My (not so) Mexican Cousin
My Mexican Cousin
Cnr Sturt Street & Southbank Blvd
Southbank VIC 3006
03 9686 3389
Open: Mon – Fri 7am – late; Sat 8am – late
Website
Good friend Bubblezz and I were invited to join old colleague Waz for lunch one day, and he suggested going to My Mexican Cousin. This seemed to be very close to his work (and very convenient for him) - so I was immediately suspicious that other agendas were at work. However, Waz would never actually lead anyone astray when it comes to food and wine – as he is a great partaker of the good things in life! So, it was that we found ourselves at the very cubist Melbourne Recital Centre – where My Mexican Cousin has its home.
The first thing that needed to be resolved was the fact that the restaurant is not Mexican at all, but Creole. Apparently, as part of the St Ali group, My Mexican Cousin is actually named after one of the original breakfast dishes on the St Ali menu. They must get the question a lot – because it’s typed up on their explanatory notes.
The ambience of the venue is actually quite beautiful. Being a little away from the madding crowd of the CBD means that it wasn’t full to the rafters, and was pleasantly easy-going. The fittings are basic, yet funky and there’s lots of attention to detail. Such as this beautiful plate – how gorgeous is that?
We quickly decided to order a couple of entrées and three mains to share. The whole menu looked promising – so it was difficult to choose.
Scallops ceviche with pea puree
WOW! This was the dish of the day for me. So fresh and beautiful – the scallops were tender and luscious, bursting with the flavours of the chilli, coriander and lime marinade. Artfully strewn with snow pea tendrils it was, quite simply, melt in the mouth goodness. I could eat numerous serves of this one – my only complaint – two scallops is just not enough. But at $8 per serve, you can easily get another set!
Boudin fritters with paprika remoulade
Another great appetiser – these were pork and rice fritters, lusciously seasoned with Creole spices and served with the creamiest, smoothest paprika remoulade. Eagerly devoured by the three of us. Five is a tricky number – but somehow we managed to split things up evenly! Delicious.
Daily Blaff of Market Fish
Apparently a “blaff” is a method of preparing fish from the island of Martinique, using a marinade of limejuice, garlic and hot peppers. The fish was a beautiful, clean dish – very light, but with an incredible amount of flavour. It was also served with baby spinach, carrots and onions in a West Indian broth. Sensational!
BT’s Gumbo
This dish was amazing – sausage, chicken and rice meltingly braised in a rich sauce. It was tender and full of flavour, yet mellow and creamy at the same time. A gentleman came in and sat behind us – and it was all he ordered! He must have been a fan – because he enthusiastically told the couple next to him all about it. Out of all the mains – this was probably my favourite (although everything was good). This is simple, humble comfort food at its best. Delicious!
Twice Cooked Beef Short Rib
Now, I have a confession to make here – I had hoed into this dish so quickly, that I forgot to take a photo – so this is the “deconstructed” look. The original looks much classier!! But there was a reason that I ripped into it so quickly – it was absolutely melt in the mouth!! And I could tell just by looking at it. Beautifully presented on the bone, I thought we had been dealt a logistical challenge – however, it basically just fell apart – leaving the bone clean – it was so tender. Served with a spiced red cabbage slaw and red wine jus – it was staggeringly good! I understand that there have been problems with service, but on the day we went – it was fine. Perhaps because it was a non-performance day, and a Monday lunch as well (never the busiest of days).
All I can say is that I’m impressed – My Mexican Cousin does great Creole food. I do acknowledge the battle of words that have gone on over its authenticity of the dishes – but I’m not so worried about it, because the food was great. Lovingly prepared, each dish was a triumph of flavourful cooking that makes me want to go back for more. And that, I say, is the measure of a good restaurant. I’m even wondering what recital I can take in at the Centre – just so I have an excuse to get there again (if only to try the legendary praline bacon)! So, pay no heed to Larissa – Take the detour to the south side… it’s worth it!
.
Its very obvious from your comments, you have never eaten gumbo before..
Gumbo is not a ‘rich sauce’ and it is most certainly not braised! So you have clearly reviewed restaurants, particularly in the home of farm to plate (SF) and the usa culinary capital, NY, BUT… you do not know NOLA food. so how can you say MMC does great creole food? this is deceit!
Hello Thom,
Thanks for your comments – I’ll pay that! I don’t know NOLA food – but I know what I like. And I really liked the food at My Mexican Cousin, I thought it was tasty, beautifully prepared and fresh. Maybe some of my terminology is a bit off, so I’ll pay more attention to that in the future. I certainly don’t intend to be deceitful – but I’m happy to recommend MMC as a great place to eat. It’s interesting that MMC has aroused such passions in people – why do you think that is? I mean, there’s an array of Melbourne restaurants that serve inauthentic food (you only have to walk down Chinatown to see that) – but what is it about MMC that has garnered such passion? Would love to hear what you think…
Cheers,
Helen.
because they pretended to be authentic until BurgerMary caught them out. Then they had to try and become more authentic, but after she left, they went back to doing the things they were doing before, ignoring her advice. Stupid. No management from MMC have EVER been to Louisiana or NOLA, so how can they know about the food? this is why people are passionate, because some people actually care about one of the greatest culinary cities in the world. New Orleans, not Melbourne.
Thanks Tom – I appreciate your comments. When I return to the States – we’ll definitely be doing the Southern states – so I look forward to checking that culinary capital out myself – I love that you rate New Orleans so highly!! Please forgive my ignorance of the subtleties! Is there anywhere in Melbourne doing good Creole food? It would be good to check it out and compare!
Thanks for following up.
Cheers,
Helen.