A HEREFORD BEEFSTOUW MELBOURNE - A Celebration of Premium Steaks and Rare Fine Wines

Our third visit to A Hereford Beefstouw Melbourne still never disappoint but only getting better and better, thanks to the passionate team behind the scene that continue to strive for the utmost quality of own farm grown meat and locally sourced produce to delight their diners. mylifestylenews writes.

Choosing a restaurant for a good night out can sometimes come into a couple of criteria to consider. From strategic easy access location, alluring and cozy ambience to a wide selection well structured wines, sassy delicious cocktails, enticing menu, not forgetting the prompt and attentive service… and the list goes on to please the demanding diners but sometimes it comes down to a very simple solution especially when you crave for great premium cut of steak and a well curated and affordable wine list and some rare fine wines.

There is nothing like enjoying a good quality steak and some great wines at the same time and A Hereford Beefstouw Melobounre has been around long enough to prove a point that they must be doing something right. Opened since October 2016, this was the second Australian location for this unique steakhouse chain, following the Adelaide venue and the upside to this eponymous restaurant is that art and design is just an inherent concept as what they put on the plates and pour in the glasses and not niggardly sharing their spry passion to their demanding and many returned diners, especially those die-hard meat-lovers, never aim for the best but always better.

Laneways dinning in Melbourne is always one of the popular local dining and cultural scenes as well as those bold and curious well-travelled tourists who wish to explore the unknown or by the words of mouth foodie’s recommendation that always surprising. The location of A Hereford Beefstouw Melobounre is really groovy that is tucked away in one of Melbourne’s inner city laneways - Duckboard Lane or ACDC Lane. Some may find it a little tricky to find but all you have to do is to follow your intuition when you are in the neighbourhood of the graffiti mural wall that would lead you to this arty Nordic inspired chappie “Cattle Club Prime Cellar”.

Welcoming our arrival at A Hereford Beefstouw Melobounre is an arty industrial rustic feel albeit minimalist style front bar. The bar design is minimalist chic with designer track lighting off a black ceiling background, an exposed brick wall on one side, a wrought coat/hat stand that is a talking point and angled long blond wood bar tables and stools that all look toward the main bar that takes up one length of the room.

The bar front design itself is an inward gradated tiered panel outlined in black metal with down lighting which means more leg room for seating. The majority of the back bar display is the wine bottle collection with all the spirits on the bottom shelf. From the outside looking in, the illumination is visually attractive and you will be easily drawn by its luminous vibe.

Naturally, looks aren’t everything, so we decided to start our evening being surprised by the cheeky bartender, Jack, as he was creating some new luscious cocktails to launch their new Happy Hour in a few weeks. So, you could also consider just visiting for cocktails, start with pre-dinner aperitifs and cocktails or a post dinner Scotch for the special hygge moment.

<Highland Velvet>

Drambuie, Amaretto, a touch of lemon, Angus bitters & red wine syrup (Shiraz wine, pomegranate juice, star anise, cinnamon and sugar)

<Emerald Garden>

Midori, gin, St. Germain (Elderflower liqueur), Yuzu liqueur, lemon & sugar syrup

 

These were very chic and sophisticated cocktails that would appeal to everyone, as they are not as strong as you would expect based on the concoctions. They both have a aromatic, fruity, citrusy drive but without being overly sweet and that kick on the back palate certainly left a pleasurable and fondness admiration.

The chic dining room hasn’t changed much yet well maintained with a sleek and neat ambience. The unfussy ethos and sense of comfort with its cozy nooks invite lingering, with classy, understated and uncluttered decor that has a bare backed feel of Nordic chic adorned with striking humorous and witty art work that inspire.

To enjoy some of the best quality Australian beef and other new items on the menu in anticipation, Sebastian, our wait staff of the evening had everything in order and we were well looked after and we started with a glass of refined, cool-climate 2024 Sentio Beechworth Chardonnay from Victoria for its white peach and pear aroma and creamy yet savory finish to go with our three starters.

