Embla. It's emotional. — NICOLE RICHIE

A snippet from our fantastic meal at Embla: Octopus. oregano, potato paired with a delicious effervescent orange wine.

As a late birthday celebration, we checked out Embla, a rustic and intimate wine bar tucked into a dark alley along Russell St. With an extensive and eclectic wine list and a menu that’s focused on taking simple dishes and elevating them with the use of fire and unique flavour combinations, this was one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time. We ate and drank our way through the small but conceptual menu, all while the chefs prepared incredible dishes for us across the counter. The kitchen’s open concept allows you to interact with the food, learning about your meal as it comes together before your eyes. By allowing their guests to be a part of the action, Embla invites you to engage with the cooks and therefore the food they’re creating. You are learning about the origins of the dish, the cooks behind it and the preparation, all while sipping on some funky yet totally delicious vino. Each ingredient and each component of the experience is laid out in front of you, there is absolutely no room for bullshit.

We watched as mustard greens were tossed in a light vinaigrette, waiting to be plated with the beautiful Bavette that had just been crusted on cast iron and then cooked to perfection over the wood flame. The Octopus was charred over the wood fire and then carefully rested and sliced before being bathed in a intensely flavourful but supremely light oregano oil and sat on top of a potato cream. Hypnotized by the open fire we became memorized in the creation of each dish, stopping the chef’s to ask questions about the ingredients and how the dish came to be. The whole meal was like a great conversation, learning and marvelling, while getting to contribute and participate with the food and the atmosphere. All the dishes work harmoniously together and you’re guaranteed to find the perfect bottle that will help to elevate your meal. With dishes like hummus topped with Asian inspired chilli oil & fresh baked pita, creamed corn with a burnt onion dust and the some of the best heirloom tomatoes I’ve ever had, this meal left us completely inspired. To top it all off we finished with the peach pit ice cream, a glazed peach and burnt butter combination that was absolutely perfect. It was a dining experience I will never forget, so needless to say if you’re in Melbourne or visiting in the near future be sure to stop in. Trust me, you’re in for a treat.

EMBLA
Email: ask@embla.com.au
Tel: 9654 5923
Address: 122 Russell St, Melbourne 3000

** Sorry for the lack of pictures, but once you’re there you’ll realize why my phone was away for the entire meal!