Recently named International Consumer Media Brand of the Year by the Professional Publisher’s Association for the second time in a row, Time Out (timeout.com) is the printed and online publication that has been helping millions of people around the world find great things to do in their cities since 1968. It is published in dozens of countries around the world, from Accra to Zagreb, Beijing to Cape Town, Mumbai to Istanbul! One of the most popular topics Time Out covers is, of course, food, so I was super excited to attend the Time Out Melbourne Food Awards this year.

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The nominations were a heap of Melbourne’s hottest new eateries, as well as some well-established favouries; winners of the night were:

HOT TALENT: Dave Verheul, Town Mouse

BEST NEW RESTAURANT: Saint Crispin

BEST CASUAL RESTAURANT: Nieuw Amsterdam

BEST BANG FOR BUCK: Jimmy Grants

BEST CAFE: Hammer and Tong 412

PEOPLE’S CHOICE: Smith and Daughters

LEGEND AWARD:  Flower Drum

CHEF OF THE YEAR: Philippa Sibley, Prix Fixe

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR: Brae

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The other side of the night was the food. The night was held at new Peruvian restaurant Pastuso, and the menu for the night was fantastic, offering plenty of variety and food I probably wouldn’t have otherwise ordered given the choice. Our menu last night entailed:

  • Las leches cevicheras – a selection of traditional ceviche marinades “Tiger’s milk” served with NZ snapper.
  • Conchitas – seared scallop with sweet corn puree and cancha (roasted Andean corn).
  • Causa – Yellow Peruvian potato terrine topped with Alaskan crabmeat.
  • Ceviche vegetariano – marinated daikon and salso criolla.
  • Aroz con pato – confit duck with traditional Peruvian coriander and a beer based rice.
  • Pan con chicharron – slow cooked pork belly with a crispy outer, server on a brioche bun with coriander mayonnaise. My favourite!
  •  Suspiro a la limena – creamy Peruvian caramel with PX meringue pieces.
  • Mousse de chocolate – chocolate mousse with Peruvian hot pepper jam and flourless chocolate sponge

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All up, it was a really fun night, great value for the $50.00 ticket, as it included food and beverages, and an event I would definitely recommend attending if you’re able to in your city!