(Image credit – Tess Williams)
The words ‘Scandinavia’ and ‘Nordic’ immediately bring to mind a number of things: Ikea; royal families (including our very own Princess Mary); bicycle-friendly cities; and advanced education systems to name just a few. However, I’ll be honest, food traditionally hasn’t made this list. duNORD Kitchen & Bar definitely challenges this perception.
(Image credit – Tess Williams)
The experience starts as soon as you walk through the door. Beautifully furnished in sleek, Scandinavian furniture juxtaposed with exposed brick and soft, simple lighting, the atmosphere is instantly warm and inviting. The friendly staff matched.
(Image credit – Tess Williams)
Inspired by the style that surrounded us, we decided that our evening should follow a similar theme and what better way to start to the night than with a cocktail from an extensive menu. The Smokey Burns (scotch whiskey, Laphroaig, sweet vermouth and Dom Benedictine) (left) was true to its name. The Nordic Grape (vodka, pear, reisling reduction, citrus and egg white) (right) is a house favourite.
We paired our cocktails with some appetizers – smoked eel and acorn croquettes in popcorn, a pine smoked quails nest, and venison, juniper and radish tartare. Three unique and interesting textures and flavours; all highly recommended.
(The pine smoked quail’s nest)
(Smoked Eel and Acorn croquettes)
(Venison juniper and radish tartare – left, with the smoked quail’s nest – right)
For mains we went with the blackberry glazed dry aged mutton with pea puree, forest berries and bergamot and the smoked mackerel, crispy cabbage, foliage and flowers with a side of bacon braised sprouts and shoots (contrary to popular opinion, I adore brussel sprouts). The presentation was faultless and almost too perfect to eat but it didn’t take us long to get over that and tuck in to the generous and totally delicious servings.
(Dry aged mutton with pea puree, forest berries and bergamot)
(Bacon braised sprouts and shoots)
(Smoked Mackerel with crispy cabbage, flowers and foliage)
By this stage we were utterly full but we couldn’t say no to at least one dessert to top off a fabulous meal – a delicately composed lavender ice cream, lemon and vanilla sponge and white chocolate soil.
(Image credit – Tess Williams)
duNORD is a great place for a drink with friends, a romantic meal or a unique function. The menu is seasonal and the winter version is very inspiring. Find your inner Scandinavian.
AR.
Trading hrs: Mon-Thurs 4.30pm-late, Friday 4.30pm-1am, Saturday 6pm-1am
Menu link: http://www.dunord.com.au/menu
Bookings: Available by phone, email info@dunord.com.au or online via their website or Dimmi.
Address: 367 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
Ph: (03) 9642 0052
Website: www.dunord.com.au
Twitter: @duNORD_melb
Facebook: du NORD
Must try: Nordic inspired cocktails (rotate weekly). ‘Your daily juice’ – freshly squeezed Granny Smith apples with your choice of house spirit.
Notes: N/A
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