<Kingfish Crudo - with pickled onions, capers, baby shallots, green chilli, lime balm and parsley & dill oil>

The king fish had a form flesh and mild flavour and was very harmonious with all the flavours coming together to create a freshness on the palate. The lime balm leaf was so fragrant and in combination with the herb oil was the perfect accompaniment. As the fish had been thickly sliced, you had a sense of place.

 

<Kimchi Arancini miso based with mozzarella, lime mayo & gochujang glaze>

A perfect Italian and Korean crossed over! The kimchi surprisingly was not too dominating yet offer a tangy and a pleasant acidic texture on palate over a perfectly deep fried crunchy rice ball for that ultimate crispy shell layer. The touch of the lime mayonnaise created a smooth counterbalance. This is seriously good and we can’t help ourselves but to have a second serving. Enjoy while they are still hot!

<Cured Lamb Shoulder with pea puree and crispy prosciutto>

This cured lamb shoulder offers a soft flavour and texture (it had been cured for 2 days and then served on the third day), contrasting the vivid and tasty green pea puree together with two superb pork prosciutto that was so thinly sliced and almost melted in the mouth. Words failed us and the dish was simply divine!  The pea puree was already a success, but it got us thinking that the kitchen could also use an edamame bean puree, as this could be alternative elevation for a point of difference.

 

<Côte de Bœuf>

In A Hereford Beefstouw, it is all about the beef. This mouthwatering 500g Côte de Bœuf Ribeye on the bone which was dry dry aged for a minimum of 45 days that was cooked to perfection in medium rare (no blood) as per our preference. It was easily sliced through with the Saladini steak made in Italy and packed with flavour and certainly have you quivering with anticipation. Soft texture, smokey flavour and best to enjoy with a glass of cool climate 2022 Soumah Yarra Valley Nebbiolo, the violets and roses aroma, tobacco and tar, rich in berry flavours and firm tannins is a sumptuous wine to enjoy with this dry aged ribeye.If 500g can’t satisfy your craving, the 700g will make you sway!

 

<Beef Ribs>

Sebastian knows ho much we love our meat and took the liberty to bring to the table for another beef delight - The 10 slow cooked grained Beef Ribs. The generous portion of this one gigantic and flavoursome rib rack can easily fit two people that was a little crispy on the outside and soft juicy meat on the inside seemed to play out even better. This was thoughtfully paired with a glass of 2016 Tomassi Amarone Valpolicella Classico that offers the intense nose of black cherries and fruit complexity on the palate which was perfect for the ribs.

SIDES: 

Mash potato, caprese salad, portobello mushrooms, pepper wine sauce, chimichurri, garlic butter.

All the condiments added piquancy in their own way, complimenting the meat and helping to refresh the palate and created a superb rounding out of flavours.

 

<Crème Brulee>

Simple yet sinfully delectable came this classic rendition Crème Brulee that will have you swooning over the light and silky texture, burnt crust and not overly sweet crème anglaise. It doesn’t get much better than this!

<Hereford Special>

This is a dessert tribute to the Owner’s late Mother created in her honour which was a total comfort food and not an overly sweet concoction with vanilla ice cream, candid ginger, drunken raisins, whipped cream and caloric punch that was akin to a trifle with a twist in some ways and quite delicious.

Both desserts were enjoyed with a glass of rare, aged 1995 Talosa Vin Santo Di Montepulciano Toscana which was simply superb with intense amber notes, complex dried fruit, fig, date, walnut, caramel and sweet spice nose. It tasted like a cross between a port and Tokay. What a divine drop this was!

 

A Hereford Beefstouw Melbourne is a casual feel-good premium steak house that never fails to deliver. Service always seems to be on point, delivered in a professional and friendly manner and we were delighted with Sebastian’s product knowledge and warmth approach that made us feel more than welcome.

If you are into some serious wine pick, do not hesitate to ask for recommendation as the huge wine list has some unexpected gems and vineyards you may not be familiar with or have even come across.

From farm to table, A Hereford Beestouw is certainly paying and homage to premium cuts of beef and you are enjoying something that is memorable and will have you craving for more. Simply let loose and come for a celebration of premium steak and rare fine wine in a Scandi home feel environment in Melbourne CBD.

