159 Spring Street, Melbourne
Phone 03 9654 6657
One of my absolute favourite spots for a bit of refined CBD lunching would have to be City Wine Shop. It ticks all my boxes; superb service (with a smile), a kickarse wine list (but of course!), an interesting and ever changing menu, and food that will leave you swooning. It also holds one of the best outlooks on Spring Street, especially if you’ve scored a spot in the portico.
We decided to tackle two of the specials of the day, Dan going with pan roasted fish and shellfish with baby veg and gazpacho ($21.50). Just looking at this photo makes me want to grab a hunk of bread and dig in! All the seafood elements were perfectly pan grilled, and underneath, little cherry tomatoes, baby potatoes and jerusalem artichokes sat in a cool pool of tomato broth. The crunchy garlic shards on top were a great contrast.
I on the other hand could not resist the allure of the chicken schnitzel with Italian coleslaw ($24), a plump crumbed juicy breast, still on the bone, with a lemony coleslaw of fennel, sweet red onion, cabbage, parsley and capers. The crumb too had a bit of herb, I’m thinking parsley, and a little parmesan.
For dessert, we decided to share in the ricotta and lemon cheesecake with strawberry salad ($12.50), a perfect little puck of creamy lemon infused ricotta, a dollop of double cream spiked with dehydrated strawberry shards to garnish. The strawberry salad on the side had been macerated with mint, which added another level of refreshment.
I love the City Wine Shop, and yes, drool worthy food. I still go there as a constant back up and can’t get over their niscoise.
I’ve got 4 days left in Melbourne, and gosh darn it I will make it here to eat! Mmm, schnitzel.
Hmm – think I might treat myself tomorrow…
City Wine Shop is one of my favourite places in Melbourne – but then I’m biased, I got engaged there
RM’s favourite dish is the rabbit sausage roll, while I invariably go for spaghetti with meatballs.
Jetsetting Joyce
I miss working in the city. Have to head back for a visit soon.
I’m not a big fan of artichokes, but they look nicely served with the tomato broth. Could I become converted?! :O
Hey there Jess – I concur with the niscoise, and also with anything omelette-y.
Hi Nola – well, our stupid weather probably hasn’t helped you in your quest to get there, huh? What freaky 38 degree one day, 22 blizzard rain the next have we be having?!? I guess that makes Tassie look all the more appealing
Hey essjay – being so close to your work, it’s a good spot for a more upmarket lunch.
Hey Joyce – you got engaged there?!? How wonderful!! Were you outside or inside? Tell me more! Well as you know, EG and I were married next door in Siglo, but we had our first ever kiss in Melbourne Supper Club. It is ever such a lovely set of businesses.
Hi Penny – I must admit, it’s pretty fab working in the CBD. So much choice! Especially around that top end of town.
Hiya Adrian – my only problem with jerusalem artichokes are that they give you gas
But they taste sooo good. You will definitely be converted!
Very nice!! The dessert at least looks like one! Must try. C and I had our first culinary date at European, also on Spring St. Must be a Spring St thing.
Hey Richard – I think it must be something in the water up that end of town