“As he came into the window … it was the sound of a crescendo”
The Secretary of Steak moon-walked his way into yet another notorious Melbourne steak outlet recently. It was in fact, a venue he has graced with his presence on several occasions. Importantly however, The Dear Luncher has only spent time downstairs. The pub downstairs is glorious. Melbourne’s oldest; or so Your Dear Luncher is led to believe. A fantastic array of beers, 17 on tap as a matter of fact. Before embarking on his journey upstairs The Dear Luncher sampled a pint of the recently tapped excellence from the folks at Bridge Road Brewers (Beechworth) – The Bling India Pale Ale. Priced at a very comfortable $11.90 – excellent value for a high-end craft beer.
However, today’s discussion is about the magnificent steakhouse venue that sits on top of the aforementioned pub. Ladies and Gentlemen, readers of The Dear Luncher’s wisdom – if you have not walked up those stairs then you really have not visited The Mitre Tavern.
Upon entry The Dear Luncher and his entourage were warmly greeted and seated in the upstairs section. While waiting for others to arrive, a glorious loaf of ciabatta-cobb-style bread was presented as an appetiser.
Another pint of Bling? Sure why not. The red wine selection can wait.
Excitement levels reached fever pitch whilst perusing both the wine list and lunch menu. Choices galore. Who are we kidding though? The choices were limited exclusively to which cut of red meat was going to be selected. And today, it was a Riverina sourced Porterhouse (350g) prepared medium ($49). Bernaise sauce is often Your Dear Luncher’s preferred sauce-based condiment, big tick.
The Dear Luncher’s fellow Lunchers deferred the side selections to His Lunchiness and three were selected: shoestring fries ($8.50), Tomato, Basil, Buffalo Mozzarella with olive oil & Sea Salt ($9.50) and a Pear & Walnut salad with romaine lettuce & Roquefort dressing ($12). As is always the way with side selections, anything that is smothered in any kind of blue cheese sauce and/or dressing is very much appreciated.
The Dear Luncher’s Porterhouse was cooked exactly per specification. It was a sumptuous steak. Delightfully accompanied with a bottle of St. Hallet “Butchers Cart” Shiraz (2014 – $59) – enjoyment levels were high, ever enhanced by the unique surrounds and charming staff.
Truth be told (The Dear Luncher always tells the truth) – there was no faulting the entire culinary and sensory experience at Mitre’s Steakhouse. If $50 steaks could be eaten every day, The Mitre would be the place to do it. Other steakhouses produce equally outstanding bovine-sourced fare, but The Mitre Upstairs has an old world charm that is hard to top.
And much like cover versions of classic/timeless hits ala Smooth Criminal, it’s the original that is always best. The same can be said when it comes to steaks. Behold.
#PREACH MICHAEL, #PREACH.
Location: 5 Bank Place, CBD, Melbourne.
Link: http://www.mitretavern.com.au/steakhouse-melbourne.php
Cuisine: Steak.
