I was lucky to be invited to Motorwagen Cafe & Restaurant to try their new seven course degustation menu which was launched a couple of weeks ago.
As always, Joedy (the host) was fantastic. Great service makes such a a difference to a dining experience, and Joedy goes above and beyond to make sure you’re happy. As well, Dario Manca, the new Chef there came out and spoke to us about the menu and his passion fills the entire room. It’s impressive to see such a young Chef making big strides and such a well thought out and executed menu. He’s had some incredible experiences around the world and it shows through the dishes.
First up was Strega. It’s a bread first cooked by two woman in a small Italian town who could make flour & water puff… so they called them witches! It’s only made from flour water salt olive oil and they’re quite addictive.
Next on the list? Eggplant parmigiana taco crumbled with tomato and olive and savoury macrons with risotto and saffron filling. Both of these were quite different with fantastic flavours. The macaroons were both sweet and salty.
The kingfish was my favourite. Firstly it’s presented so well. But the flavours – wow. There’s ice plant, which was delicious with the basil and lychee, and of course super fresh fish.
The culurgiones, cacio and nduja was different. Ravioli with a potato and Pecorino filling, served on a cacio pepe sauce, finished with nduja oil for a light kick. Dario worked in a pasta restaurant for five years and the experts wouldn’t teach him how to make the dishes until he had earned their respect.
The bread really blew my mind. I know what you’re thinking – bread.. seriously? But yes, the bread has garlic baked into it and is warm, soft and comforting. You can taste the prosciutto in the butter too, such an impressive combination!
There was also the slow cooked lamb breast with potato mash, puree and pickled yellow zucchini. And finally, red capsicum, white chocolate ice cream and fresh lemon thyme – delightfully sweet way to end the evening!
I won’t go in to detail on all the dishes we tried, you’ll have to go in and try for yourself. There’s some surprise amuse bouche in the mix by Motorwagen as well. The wine pairings were perfectly matched to the dishes and I highly recommend adding these on to your degustation. It makes for even more of a taste sensation and Joedy is wonderful at explaining the flavours and notes of the wine and why they match the dish.
*While this dining experience was complimentary, this review is true and authentic.
