There is a good reason why Muse Dining is probably the most recommended restaurant we heard about, the cuisine was outstanding, to say the least, exciting flavours and combinations presented in unique ways and a little theatre. That said I will cycle back to the cuisine soon, first, let’s talk about Mus Dining, nestled just off the Broke Road roundabout at Hungerford Hill winery.
Muse offers a set 4-course menu with choices only at a fixed price, and you will notice the check at the end of the evening! The service is exceptionally attentive, and nothing is missed, although I have to say there could be a little more attention to personal hygiene, which was noticed by us all. We had the private dining room adjacent to the main room, which was brilliant. The main restaurant with an open kitchen is boisterous, and I felt we would have had trouble talking to each other across the table.
So back to the cuisine, from the get-go, things are interesting from the canapes served on very organic vine branches, the Beurre Noisette Butter with the house-made sourdough (Butter cooked until nut-brown, with a toasty flavour and then chilled) and how the staff really knew their stuff and could explain whatever you wanted to know off the cuff.
The first course for me was the Wood Burnt Carrot, Dolce Nina buffalo cream, smoked and cured heritage pork, herbed mustard and sunrose, a mouthful but astounding the charred carrot with the other ingredients was the perfect match. Second up, Sweetcorn Polenta and Cotechino Sausage, basil, shallots and shithito was a sensation of bold flavours. Edwina had the Raw Hiramasa Kingfish, chilled strawberry, shiso and lime dashi (which was served at the table), radish and elderflower, looked and tasted beautiful and delicate. Course 3 I elected for the Little Hill Farm Chicken, Sebago potato, mothers fungus mushroom and rosemary, simple and good but I think from the noises from my friends who had the Wood-fired Murray cod, eggplant, sage, macadamia and sunrose was the pick.
Now let’s discuss dessert, for those who know me, they know I don’t eat very much, 3 entrees between Eddie and I are pretty much all I can handle and would rarely order dessert, however on this occasion with a 4-course tasting menu with not overly generous serves I got through. I looked at the dessert menu and nearly didn’t order, but the Muse Coconut caught my eye and my interest, so I order it……. OMG, what a dessert, creamy, coconutty, meringuey lusciousness is all I can say, a sensation.
The wines we chose were classics and favourites, a 2017 Moreau-Naudet Petit Chablis which was perfect for nearly all dishes and 2018 Ten by Tractor’ Wallis Vineyard’ from the Mornington.
Muse Dining was overall was our best dining experience over the 5 meals we had, cuisine, service, experience and surroundings but they don’t miss you with the check. Book ahead as there is a good reason why everyone recommends this fine establishment
