Melba Brasserie

Date: 22/01/05
Suburb: Southbank
Introduction I have eaten here many times. The buffet ($59) on Saturday night is consistently good, the al la carte dishes much better
Ambience Aging but pleasing decor Never feels as full as it is because many clients are at the buffet at any one time
Service Could be more prompt at times
Food Tian (a tower) of avocado and mud crab on a bed of cucumber was excellent. The duck breast marinated in Juniper berries with Portobello mushrooms and bok choy on mashed, should I say gratnee?, potatoes was filling tho the mushrooms were somewhat lost in the very rich jus.
The buffet is extensive with endless oysters, crab, prawns, salmon, cold cuts, a variety of hot dishes, Peking duck, a carvery, pasta finished with additions to your specifications - ham, onions, garlic etc in a white or red sauce, a nice range of breads and rolls and an extensive range of attractive looking desserts.
Wine Quite extensive list. By the glass $7.50 to $11.50 $28 up by the bottle
Price About $125 for two - one buffet one a la carte
Comments Faded but still good quality

Score: 14/20