Bowerbird is a bit of an ode to Victoria and local produce. They house an extensive range of Victorian gins, wines and beers, hell even the furniture is locally sourced from around Victoria. Knowing the names of all the gin on offer is one thing but when your bartender Max knows the history of the gin, where the distillery is located, the people who make it, the flavours to expect and which tonic and garnish to complement the gin, it definitely adds to the experience. If you’re like me and like to eat while you’re drinking the drinks, Bowerbird has a selection of share plates to order so you can graze your little heart out.
This was ‘the doctor’ from tiny bear distillery in knoxfield where they make small batch handcrafted gins. It had a sweetness and herbal tones and the sprig of fresh dill was the perfect garnish.
This was the ‘chamomile gin’ from Alchemy distillers in Healesville which had a bolder punch of sweetness and bitterness and was complimented well with 'strange love dirty tonic'. It was garnished with some dehydrated lemon and thyme to enhance the flavours.
When you’re drinking, you need some bar snacks, and pig’s ears crackling is the perfect salty snack for the job. They make them in house and they’re super delish.
I feel like these days the mere mention of halloumi makes my mouth water so the halloumi and chorizo croquettes were definitely on my radar. They had an awesome panko crunch on the outside and the inside had a melted cheesy halloumi filling with chunks of spicy chorizo.
The lamb and eggplant meatballs were substantial, flavourful and super moist in the middle. They kept their shape when served but easily broke apart when you dug in. It had tomato sugo sauce over the top and shaved parmesan which complemented it well.
The duck cigars were probably my fave. It was smoked braised duck meat rolled into a filo pastry cigar and served on top of a bright yellow saffron yoghurt. The tender duck, crisp buttery pastry and spiced yoghurt made for a great dish.
Throughout summer they’re doing three plates and a glass of gin for $35 which is good value. So grab your mates and head down for a session of exceptional gin and delicious food to match.
I heart Bowerbird!
Olives x
Bowerbird
Address: 274 Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121
Website: http://www.bowerbirdbar.com.au
Phone: (03) 9428 4422
Trading Hours: Tue-Fri: 4pm-12am, Sat: 2pm-12am, Sun: 2pm-11pm, Mon: closed
