Meat and Livestock Australia’s program aims to increase awareness of red meat industry and grow global exports potential by boosting the profile and understanding of lamb for meat-enthusiast. The Lambassadors had an enriching time in the Lambassadors Melbourne Trip 2022 interacting and learning about lamb with some of the best in the industry. Victoria State also showed their support with the Minister of Agriculture Ms Mary-Anne Thomas gracing the Cook-Off session together with the Lambassadors.
Home to the capital of Melbourne, there is so much to discover in Victoria beyond the breathtaking beauty of the Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles. This especially ring close to a food connoisseur’s heart, with some of the World’s best food scenes and ingredients found right here.
Join us and ignite your senses through a journey of taste as we bring you some of the top highlights on places to visit and eat for an unforgettable experience in this city!
VISIT
Butcher shop Victor Churchill
Victor Churchill is one of Melbourne’s premium butchers and top leading distributor of quality meat that holds true to their passion – providing customers access to a unique and truly memorable meat experience. It was established by the Father and Son duo Victor Puharich and Anthony Puharich, connecting some of the country’s best meat producers with the best chefs.
‘One of Australia’s oldest continually run butcher shop, a premium butcher for the meat connoisseurs’
The Lambassadors received a warm welcome into this beautiful city with a tour around the stunning Victor Churchill in Melbourne, the extension branch. Encased in a heritage facade building with stunning interiors, the wide variety of prime cuts hang proud in the beautiful glass displays. From lamb shoulder, shank, loin to ribs, Victor Churchill believes in serving nothing short of the best when it comes to quality of meat.
Fowles Farm & Winery
The Fowles family property spans over 4500 acres including an well-established working sheep station, producing some of the best Lamb in the world. Fowles Farm & Winery is a farming family with a rich history of passionate farmers. As advocators of sustainable farming practices, they believe in the wholesome cultivation of produce and bringing energy to the food prepared with love in their family restaurant.
During the Melbourne Trip 2022, the Lambassadors had the chance to tour this private farm exclusively to experience the essence and some of the workings behind the farm’s operations. They also had a unique farm-to-table dining experience at the restaurant showcasing sustainable and authentic food.
Upton Run and Billi’s
The Fowlers Family also manages over 360 acres of beauty across two vineyards called Upton Run and Billi’s in the Strathbogie Ranges northeast of Melbourne. Peppered with massive ancient granite boulders and elevated above sea level, the high-quality grapes are grown and harvested for making into wines.
Red wines make great accompaniment to thick meats in which the tannins in them help to soften and round out the flavors of lamb meat. The balancing of the richness of the lamb meat with a sip of the full-bodied wine is a concerto for one’s taste buds.
Roasting Warehouse
Experience coffee like no other at Roasting Warehouse, one of Melbourne’s top roasters. Enjoy a cup (or two) and bring back pure Melbourne memories in the form of ethically sourced roasted coffee beans in the heart of Victoria.
A versatile power ingredient, coffee is often used in the preparation of sauces and pairing with meat combinations. Savoury pairings work well too such as Lamb accompanied with darker roasts of coffee. The Lambassadors recharge themselves with some coffee for an exciting day ahead.
FEAST AT
Pastuso
Savour and feel the rich Peruvian heritage from Pastuso’s many dishes filled with Latin flavours enhanced by Australia’s distinctive ingredients. A highlight of their menu is the Los Fuegos De Peru – meaning the fire of Peru, showcasing signature dishes of premium red meat charcoal-grilled to perfection. The Lambassadors enjoyed a sumptuous meal set under the elegant restaurant setting and drew inspiration from Pastuso’s team on enhancing dining experiences.
San Telmo
“Parrilla” means grill in Spanish, often referring to the open-fire hearth and grates where meat is cooked. Spreading the essence of Argentine cuisine like the roaring flame of a fire, San Telmo emits a sense of passionate exuberance. This Old world’s Argentine bodega Venue in downtown Melbourne serves a variety of hearty meat dishes cooked in their 2.5 metre Parrilla charcoal grill. The Lambassadors had the chance to see this bespoke grill in action and soak in the atmosphere of the restaurant.
Lamb-lovers, be sure to try out their Mas Grande menu featuring the premium pasture fed Lamb rump bursting with flavours!
Robata
Stepping into Robata, the Lambassadors were transported into the bustling vibrant image of Tokyo, where the bright neon lights illuminate over the glistening plates of delicacies. The name Robata is inspired from the word ‘Robatayaki’ which is the ancient Japanese grilling method term translated as ’fireside cooking’. The Lambassadors savour some great dishes under the neon lights and exchange experiences of their love of grill techniques. Infusing the love of Japanese food and culture into the kitchen’s, Robata brings on intense, pure flavours extracted from cooking over charcoal.
Maha Dining
Located in a sub-basement venue on Bond Street, Maha is the signature venue using a fresh, innovative and unrestricted approach with Mediterranean influences. The Maha team skillfully redefines this ancient cuisine through modern dining, creating playful and flavourful Middle Eastern food. During the trip, the Lambassadors enjoyed a warm communal dining experience and learn about the cooking culture and inspiration behind the establishment.
Society
Immerse your senses at Society Dining Room, a multi-faceted dining destination in the heart of Melbourne. The Lambassadors were awed by the stylish set-up and impeccable attention to every ingredient used in the dishes.
Awarded Contemporary Australian Restaurant of the Year 2022, Lillian is Society’s Euro-style Brasserie serving delectable wood-fired meats, delicate seafood to handmade pastas. You can end off a great evening with a sip of the bespoke drinks at The Lounge Bar.
Queen Victoria Market
Affectionately known as ‘Vic Market’ or ‘Queen Vic’, the Queen Victoria Market has been the heart and soul of Melbourne for more than a century. An iconic landmark with a rich history, it’s a vibrant inner-city space showcasing over 600 stores. From Australian fresh produces, local and imported gourmet food to fascinating fashion and souvenirs, it is a must-visit for your trip! The Lambassdors spent an awesome morning mingling with the stalls each filled with flavour and exciting goods, learning about the great selection of raw ingredients and condiments.
The Lambassadors collected many memories and inspirations – from sourcing fresh raw ingredients, cooking preparation to creating signature dishes with innovative use of lamb. The Cook-off Event was one of the great moments of the trip where Lambasaadors from all around the world collaborated to create some amazing dishes using the lamb. Indeed, language know no barriers when it comes to food – the Lambassadors all speak the same for their love for the Australian Lamb and that unites the world!
