CALIA - Melbourne Emporium
Visit their website to check out their current menu!
There's nothing better than a good night in with some great comfort food .. aside from going out with amazing company with even better food! I've heard nothing but good things about Calia and decided to take my sister, Jen, for her birthday in December last year. A little insight to what type of cuisine Calia is known for - it's basically Japanese fusion using Australia’s best produce and the menu was designed by Michelin star chef, Francisco Javier Araya. To say the least, it definitely left a fantastic impression, especially with the variation on the menu. If you read my last foodie post (read it here), I like to talk about the interior design and let me tell ya, it was as aesthetically pleasing as what you would hope - cute wooden tables and chairs, marble menus .. the goooood stuff!
On to the food, I decided to steer clear of my comfort zone and ordered something that I usually wouldn’t BUT let’s start off with the sides. I mean, I couldn’t get too out of my comfort zone cos I just HAD to try the Umami Fries ($8.90) topped with seaweed cos why the hell not right? Fries couldn't fail anyone. Simple flavours and a good balance between sweet and salty. Since it’s been a couple of months since we went (my bad), I actually don’t remember the name of this dish but let’s just call it Wagyu Chips ($13+) (cos that’s what I think it was called .. who knows). It had good flavour, properly seasoned and had a nice, sticky and sweet coating but I don’t think it’s being offered on the menu anymore though .. next!
My sister ordered the Calia Wagyu Bowl ($33.80) and I ordered the Unagi Bowl ($19.50) which has slightly changed from the current menu as they’ve added truffle egg either way, still good! We shared the dishes and agreed that the Wagyu bowl was good but it lacked a little flavour if each element was eaten individually but, I think when everything is mixed together, it’s absolutely beautiful, especially with the slightly grilled meat with the 63 degree egg. On the other hand, the grilled eel was delicious! Seafood is typically my second choice but Japanese cuisine is known for their grilled eel so I thought, why not? It was delicious because it was simple and flavoursome and when it’s simple but done perfectly, you’ve got a winning dish!
We finished it off with a Matcha Lava Lava ($14.90) dessert which consisted of a chocolate lava cake, filled with an oozing warm, matcha ganache. It was yummy, decadent and the cake and ganache had good flavours and consistency. A good way to end our meal!
Overall, I enjoyed the dining experience, the staff were really lovely, attentive and delivered fantastic service and the atmosphere was vibin’. I think everyone should give this place a try because I’m sure you’ll be impressed with the menu and flavour of the dishes. And they also have their own store right next to the restaurant! There’s a variation of spreadable condiments, Japanese whiskies, flavoured teas, even salted duck egg chips (which are amazing)! I’d definitely come back again. Let me know if you guys have been or what you’re wanting to try!
Until next time,
Neens
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