Carringbush Dining Room

Mietta's Eating & Drinking in Melbourne 2000

Contributors' Choice
Page 52

One of those propinquity things where the right pub and the right chefs found each other. Like the Spencer Hotel, this place has a Pete and Janelle in the kitchen. They have not sacrificed the local pub feel in the bar for the sake of the restaurant, which is gratifying. The long wide passageway dining room of sandblasted brick feels like you're dining in a train. This is appropriate because they pass just outside the window more or less soundlessly, giving it that dynamic Chicago feel, like something out of the Blues Brothers.

The kitchen is amply manned by two who have done fine dining food at Stella and other top spots. Here you'll find smart service, generous helpings and clever flavours. The pannacotta was gorgeous, the steak near perfect and I'm big on steak.

There is a courtyard and a bar where you can also dine and a wine list to cover all tastes. There is a planned tart-up of facilities like the loos, which should make serious diners more comfortable.

We'll see phenomenal pub food here, for as long as Pete and Janelle are in the kitchen.

228 Lanridge Street
Abbotsford
Melways reference 2C:J12
Phone: 9417 2918
Opening hours: Lunch: Mon-Sun 12 noon-3pm, Dinner: Mon-Sat 6-10pm
Licensed
Accepts credit cards
Seats Inside: 76, Outside: 25
Closed: Lunches on public holidays
Features: Kids encouraged, bar, private room seats 26
Favourites: Porterhouse steak $19, Seared atlantic salmon $19.