Is a buffet really just a buffet? well not so at Melba Restaurant The Langham Melbourne. If you are looking for food that is fresh, with creative touches that will make you take a step back, have a dining experience with an F&B team who are genuinely interested in the restaurant and what it has to offer, here at Melba is where you step off the buffet merry go round.
Melba Restaurant is a must when visiting The Langham Melbourne
The key thing to remember is take your time, and that is so hard when you feast your eyes over they fresh food smorgasbord. So my approach was to have one plate at the time to share, so we could take in the view over the Yarra River while sampling the range. The view has to be on the best, the Southbank Pedestrian Bridge sits on the left of the view and the Princes Bridge on the right. Pick which one will be your evening walk to take in more Melbourne atmosphere in the meantime look up and the skyline from Melba.
Melba Restaurant is a must when visiting The Langham Melbourne
Let’s start with the seafood, our choice Tasmania Oysters, Blue Swimmer Crab from Queensland and New Zealand Green Lip Mussels. The crab from Queensland, full of sweet meat and shells that are so soft. Green Lip Mussels I really like, the taste is clear although similar to the blue mussels, with less meat. Oysters are not really on my list, but for my partner Tasmanian Oysters are now regarded as some of the best in the country, if not the world. Not nearly as salty as South Australian oysters, they are fat and creamy with a sweet, delicate finish.
Melba Restaurant is a must when visiting The Langham Melbourne
The Japanese Chef will prepare a plate of Sashimi that also includes Tuna, which I don’t see that often in other buffets, and sad to say even in Hong Kong. Here you will be given a dependable trio of Kingfish, farmed Tasmanian salmon and Yellowfin tuna. This Tuna is soft and tender and just the right amount on the plate to complement the other Sashimi choices. Everyone gets Tuna at Melba.
Melba Restaurant is a must when visiting The Langham Melbourne
At this point our service staff offered their recommendation for wine, from their vast Melba selection. If you are not familiar with Australian wine, allow them to guide you. Their help is invaluable.
Moving on the next stop is India, this is the most creative food station I have come across. The absolutely charming Chef at this station will make your Indian dining experience one to remember. The naan is excellent: more than excellent, Cheese and Chili Naan, Cheese and Herb, Lamb and Cheese, just watch him blend the mixture of ingredients into the center of the naan, roll them out and pop them into the tandoori oven. So while you wait, ask Chef about the M&Ms and chocolate flakes, yes that is right! These ingredients are also blended into a naan, add a scoop of ice cream and this naan is one of the favorites, for the adults.
Melba Restaurant is a must when visiting The Langham Melbourne
I enjoy Lamb Rogan Josh with naan, here the lamb is tender and rich in flavor, and along with the Chana my Indian food experience is off to a good start. If only I could avoid going back for more naan, they are addictive in Melba. Take your place in the line at this popular station and talk to Chef, who is your guide to India.
Changing wine is good at this point ask your server for a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon from one of the Australian wines on their wine list, while you head over to the char grill. Prime Australian grass and grain fed Wagyu Steak cooked in front of you to your taste. The Wagyu Steak is cooked to your choice, and was just so tender, the knife when through this like butter, again this warrants a return for another piece.
Next there is a choice of Asian Stir Fry to continue your world tour, as with many of the food items here at Melba the menu with change during the week. On our night the popular Char Kway Teow was in demand, the Chef will add in a variety of seafood, eggs or veggies which always reflect good food choices from Australia.
Melba Restaurant a must when visiting The Langham Melbourne
Feeling satisfied I do not have room to eat anymore, the evening walk across the bridge looks inviting. Looking over at the Lindt Chocolate fountain, yes it is tempting but I can’t manage any more. Every dish we have shared, buffets are about experiencing, sharing and talking about all the tastes. Tastes that can evoke memories, our many trips in Asia, travels in India, stays in Japan. However, every memory needs a starting place, here it is Melba Restaurant at the Langham Hotel, 1 Southbank Ave., Southbank VIC 3006 (800) 641 107.
http://www.melbarestaurant.com.au
