Maze Grill

Having Crohn's Disease means that I have to be selective about what I eat. I can't just shove whatever I feel like into my mouth. Extended periods of illness also means that sometimes I can't eat. Most of the time I can only manage one meal a day and so I want to make that meal count. Over the last year or so I've become more interested in cooking, cooking shows and celebrity chefs.

I'm a big fan of Gordon Ramsey. I know we're not supposed to admit that. He's not at all like that lovable and all round good guy Jamie Oliver. He's crass, he cheats on his wife and by all reports is a real prick. I don't care. I like good food and regardless of what you may think about Gordon Ramsey's character, there is no denying, the man knows how to cook and he knows how to run a restaurant. Imagine my delight when I heard that he was finally opening a restaurant in my home town!

Last night we ventured out to Gordon Ramsey's new Melbourne restaurant Maze Grill. It was everything I hoped it would be. With it's open kitchen, friendly staff and soft lighting, it has a lovely atmosphere.

We were greeted by an impeccably groomed, friendly hostess who showed us to our table. We were immediately approached by our waitress who took our drink orders. Shortly after our drinks arrived another waiter came and explained the menu to us. Maze Grill is apparently inspired by New York grill restaurants, whatever that means. Essentially the menu consists of steaks and seafood from various locals. I chose a Tasmanian grass fed rib eye while my other half went with a New Zealand grain fed cut. We also got a numer of sides, french fries, onion rings and thick chips.

Bread was delivered to the table while we waited for our meals. I love that. Complimentary bread can make or break a dining experience for me. The bread consisted of rye bread and a warm chive roll with New Zealand salted butter. They are very big on telling you were everything is from at Maze Grill. My wine was from France, his beer from Hong Kong. The steak and sides arrived. The steak was fantastic. Tender. Cooked medium rare to perfection. Interestingly, the side relish that accompanied the steak tasted exactly like the sauce on a Quater Pounder at McDonalds (Sorry Gordon).

When we were finished, we passed on dessert (too stuffed), the waiter placed on the table several chocolate lollipops! Dark chocolate mint, milk chocolate and something the waiter called "popcorn" chocolate. Essentially, chocolate with that stuff in it that fizzes and pops on your tongue. It was the most wonderful unexpected surprise.

The bill arrived. They'd charged us twice for something but very promptly reconciled it when it was pointed out. We left a 15% tip and another impeccably dressed, friendly host came to show us out. Before he did, he asked us if we would like a tour of the kitchen which we both accepted. The kitchen was a hive of activity and in true Gordon Ramsey fashion, it was spotless.

I would definitely go again. :-)