Since ancient times, truffles have been touted as a great aphrodisiac – some say it is the aroma, others claim it’s due to their rarity.
Truffles are known to attract hungry animals to help spread their spores and the scent is said to be similar to the male pheromone. So next time you take a date out for dinner, indulge in a truffle delicacy and find out for yourself!
As we celebrate the 2021 truffle season, restaurants around the country are gearing up to add these little nuggets of culinary gold into menus in all manner of forms.
Here are five of our favourites to enjoy a truffle dish and a decadent dessert recipe to make at home:
Try this Le Tres Bon recipe for truffle crème brûlée.
Nestled in the classic country setting of Bungendore village is Le Tres Bon, owned and operated by renowned French Chef Christophe Gregoire and his wife Josephine. This charming restaurant and cooking school is the epitome of provincial France; an old brick fireplace, elegant timber chairs and cloth draped tables topped with fresh flowers, create a romantic ambience suited to intimate dining.
Christophe loves the magic and aroma of truffles – in fact he puts them in every dish he can, from profiteroles filled with truffle ice cream to this decadent dessert recipe for truffle crème brûlée, which he shares with AGFG. Try this at home next time you want to impress family and friends with a classic French dish with a twist.
Contemporary dining overlooking manicured gardens beckons guests to Wild Swan at Mandoon Estate on Harris Road in Caversham. This elegant restaurant mixes clean lines with colourful abstract artwork as diners relax at tables set with white linen; or chill out on tan leather couches with a drink and ponder modern, innovative a la carte and degustation menu options.
With dishes carefully designed to match the estate’s award-winning wines and beer, join the celebrations on Friday, July 30 when the restaurant hosts its second truffle dinner of the season. Book online for this amazing foodie experience, get in quick as the first truffle dinner in June was sold out within hours.
Enjoy steak with truffle butter at The Restaurant at The Burwood.
Steak lovers rejoice…The Restaurant at The Burwood on Berner Street in Merewether has five different beef cuts to choose from, along with truffle butter to accompany your favourite. Think Red Gum Scotch fillet, cooked just how you like it, served with green beans in garlic butter, triple-cooked hand-cut chips and your choice of housemade sauces, jus and gravy.
On balmy days, enjoy a cold beer in the leafy courtyard while tucking into dishes like roasted duck breast, chestnut purée, grilled leeks and parsnips; or pick up a slice of house-smoked lamb and pumpkin pizza, topped with zucchini, Spanish onion and harissa dressing, finishing with rum and chocolate mousse, banana parfait and caramel popcorn.
For the most truffled cheese toasties in Melbourne, head to Ripe Cheese in Queen Victoria Market. Wrap your hands around toasted sourdough, smeared with Truffle Paddock’s black honey truffle and topped with mozzarella, cheddar and a sprinkling of black truffle salt; or take home a decadent and rich triple cream brie cheese, sandwiched with a generous amount of shaved Australian truffles.
Melbourne’s most decadent cheese and truffle toastie at Ripe Cheese.
This deli, housed in the market’s Dairy Hall, boasts more than 50 varieties of Aussie cheese, with half the products made locally in Victoria, supporting the state’s dairy industry and family-owned artisan cheesemakers.
Whether it’s the truffle royale or mac and cheese, Easy Street Diner on Gold Coast Highway in Mermaid Beach has truffle lovers covered. Order their housemade truffle mayo on the side of any appetiser at this restaurant, serving up some of the tastiest, juiciest and most authentic American-style burgers you’ll find this side of Texas.
Add truffle mayo to your royale burger at Easy Street Diner.
This joint is wholly inspired by the cuisine of the USA – from the Super Heroes on the walls to red-checked napkins and glowing neon signage – expect to chow down on burgers like maple-glazed pork belly, smothered in chipotle mayo, topped with crispy onions and shallots.
For more truffle eating destinations, click here.
