British culinary icon Nigella Lawson has wasted no time immersing herself in Australia’s dynamic food scene.
During her Melbourne stay, the celebrated writer has been visiting local restaurants, including Carnation Canteen in Fitzroy, which was recommended by her Sydney-based chef friend Oscar Solomon.
The 66-year-old television host shared a series of tempting photographs from her meal at the intimate 20-seat restaurant over the weekend.
‘The thought that I might have been in Melbourne and not eaten there is quite enough to give me the vapours. Thankfully, thanks to him, I went — and I was, and remain, completely smitten,’ she wrote.
‘It is teeny-tiny, yet its small kitchen produces the most beautiful food: simple in that it is neither frilly nor fussy, but awe-inspiring in its uncluttered perfection.’
Nigella also praised chef and owner Audrey Shaw, along with her ‘pitch-perfect’ team, for making the evening even more memorable.
Her meal began with a classic cocktail accompanied by oysters.
‘I inhaled a frosty, bone-dry vodka martini alongside beautiful oysters,’ she explained.
Nigella Lawson has been embracing Australia’s vibrant dining scene. Pictured: a vodka martini with oysters (left) and smoky, tender octopus Gildas (right)
The acclaimed food writer has been making the most of her Australian visit by sampling local restaurants
She then moved on to smoky, tender octopus Gildas, followed by vibrant ribbons of young courgette and silky blossoms served with oregano, lemon, pine nuts and cloud-soft buffalo ricotta.
Next came tender cold roast beef with artichokes, salty shards of parmesan and parsley, followed by what she described as ‘two gorgeous charcoal-grilled dishes’.
The first was sardines in a ‘rapturous’ Bloody Mary dressing. The second was ‘breathtakingly, confidently unadorned — just lemon and excellent olive oil’ baby snapper, served with a zesty salad of tender leaves, asparagus and Dutch Cream potatoes.
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‘Somehow, I also found room for the chicken, intensely flavoured and wonderfully tender, in a dreamy, drinkable nduja sauce with fava beans. It came with a bowl of bitter greens splashed with yoghurt,’ Nigella continued.
‘Yes, I ate a lot, but the freshness of the food and the warmth of the place meant I left — reluctantly, as I could have stayed forever — light-hearted and filled with admiration and gratitude.’
The European-style restaurant and wine bar is known for its weekly changing menu, which features seasonal starters, main courses and sides.
The television host shared photographs of her meal at the intimate 20-seat Fitzroy restaurant. Left: zucchini with silky blossom, oregano, lemon, pine nuts and buffalo ricotta, alongside cold roast beef with artichokes, parmesan and parsley. Right: sardines in Bloody Mary dressing
Left: baby snapper with tender leaves, asparagus and Dutch Cream potatoes; right: chicken in nduja sauce with fava beans and yoghurt-dressed bitter greens
The 66-year-old dined at the intimate 20-seat restaurant in Fitzroy, Melbourne
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Diners have enthusiastically praised the restaurant, which holds an average rating of 4.2 out of five stars.
‘A special little place. We had a wonderful time and wanted to order everything. Every dish was packed with outstanding flavour, while the produce was clearly seasonal and thoughtfully sourced. Carnation Canteen is an instant favourite for us,’ one diner wrote.
‘Fantastic seasonal food. The simplicity of the dishes allows the quality of the produce to shine. The staff are exceptionally attentive and helpful. It is the perfect lunch spot, and the snapper — which is always on the menu — is a must,’ another reviewer said.
‘A phenomenal dinner built around fresh produce and a wonderful seasonal menu. We learned that it changes every week, which is fantastic. The martini was superb, the food delicious and the atmosphere excellent. The best meal we have had in a long time,’ one diner added.
‘One of the most divine meals I have had in Melbourne in months, if not years. We kept ordering more after every course. Each dish was so carefully considered, with beautifully balanced flavours,’ another reviewer wrote.
