Bistro Bakini Masters of the Mediterranean Degustation Dinner Preview
The World Loves Melbourne was thrilled to be invited to Bistro Bakini's Masters of the Mediteranean Degustation Preview Dinner on St Kilda Rd. Bistro Bakini is a restaurant we've previously enjoyed with modern Italian food, often with a fusion twist. The Masters of the Mediteranean Degustation Dinner to be presented on April 18 2015 is certainly fusion at its finest, offering the best of Italian and Moroccan food with an exciting chef partnership.
We imbibed a medley of Morroccan and Italian dishes at the Preview Dinner that were served to exemplify the best of the Mediterranean. Masters of the Mediterranean on April 18 is first in a series of "Fusion in Food" series, and we found the food to be sumptuous with skilful presentation. The Italian maestro Executive Chef at Bistro Bakini Luigi Buono has teamed up with famed Moroccan Chef, Hassan M'Souli, Owner and Chef of Sydney's famous "Out of Africa" restaurant. A somellier on the night will be matching wines with the courses (we were matched well at our dinner). The 8 course dinner on April 18 is an affordable $95 with matching wines bringing the cost to $145. You can book your tickets by ringing Bistro Bakini or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
We dined in the leisurely private back room with a great group of bloggers, and the superb hospitality of Ashleigh from Harvey Publicity. What also impressed us was that the Executive chef Luigi was on hand to take us through the different dishes. Personally we enjoyed catching up with leading bloggers of Melbourne and the conversation and company was a delight.
The first course of King Salmon Carpaccio served with a preserved lemon harissa emulsion was a triumph. Lemon harissa is a Moroccan mainstay and the emulsion was magnificent in complementing the Italian style carpaccio.
The second course of Grilled Kefta on a bed of cucumber spaghetti drizzled with red capsicum puree. Kefta is a popular Moroccan street food, and here it has been somewhat glammed up featured with Italian spaghetti and a delightful capsicum puree.
This was followed by Crispy quail breast with parmesan risotto res el hanout jus, another highlight for The World Loves Melbourne. Moroccan quail is often served traditionally with cous cous, but on this occasion with an Italian risotto. This was another dish that was rustic and rewarding. The presentation of all the dishes was first class.
A rich and rewarding fourth course was the Slow cooked Moroccan lamb shank served with spiced baby figs and farro. Who doesn't love a slow cooked lamb shank? Especially when it's slow cooked Moroccan style along with seasonal figs and Italian farro nuttiness.
The dessert was a brilliant rendition of panna cotta featuring Goats milk yoghurt panna cotta in a hibiscus soup, topped with rose gelee. The hibiscus soup was an extraordinary accompaniment.
What a dinner! This was a preview dinner of 5 courses - but the Masters of the Mediterranean Degustation Dinner will involve 8 courses and is sure to be a fabulous evening.
The restaurant is modern and welcoming with decent sized bar and dining area, with the private back room near the kitchen.
Bistro Bakini is an exciting foodie destination on St Kilda Rd just out of the city with plenty to offer. We like the direction of sophistication it is taking.