William Angliss Institute

In April I went to William Angliss Institute for lunch during their 'Great Chefs' Program. Angliss is a training college in Melbourne specialising in hospitality and tourism. The college has a training restaurant where hospitality students learn silver service. The prices are very reasonable and the food and service was fantastic. The 'Great Chef' the day we went was Brendan McQueen of Matteo's in Nth Fitzroy.



Above is the entree, a Japanese inspired seafood plate... (clockwise from bottom) Carpaccio of hiramasa kingfish, prawn remoulade, shiso Japanese basil dressing; ocean trout confit, yuzu miso sauce, yarra valley salmon roe; teriyaki glazed baby squid filled with smoked eel, rice crusted tofu, pickled plum and bonito mayonnaise.



Five spiced crispy skin duck breast, peking cabbage and bamboo shoot 'okonomiyaki' pancake, bbq duck sauce.



Glazed peaches between honey glazed filo pastry, peach liqueur cream.


Yum.

Jesus Ate My Parma

One of the peculiarities about Sydney is its lack of appreciation for the Chicken Parma. As any Melburnian will tell you, a chicken parma (that's a parmagiana for you stuffy formal types) is a chicken schnitzel slathered in a napoli-style tomato sauce and melted cheese. Fancy parma-pubs will dazzle with the addition of a slice of ham. A parma traditionally comes with a serve of chips and salad.

A Fancy Parma - includes the addition of fetta

South of the border the parma is a pub standard, a classic across the board. Every Melbourne pub worth its drip tray will have a chicken parma on the menu, and people will flock from miles for a good one (ref www.superparma.com). Many pubs will do a $10 parma and a pot (beer) deal one night of the week - an egalitarian meal for all!

So what is it with Sydney? Since re-locating north I have had incredible difficulty finding a decent parma. Most pubs will have a chicken schnitzel on the menu, many will also have schnitzel with mushrooms and/or gravy. But no cheesy, tomato-ey goodness. One time upon ordering a parma in a cafe on Oxford St, I was so disappointed when placed in front of me was a piece of grilled chicken covered in some diced tomato and a sprinkling of grated parmesan. What is wrong with these people? It makes no sense.

So why the dearth of parma in Sydney? The only possible rationale is the typical Sydney obsession with the body beautiful. Sydney is a physically beautiful city. It is blessed with a gorgeous harbour, stunning beaches and magnificent weather. Its residents like to cavort and prance for one another, often barely covering their pink bits. Perhaps because of this the typical Sydneysider appears to have an unhealthy obsession with their appearance. Not only is a parma deep-fried, but it's crumbed (CARBS!!) and slathered in cheese. One parma would mean a week of penitence - carrot sticks and 10k runs.

Up until yesterday I still held out hope. I have wandered past the Catholic Club, in the city, a number of times, eyeing off its menu board which proudly boasts a chicken parma. Thank God for the Catholics!

Yesterday some colleagues and I decided we’d give it a shot. Being a good Catholic I was ushered right in, whilst my colleagues were detained and questioned (what is it with having to sign in to clubs in NSW? You sign a piece of paper and then take it with you – they don’t even keep your details. Makes NO SENSE people!).

As an aside, the colleagues mistakenly headed up the stairs rather than down towards the club/restaurant – they were swiftly intercepted and sent on their way. Apparently God lives up there and was not to be disturbed during his lunch hour.

Finally inside the confines of the Catholic Club, we discovered that the place was full of old age pensioners who openly stared at our brazen youth and lack of reverence for their religion. Forgive us father, for we have sinned. I ordered my parma – assuming that God was finally smiling on me. I was excited. A parma was coming my way!

Then the order arrived. A schnitzel. No cheese. No tomato. A plain, dry, BORING schnitz. I was told they “ran out of parmas five minutes ago”. How do you run out of parma? All it requires is the addition of cheese and tomato sauce. How hard is it? And why, exactly, did I see an (obviously Catholic) senior citizen wander by five minutes later WITH A PARMA?!

God must know my secrets.

Free = Good. Usually.

I went to Wagamama on the weekend. I would not recommend it. As the Significant Other says, it’s McDonald’s with stainless steel.

I had previously avoided Wagamama not necessarily as a protest against Globalisation and World Domination by Chain Restaurants, but simply because I think we have such a diversity of wonderful Asian cuisine in Melbourne that it seems ridiculous to resort to a franchise for my ramen. However I was fortunate (?) enough to receive a free meal (including entrée and drinks!) courtesy of my cushy plush job where I get lots of free stuff. Not being one to turn down a free meal (including entrée and drinks!) I took the Significant Other along for a cheap date.

Neither of us were impressed. This was despite the free beer.

Free = Good.
Beer = Good.
Free + Beer = Wonderful.

We were informed by perky accented types that virtually no meals incorporating chicken were available, thus diminishing the menu by about half. Chicken would normally be my Protein of Choice at such an establishment, so on this occasion I went for a vegetarian option. It was flavourless and boring, even with my addition of lots of chilli powder & chilli oil (supplied on the table/bench. Also Free). The S.O. had a prawny affair resembling a laksa. It wasn’t up to scratch either although it did appear to have a decent amount of prawns garnishing the bowl. It was conveyor belt food and I don't mean the fun Sushi Train type.

Result: Avoid the multinational and visit your local Asian take away – the food will be more imaginative and flavoursome and you’ll get that nice warm feeling that stems from supporting your local economy.

Ps – I was ASStounded (yes, ASStounded) by the similarities between Wagamama and Chocolate Buddha. ASStounded. Same Same Not Much Different. Right down to the way Cute Waiters record orders on the paper table mats. Only real difference was the slightly more interesting atmosphere (trinkets on the walls, lighting, view etc) and lack of uniforms at C.B.