Dandelion restaurant Crab Night
Dandelion restaurant an icon in Elwood is thrilling diners with its Crab Nights on the first Tuesday of the month, and the World Loves Melbourne was invited along to experience the action. This is a fun unique offering in Melbourne, for those who love crab and seafood and is a playful dining experience to enjoy with friends. We also felt it was excellent value as you get a decent amount of premium food for the price including matched wines.
Chilli Crab Nights are popular in Elwood.
Feasting on crab. Down and dirty but so rewarding.
On this day once a month, you can enjoy a special set menu of crab entrees, crab main course and dessert. For crab lovers this is pure joy, and we understand this is a way many get introduced to the world of crab.
Get your bib on. No chance of staining the Van Heusen.
Crab is a sweet meat, and it pays to dive in to the crab and get all of its delights. You need to get "down and dirty" and Az told us when it comes to eating crab "there are no rules." This puts diners at ease as you know it may get messy. It is messy but also fun and playful. While Dandelion offers serious food and wine options it never takes itself too seriously and is approachable with a fun aspect. The Chilli Crab Night fits this vibe perfectly.
The amount of food is generous.
The Chilli Crab Night was well attended with a "buzz". Seeing diners wearing bibs was slightly amusing and we took advantage of the bibs ourselves. With bibs, large serviettes, and washing towel brought to the table to wash our hands (and daresay our faces) you can't go wrong. I wore a tailored jacket and there was no need for dry cleaning. Dandelion think of every requirement.
Matching wines are spot on.
Crab Starters were a highlight featuring Crab dressed with coconut, lime, chilli, black sesame rice paper crackers, follwed by Soft-shell crab rice paper roll.
The sides are top notch.
Took the leaves off to find a treasure chest of crab. Broth is amazing and I mopped it up with the steamed rice. Plus its rewarding to eat the chillies - put the chillies in Chilli Crab Night!
Our Main Catch of Crab featured Singapore Chilli Mud Crab followed by Black Pepper Swimmer Crab.
Side Dishes were also a feature, notably Vietnamese slaw with peanuts, crispy shallots, nuoc cham, as well as Grilled sweet corn with chilli and coriander butter, and Steamed rice.
Joyous dining. Get down and dirty.
True to form dessert at Dandelion is a standout, with the Banh Flan - Vietnamese coffee cream caramel, cashew praline, honeycomb, bringing high praise from our table.
? Wine Flight was excellent, and we always find pairings at Dandelion spot on with Az at the helm-