RESTAURANT WEEK

What used to be called "Restaurant Week" is now called "The Age Good Food Guide Restaurant Express", and now spans two weeks as part of The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.

Basically the deal is that participating restaurants offer lunch at $30 across the board, for 2 courses, a glass of wine and coffee. And these aren't just any restaurants... i guess they're all hat-scoring restaurants from the Age Good Food Guide, and hence, pretty swish - not places you'd likely get out of that cheaply any other week of the year.

My sister in law, Heidi, went pretty gung ho on it this year. She had about half a dozen lunches, while I was happy to accept two invitations....

L'OUSTAL
166 Bridport Street, Albert Park


Duck confit and pork belly Cassoulet


Lemon verbena bavarois and poached rhubarb

ESPOSITO AT TOOFEY'S
162 Elgin Street, Carlton
http://www.toofeys.com.au


Cauliflower and taleggio panna cotta: parmesan wafer, celery leaves and salsa verde


Swordfish, caramelized onion and pesto


Heidi: Salmon, sautéed spinach, shallot, thyme and red wine sauce