La Luna Bistro (Carlton Nth)

Melbourne now has a very large number of pubs and bistros serving food that varies from indifferent to excellent. Last night we tried La Luna which, I had heard, served most excellent rabbit. Unfortunately it was not on the menu.

We started with a squid risotto nero ($33.5) made from a fine small grain Australian arborio rice.

We shared this main course of squid risotto nero ($33.5) as an entrée and found it very very good in both taste and texture. Our waiter later told me they were more oted for their gnochi which was the alternative to the risotto! To late La Luna is particularly noted for its aged beef which they also sell to customers. If they have time the chef will also show you their cool room.
It is stuffed with aging sides of beef, air drying prosciuto and other goodies.
We had a scotch fillet ($36.5 for 320 gm) cooked to perfection, in a red wine jus with mashed potato and topped with a large mushroom. Our second main was a shoulder of pork wrapped in crackling on a bed of cabbage with a few slices of carrot and topped with mash ($35.5) n excellent piece of meat tender an very juicy - I loved it.

This was also in a heavy red wine jus which had a slightly burnt taste. This is a large and very satisfying meal that I would recommend. We finished with a rich chocolate ganash ($14/5).

I have two minor criticisms – bread, which was a bit dry, and butter is happily provided but is not offered. You have to ask for it. Secondly the jus while appropriate for the steak was not a good combination with the pork. I think a butter sauce would have been better.

Price: Marginally dearer than some of its' inferior competition

Wine: They have a reasonable list by the glass. After a Marlborough pinot gris I very much enjoyed the Wanted Man Heathcote Shiraz
This is definitely at the top end of bistro dining and well worth a revisit and I don’t think I need to wait for the rabbit!
Score: 15.25/20