The Rare Tour at Meatmaiden with Restaurant AG
Melbourne’s culinary landscape is renowned for its vibrancy, but The Rare Tour, a collaboration between Stockholm’s steak royalty Restaurang AG and Meatmaiden, took dining to an extraordinary level. Held at Meatmaiden in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, this exclusive event featured a six-course sharing menu that was a masterclass in flavor, craftsmanship, and innovation. For three unforgettable nights, the fusion of Swedish precision and Melbourne’s relaxed sophistication created an experience that left guests buzzing with excitement. We were blessed to attend on one of the nights and we have been raving ever since.
Walking into Meatmaiden, the atmosphere was electric. The subterranean venue, celebrated for its meat-centric ethos, became the perfect stage for this culinary spectacle. Restaurang AG’s Chef Johan Jureskog and his team worked alongside Meatmaiden’s talented chefs to deliver a menu that showcased the finest produce and world-class techniques. The service, (a shout out to the impeccable Camilla and Lillian), was warm, attentive, and perfectly in sync with the evening’s rhythm.
The meal began with Marrow of Ox “The Flintstone,” steamed and grilled to rich, unctuous perfection. Paired with beer-braised onions and crispy bacon, it struck a balance of sweet and savory, while grilled bread slathered with cowboy butter added a rustic touch. The Salt and Pepper Gin Martini, crisp and slightly spiced, was a revelation that set the tone for the night.
Next came the Charred Octopus with Nashville Sauce, a smoky, tender dish that blended the ocean’s freshness with a Southern-inspired kick. The heat was perfectly balanced, letting the octopus shine. This was followed by Carpaccio of Dry-Aged Beef, adorned with aged balsamic and shaved parmesan, each bite melting in the mouth with a symphony of umami and acidity. The Tomato Salad with Bloody Mary Dressing brought vibrant, tangy, and spicy notes, cutting through the richness of the earlier courses.
The Buttered Lobster Mac Croquette was a crowd-pleaser, encapsulating indulgence in a single bite. Creamy, golden, and crisp, it was paired with a Caraway-Kissed Citrus-Infused Aalborg Taffel Akvavit Firestarter, a spirited toast that added Scandinavian flair. The croquette’s decadence and the akvavit’s bold, herbaceous kick were a match made in culinary heaven.
The centerpiece of the evening was the “Grand Cru” Tallow-Aged Stone Axe Full-Blood Wagyu Rib Eye 9+. Sourced from Stone Axe, a producer known for world-class Wagyu, this rib eye was aged for 21 days, then wrapped in roasted beef fat and aged for an additional eight weeks. The result was a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece, its intense marbling and depth of flavor elevated by a beef-fat béarnaise sauce. Smoked potatoes, crisp outside and fluffy within, were the perfect accompaniment. Paired with a 2021 Massena Verto Shiraz, whose bold fruit and subtle spice complemented the Wagyu’s richness, this course was pure decadence.
Dessert was equally impressive, with a dense, fudgy Chocolate Mud Cake served alongside whipped cream. It was paired with a Smoked Old Fashioned, a cocktail that brought smoky warmth and a hint of sweetness to close the meal. The combination was a fitting end to a night defined by bold flavors and meticulous execution.
The Rare Tour was a celebration of passion, precision, and the shared love of exceptional food. Chef Johan Jureskog and his Restaurang AG team, alongside Meatmaiden’s Neil and Hayley and their exceptional kitchen team, showcased the artistry of steak cookery, with Stone Axe Wagyu as the star.
The event also marked a milestone for Meatmaiden, which debuted at a richly deserved No. 91 on the World’s Best Steak Restaurants list, a testament to the venue’s commitment to quality and innovation.
For Melbourne, a city that thrives on culinary diversity and creativity, The Rare Tour was a sensational addition to its dining calendar. The blend of Swedish and Australian culinary traditions, paired with impeccable service and an electric atmosphere, made this a night to remember. Whether you’re a steak aficionado or simply a lover of great food, The Rare Tour at Meatmaiden was a reminder of the magic that happens when passion and produce collide.