Bankvale Run at Marnong Estate
2335 Mickleham Road, Craigieburn
03 9216 3022
Australian
$$$$$
Food
- Calamari
- 1/2 Kilo Portarlington Mussels
- Pasture Fed Eye Fillet 250gm MB2+
- Marnong’s Porchetta
- Creme Caramel
- Sticky Date Pudding
The Good
We were off to an impressive start to our meal with the Calamari and Portarlington Mussels. The Calamari was no doubt an instant standout. The lightly crusted batter was fried to a perfect crisp, encasing some of the softest and most tender calamri we’ve ever sampled. The fresh chunks of squid were beautifully accompanied by juicy cherry tomatoes as well as a slightly spicy mayo that tied it altogether. Perfect.
The Mussels didn’t disappoint either. Served in a giant bowl, the half kilo Mussels were a more than generous serve. While not the largest, these Mussels were incredibly fresh, offering a meaty, juicy sensation that was well paired by the rich and slightly spicy tomato base it was cooked in.
We then dug into the much-anticipated Eye Fillet. At 250grams the extremely thick cut didn’t appear sizeable though was incredibly filling. The lightly charred outer offered up a beautiful aroma and plenty of beefy flavour. The perfectly cooked medium inner exhibited an excellent pink and was delectably tender and juicy, without being at all bloody. Paired with a pillowy soft roast potato, as well as grilled tiger prawns, this was one excellent surf and turf.
The Porchetta didn’t disappoint either. The pork was nicely roasted, surrounded by a beautiful crackling that was nicely juxtaposed by the soft polenta chip. The cut was perhaps a bit leaner than most Porchetta we’ve sampled, as a result was a tad less succulent, but still offering plenty of bold, forward pork flavour and a tender texture. This paired rather nicely with the 2017 Marnong Shiraz, which was pleasant without being noteworthy in and of itself.
Our meal concluded on a sweet note with the Creme Caramel and the Sticky Date Pudding. Saving the best till last, the Sticky Date Pudding at Bankvale Run is a definite must. Fresh out of the oven, the pudding was incredibly soft and moist. With an almost spongy sensation, the butterscotch sauce surrounding it added an insatiable richness that was contrasted by the slice of pear. Just decadent.
The Mediocre
Nothing.
The Bad
Nothing.
The Verdict
Situated in Mickleham, the Marnong Estate is rich with history and offers a stunning escape to the country. The breathtaking landscape and grounds, coupled with great food and wine, made this a thoroughly enjoyable dinner.
Would Penguin Eat Again?
Most definitely! Such a convenient yet enjoyable escape that’s not too far from Melbourne!
Penguineats would like to thank Marnong Estate for inviting us.