Tried & Tested:
Location: 4.5/5
Design & Decor: 4.5/5
Food & Beverage: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Value For Money: 5/5
Experience: 5/5

Highlights:
In House Dried-Age Meat

Premium Wine Selection

A Hereford Beefstouw Melbourne
22 Duckboard Pl,
Melbourne VIC
Australia
Tel: +61 3 9654 8297

Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated.

PARK CLUB HEALTH & DAY SPA Park Hyatt Melbourne - A Moment of Tranquility

For a moment of tranquility, be it a soothing and rejuvenating body massage or a thermal facial that makes your skin glow again from inside out, the Park Club Health & Day Spa at The Park Hyatt Melbourne would be an ideal pit-stop to take a step back from your busy schedule and to nourish and illuminate your inner senses. mylifestylenews writes.

When thinking of spa experiences, we often cast our mind back to Asia which perpetually offers a wide range of ancient, traditional spa retreats tucked away in lush tropical settings or natural onsen hot springs and so forth that concomitantly is channeling you to the right kind of senses to reclaim your calm and peace.

Cocooned on the 9^th floor of the hotel, the Park Club Health & Day Spa focuses on the art of healing through restorative body therapies and holistic wellness rituals.

It is also the exclusive home of Omorovicza spa treatments in Australia by bringing the Hungarian thermal water-infused facials and is also popular with their Moor Mud Skin Therapy and Blue Diamond sessions, focusing on anti-aging, hydration, firming, illuminating and detoxification through facial massage techniques.

Other signature treatments can also be found from their crafted spa menu to help you to replenish and rejuvenate with the guide of the experienced therapists.

The waiting area is relatively small and occasionally bustling, so the spa facilities can get busy at times as it is well equipped with sauna, hot tub, steam room and jacuzzi, not to mention the classy, well-maintained 25-meter indoor pool and the state-of-the-art fitness centre that is a sanctuary of peace and vitality.

We had booked in for the Omorovicza Queen Skin Therapy Facial in a couples room which was off the main corridor as you head toward the spa reception area. While it lacked that ‘zen’ fit out and was rather clinical, the ambience was calm and pleasant enough with super comfortable and height adjustable spa beds.

State-of-the-art fitness centre

25-meter indoor pool

The spa soundtrack was quite suitable and set the right mood and the facial began with a gentle dabbing of the face which is to deep cleanse the skin and is done in two cycles before the application of the facial product. Once the cleansing is done, the facial begins with gentle sweeping strokes starting from the bridge of the nose and fanning out to the cheeks and then the forehead and chin in a very relaxing motion. A hot towel is then laid on the upper shoulders and gradually brought up over the face to open up the pores, which is then repeated. By this point it is likely that you have already been lulled into a semi-state of sleep, because we certainly were!

The facial ritual blends highly sensorial textures and scents with nourishing and repairing activities, it is considered the ultimate rescue for sensitive, dry or reactive skin, stimulating cell renewal, as well as lifting and firming the skin, using Queen Oil which nourishes, rebuilds and re-plumps the skin.

The peaceful atmosphere during treatment and gentle strokes created a true spa aura, as we never heard a sound from our therapists or of any interruption until we were gently woken at the end of the facial treatment. The massage techniques of lifting, firming and sculpting, along with the Omorovicza product application resulted in glowing skin that was self-evident. We truly felt like we had youthful-looking skin at the end and a most indulgent relaxation. Sometimes, we need to find the right kind of sense and zen to indulge ourselves and buy us back our very own me time from the bustling schedule to reclaim the calm and peace and you will be in for a treat.

Tried & Tested:

Location: 4.5/5
Design & Decor: 3.5/5

Amenities: 4/5

Service: 4.5/5

Value For Money: 4/5
Experience: 4/5

Park Club Health & Day Spa Park Hyatt Melbourne  

1 Parliament Square,

Off Parliament Place, Melbourne

Victoria, Australia

Tel: +61 3 9224 1234

Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated.   

