Melbourne, Australia: The Colonial Tramcar

The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant:

http://www.tramrestaurant.com.au

Going back in time.. We had reservations for the luncheon. You arrive at a train stop with about 50 others. In a few minutes prior to your designated time, you hear a click-ity clack on the tracks and up comes from around the corner 4 restored Victorian train cars in beautiful Burgundy and brass. The inside were plush and the feel of turning back the clock.  You spend about 2 hours on the tramcar drinking anything that a full bar would have (they love you to enjoy the local wines of the region), and hot rolls out of the oven. The two servers introduce themselves and also the chef for your car. While you are riding around the city of Melbourne you can see out to the busy streets but the windows are tinted so nobody can see you.

If you get to the wonderful city of Melbourne make a reservation months in advance like we did as they sell out.  From our ship we were the only two on board. They have dinner and late night seating’s also.

Here is the menu for Lunch Service.

Appetizer:

Hummus dip: A smooth blend of chickpea and tahini with a hint of mint, served with crisp lavosh

Roasted Red Capsicum Dip: Fresh roasted capsicum blended with Australian cream cheese and tapenade, served with golden baked water crackers

Entrée:

Duck Terrine: Tender confit duck terrine wrapped in prosciutto, accompanied by a wild berry relish and cornichons.

or

Smoked Salmon & Avocado: Smoked Tasmanian salmon and avocado mousse, dressed with baby capers, red onion and tomato salsa

Main

Grilled Chicken Breast: Marinated in herbs on a bed of sautéed spinach served with seasonal vegetables and a rich reduction

or

Victorian Farmed Eye Fillet of Beef: Paired with a rosemary and thyme scallop potato, fresh seasonal vegetables, onion marmalade and red wine jus

Cheese Tasting Plate

Chef’s Selection of Local Cheese

Matched with a quince paste, golden crisp water crackers, and a spic

ed fruit

SDLivig on Wednesday! Pumpkins!

Made in America

I have been an advocate in purchasing goods in the country I am in. When I travel I want items from the locals just as I do when I am home. For years I have been using American Made Cake Plates that I purchased in a small shop on Abbot Kenney in Venice. Here is a picture of the shop Bountiful stacked up to the ceiling with the large cake plates. I am sad to say that the store has closed, but the American Cake Plates and other items are being manufactured in Cambridge Ohio. All by hand. I recently toured the factory and heard about the family company by the granddaughter of the original owner. If you get to the east part of Ohio, stop in and take a look. They do sell retail and wholesale.

Mosser Glass

9279 Cadiz Road

Cambridge, OH

740-439-1827

www.mosserglass.com   

My favorite items are the heavy cake plates, made in 4 sizes.

Tours are daily with lunch break at 10:00am

Over 120 countries.. But France is Special! SDLiving

French Influence ~  SDLiving Also 

I have visited over 120 countries, But France is it! Over 20 years ago when I decided which country to focus on International Food Tours I decided on France. I had so much in common with the rich country of food history. One of my mentors and chefs was from the Alp region of France in Chamonix. I knew I needed to see and share.

For over 18 seasons I packed my bags and took small groups to the South of France. We lived in the former home of Julia Child. The past 5 seasons I have rented a 17th century villa, and this year Julia's former home is up for sale. An end of an era. I hosted about 150 in the home over the years.. We are in our final stages of booking 2016 dates as we only have 2 spots left and will not be adding a week. If you are interested, please email as soon as possible. ggeary@aol.com .

I am so proud that I have 2 former tour goers coming back for yet another week in the South of France.  

SDLiving: 

Last week I created Tapas outside on the outdoor set. Here are the recipes. 

Sangria Blanca

Meatballs with Tomato Sauce

Cold Tomato Soup

White Bean Salad

I am back next week for National Cheesecake Day! July 30th.. 9am Live on SDLiving CW6.. Recipes here afterwards! 

France...

I just returned from 2 weeks in the countryside in the South of France... It was the best year of tours ever I think. 

We had great classes, tours and food. The countryside was packed with red poppies and the aroma of the floral danced in your nose. We even walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film

We woke up to the village's church bells every morning and ended our evenings with them as well.  

2016 maybe the last year for our use of this great villa. So if you are interested please email us. The dates are April 24th-30th, 2016 .. We only have room for 4 couples.. We take care of everything except your airfare into Nice, France.. 

Don't Procrastinate! 

Cheers George

France 2016 Here we Come!

I just finished packing for a 3 week tour of Europe. 

On Sunday I will be joining my 20th Season of "Foodies" in the South of France. I will be posting pictures and notes via Facebook and Twitter for you to feel like you are with us.. The following week I will have another group..

I always say that after 20 seasons of bringing people from around the world to "Julia's" neighborhood and markets , it feels like the first time. Here are some of the highlights of the tour:

All Ground Transportation is included
Living in a 18th Century Villa in the most charming village close to Grasse.
Three Hands-On Cooking Classes
Fresh Aroma of Croissants and Pastry every morning
Rose Garden Class on Aromas
Aroma Scents Instruction
Perfumery Tour
Cheese Class
Tours of Cannes Markets (Produce, Textiles, Fish, Candies and Cheeses)
Village Tours of (Grasse, Vallbonne, Antebes, Cannes and More)
Wine Socials in the Evenings 
                  And so much more!

We only have room for 4 couples (8 people) so if you are thinking about it, check it out! Our prices have stayed the same since 2009, and we have added a day and transportation!
2016 Dates are: April 24-30th

A week in the countryside of France will change your life!

If you are interested in a brochure, email me at ggeary@aol.com or upload one here.. Brochure



Always,

George Geary CCP

Culinary Media