I have been known to forget a main and simply order dessert at Freestyle Tout, Martin Duncan's fabulous venture at Emporium in the Valley. This is a great place for everything from a quick coffee with friends to lunch or dinner. It's also handy pre and post movies. Parking can get busy during peak times but take a tip and look in the streets lining the centre. I've often found an easy park for a couple of dollars there and that beats doing rounds of the car park stalking people.Martin's new menu includes more mains. I was tempted by the Kurobuta Berkshire Rare Breed Pork Cutlet served on sweet corn risotto with zucchini flower, bacon & pea foam but a recent dental appointment steered me towards easier eating with the Duck, Bacon, Mushroom & Fennel Risotto. My companion chose the Twice Cooked Goats Cheese Soufflé with sugar
& vodka cured ocean trout, asparagus, Crispy prosciutto, apple balsamic & vincotto which looked terrific when it arrived.Of course we couldn't resist dessert and chose Sticky Date Pudding served with butterscotch sauce & vanilla ice cream and Hot Fudge Brownie with fudge sauce & vanilla ice cream. Yum.
Freestyle Tout, 1000 Ann Street, Valley. p 3252 0214 www.freestyletout.com.au