THE LOUNGE & GARDEN Park Hyatt Melbourne - Full of Colour & Flavours

Hotel dining can well be a hidden gem when guests think they will always get a better deal outside, but given the current state of dining out around Australia, hotels are no longer that expensive alternative but well worth looking into and The Lounge & Garden at the Park Hyatt Melbourne is no exception. mylifestylenews writes.

Park Hyatt Melbourne is currently in an unusual position that it does not have a signature restaurant, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a fabulous meal, as they have positioned The Lounge & Garden in the lobby level with a crafted menu to cater for guests and walk-ins that are looking for a refined wine and dine experience.

The main body of The Lounge & Garden layout is a sunken lounge with a warm ambience, sectioned off from the main lobby thoroughfare with balustrades in the cosmopolitan mix of Art Deco and modern interiors and set against a serene outdoor setting surrounded by greenery that has created a private haven to chill which is ideal for afternoon tea.

In the centre is a display table offering a good selection of curated wines which looks quite elegant for its presentation. They clothe tables at the far end with white linen to give a sense of a more sophisticated setting approach which delineates the dining section from the rest of the lounge - formal yet causal - to welcome their guests. The only caveat is that yes, it is the lobby lounge at one end of the hotel foyer, so passing traffic is to be expected yet it does have a sense of occasion.

A dinner reservation was arranged and we were warmly greeted and seated to a table by the window looking out to the garden by Carolin, our server in the evening who walked us through the menu and wine list and had an opportunity to display her excellent product knowledge and professionalism that was most welcome.

To our delight Carolin suggested that we begin with a glass of Dom Pérignon 2015 vintage which seemed like a perfect way to kick off the evening while we perused the menu. The menu is not huge and yet more of a mixed Bistro slash modern contemporary Italian with a thoughtfully curated selection of dishes that prioritize seasonal and often local ingredients and offer a specific balance of flavours as well as visual appeal, thanks to their culinary team and artistic vision helmed by Chef Dane Clouston. Carolin suggested some wines to pair with our choices which was a relief as the enormous curated and enlisted wines were definitely alien to some yet with a reasonable price point allocated and we were delighted to defer to her knowledge and they all hit the spot.

 

<Green Olives with Red Harissa Dressing & Sourdough>

A good light appetizer to enlighten the vintage bubbles! Huge olives soaked in the chunky red harissa dressing that was piquant and overall so delicious and the accompaniment of the charred artisanal light sourdough was simply divine.

<Beef Empanada with Green Sauce>

There is nothing like hot, fresh empanadas straight from the oven! Crispy and flaky crust on the outside baked until golden brown, well seasoned juice beef filing inside. EPIC! The green sauce was a piquant accompaniment but you could just enjoy the puff on its own. It was paired with the aromatic and fruity 2021 Tasmanian Meadowbank Blanc de Noirs sparkling with fine and persistent bubbles crafted in the Derwent Valley. Nicely done!

 

<Wagyu Beef Bresaola>

As for entrée, the generous serving of the beef wasn’t just any old beef but a Marble 9 Score Stone Axe which means one of the best from the premium meat purveyor Victor Churchill in New South Wales. The creamy texture and the flavour of the beef and its provenance was not to be denied. The accompanying ripe figs and Cabernet dressing were the perfect foil to give a counterbalance and texture. A must order!

<Yellowfin Tuna Crudo>

The Yellowfin Tuna Crudo sits on a base of avocado and garnished with grapefruit and radish mixture on top that gives a colorful presentation together with crispy wonton crackers on the side. It was a delightful rendition to be savoured on every bite for its chunky, creamy and meaty palate together with all the condiments of each ingredient that played an essential part that was a stand out. The overall flavour was simply unctuous and utterly delicious! We were poured a glass of Jo Landron’s La Louvetrie Muscadet Sèvre et Maine from the Loire Valley for its dry, crisp and citrusy note that worked beautifully with the tuna.

