crab won out in the end. I’d been burnt recently with a dish of undersized, oily, disappointing soft shell crab first, so this was a nerve-wracking experience – but The Grange came through! Beautiful, meaty, soft, tasty crab, with a deliciously little-bit-sweet, little-bit-sour, salad and dressing.

Also tasted the Chicken Liver pate with toasted bread, cornichons and balsamic mint jam … biggest serve of pate you ever did see, and top points for staff bringing out extra toast without the need to ask.

Mains – It’s a nice simple menu punctuated by pies, schnitzels, cutlets and steaks. I settled for the Char-grilled marinated Kangaroo fillet with roasted beetroot, orange and ricotta salsa. What I love is that although the meals aren’t necessarily cheap (sitting at around $27-$40), that price includes mash and another side of your choice - allowing you the chance to order a few different sides between dining companions and share. The roo was perfectly rare-medium rare, mash was creamy and the steamed green beans with truffle oil complemented well (although don’t know that the strong truffle oil was entirely necessary).

The Grange Lamb and Rosemary Pie was deep, with super soft meat and light, buttery pastry.

These are really generous serves - I didn’t go close to eating all of the roo. That said, we thought it was only professional to at least try a dessert, settling on the Rhubarb and Almond Paste Tart, topped with spun sugar and accompanied by vanilla ice cream.

For such classy environs it’s a really affordable wine list, with most bottles priced between $30 and $55, plus an impressive selection of Penfolds Grange Hermitage priced as you’d buy them at a bottle shop (we’re still talking $660-$1000). Beer-wise, there’s local Moorabbin brew “Two Brothers” on tap, along with the old reliables by the bottle.

A perfect close-by special occasion restaurant, Beaumaris is oh-so-lucky to have this one in its stable.

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