Restaurant is beautiful; simple contemporary style.
Our waitress was a bit nervous, so we went out of our way to make her comfortable as is our way and she warmed up by the end and was appreciative of our compliments.
We ordered a wine which was $95 on the menu and had been in the cellar so they took some time to warm it. Very nice Cab Merlot, smooth and subtle at first but as it breathed and with the food, its flavour developed and we all thought it was lovely. 2006 Wantirna Estate .... something something something ... Amelie ...something ... I was drinking it, not reading it!
Appetite-whetter of creamy pumpkin soup ... We could have ordered it by the bowlful, so melty, so sweet, just wonderful.
Entrees: Dad and I both had Rabbit which was served with Pancetta and Figs. Rabbit was moist and the flavours were very balanced. Tracey had deboned Quail in puff pastry which looked delish. Craig had the scallops, can't remember what they were served with, but very tasty.
Mains: I had medium rare beef tenderloin, cooked just perfectly, although Craig thought he heard it mooing (but this is how I like it!). The local Mushrooms had a bit too much balsamic, but the creamy cauliflower puree was divine! Tracey and Craig had veal chop with gnocchi - looked gorgeous. Dad had 16 hour Pork Belly ... crackling and fat ... very good for cholestorol ...
Dessert: Craig was only one who could fit in the Sherry and Raisin Souffle and I should have ordered it too ... Oh. My. God. The cheese platter wasn't for me - I don't like blue cheese and the bit I tasted affirmed this ... the cow cheese (can't remember what it was) was very strong but OK ..... and we won't talk about the goat cheese. Ew. But that's just my unrefined taste buds ... Dad loved it all and it was nicely presented as were all the meals.
I like to drink dessert anyway and the Muscat was sweet and lovely.
The noise baffles in the restaurant worked ... there was a buzz of conversation from the other diners but we could converse comfortably. All the waiting staff were attentive and professional ... and we'll definitely be going back.
If you're ever in Victoria, Montalto is definitely worth the drive through the Mornington Peninsula. Red Hill is a beautiful area and Montalto is very representative.
What a great night!
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