 

<Chicken Cotoletta>

Our first main came with a super generous portion of Chicken Cotoletta. This classic Italian dish was coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, shallow-fried until golden brown and crispy. This chicken cutlet, similar to a schnitzel and almost a Japanese Tonkatsu is known for its tender and juicy meat inside and light and crispy outside. Despite the meat being a little salty - part of the seasoning process in the kitchen - it still brings a smile to your face and well garnished with cherry tomatoes and served with a side of tangy Celeriac Remoulade salad. Don’t forget to squeeze the fresh lemon on the chicken to enhance the flavour. The Spanish Candea Monterrei Denominación de Origen with a blend of Treixadura, Doña Blanca, and Verdelho offers a vibrant bouquet of ripe citrus, fruity and waxy notes for a long and savoury finish with pleasant, slightly bitter notes was well paired.

<500g Copper Tree Farms 36 Month Grass-Fed Hereford Dry Aged Rib Eye>

Another highlight from the Grill Menu is this beautiful piece of grass-fed rib-eye garnished with fresh watercress. Although a little bit sinewy, the quality of the meat is not to be denied and extremely flavourful and well seasoned and delectable.The ubiquitous French Fries with truffle and Parmesan together with the Ramarro Farm Green Leaf Salad were an enjoyable accompaniment. To round off this artisanal beef experience, Peppercorn Sauce, Cafe de Paris Butter, Wholegrain Mustard, Horseradish also offer an alternative dimension on the palate to savour this premium cut of meat. We enjoyed a refined glass of 2021 Rockford “Basket Press” Shiraz for its full-bodied, earthy tannins, savory complexity and intensity which was perfectly paired with the beef.

Tempted as we were, we had no room for dessert, but Carolin insisted us to savour the home-made pomegranate sorbet as a palate cleanser which added a pleasant end to the evening. Her service was pretty switched on and the suggested wines were well paired with our food. There were too many dishes that took our eye and we had enjoyed every single course and probably had more than we should and we were not disappointed. We did initially find the lobby setting a bit distracting, but that niggle disappeared once we settled in. It wasn’t a busy night and also not that noisy to enjoy a very pleasant dinner.

Another added bonus for The Lounge & Garden is their afternoon High Tea. This classically elegant affair three tiered stand high tea set can well be elevated with a selection of French Champagne or Australian premium sparkling of your choice to  kick off the proceedings.The blend of teas on offer was also in good selection and we particularly liked the fragrant French Earl Grey tea.

The choice of four sandwiches ticked all our favourites: Chicken, Avocado & Tarragon; Spiced Egg, Mayonnaise & Watercress; Smoked Salmon, Dill & Cucumber; and Country Ham, Pickles, Swiss Cheese & Mustard. Honestly, the combinations and textures meant that every bite was a joy and judged perfectly.

There were three savouries: Wagyu Bresaola, Green Apple, Black Olive Jam & Chervil; Sausage Roll with Tomato Relish; and Spanner Crab & Salmon Roe. The Wagyu Bresaolo was the standout for us, as the beef was in premium quality and the combination of the green apple, black olive jam and chervil just added a tart piquancy that we loved. The Sausage Roll pastry could have been more flaky but the taste was on point and the Spanner Crab was a welcome counterpoint to the richness of the other two.

The scones were slightly moist and still warm when brought to the table and they were quite delicious and not crumbly like some can be. There was a plethora of artisanal jams to choose from – six in all – which was more than necessary, but why not and delicious tastes to enjoy!

Lastly, the Petit Gateau section that everyone hangs out for: Ombre Chocolate & Exotic Cube; Raspberry & Chrysanthemum Tartlet; and Blueberry & Lemon Verbena Gateau. The beauty of this selection was that they were all light and airy, but full of delicate and memorable mousse-y flavours, so not as filling as some can be and allowing you to enjoy every bite without the guilt of leaving heavy in the stomach. The culinary team had put in their most passionate effort to offer you their signature High Tea experience for you to enjoy an elegant afternoon escape, full of colour and flavours.

Tried & Tested:

Location: 4.5/5
Design & Decor: 4/5

Food & Beverage: 5/5

Service: 4.5/5
Value For Money: 4.5/5
Experience: 4.5/5

The Lounge & Garden Park Hyatt Melbourne  

1 Parliament Square,

Off Parliament Place, Melbourne

Victoria, Australia

Tel: +61 3 9224 1234

Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated.