Omg, the things you find in Melbourne when you go looking. I've been keen to try The Bell Jar for a while. Every time I've looked at the reviews it's sounded interesting and well worth checking out. In my mind I was going out for a Melbourne style brunch which we're all familiar with. Instead, I got an unexpectedly wonderful taste of French cuisine.
My head's still spinning from this experience. After we sat down the server/manager recommended the beef bourguignon, one of the listed specials for the day. I've had this dish a number of times including in France and most recently at France Soir in Toorak Road. It's a favourite of mine. I love a nicely constructed beef stew, basically. The server basically asked me to trust him while also informing me that the chef was French as he appeared to be himself too.
To cut to the chase, the dish was absolutely superb. Easily the best beef bourguignon I have had anywhere. The meat was in roughly cut chunks and so beautifully tender but without any danger of being over cooked. The red wine sauce was luscious as well and with some equally well cooked carrot and potato, the dish was utterly wonderful. The perfect dish for a cool Melbourne day. Just so delicious and so hearty and that I carefully mopped up all the sauce with the bread provided.
We were very kindly given a complimentary taste of the stewed fruit they serve here. That was superb as well. And, our coffees to finish were fantastic too.
This is one of my highlights of the year coming to The Bell Jar. You don't come here for the decor which is impressively lowbrow inside. You come here for the food, and what I was lucky enough to have here today was completely superb. read more