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Monday, February 07, 2011

The Point - Part 3

Aquatic Drive, Albert Park Lake
Albert Park 3206, Victoria
Ph: 9682 5566
Website: The Point


My previous visits at The Point have been extremely enjoyable, so it was with utter ease that I decided to go back for another meal. I knew I wasn't going to be disappointed and that turned out to be the case.

I was so happy to be seated in the plum position near the floor to ceiling glass windows overlooking Albert Park. I got to slowly watch the sun set and the lights in the city turn on, stunning.


The last time I was at The Point, I got the Charcuterie Platter and it was too much for one person, so we decided to share the platter this time. I didn't think it was possible but the platter was even better this time. Mixtures of cured meats, terrines, mousses, pickles, jams and chutneys were so brilliant I cannot highly recommend this dish enough. It is without a doubt the best value charcuterie platter in the world (hyperboles will be a feature in this blog post). Before the entrees and after the mains, we were served some really good palate cleansers. The cleanser before the meal was a really refreshing pea soup with a dollop of foie gras mousse with a sliver of truffles on top. How insanely indulgent, and for free. The other cleanser was a watermelon granita, again like the Nigera waterfalls flowing through my throat (hyperbole for dramatic effect).



I've had this dish each time I've visited, but why try anything else when you love it so much. So I didn't need to look at the menu when I ordered the Assiette of Spring Lamb. I didn't think this dish could be improved, but my chef mate (I use the word mate to describe my one-sided worship) Scott Pickett has managed to lift this dish even more. Scott spoke to me about adding an extra element to the dish, that of smell. The dish was served covered with a closh that contained rosemary infused smoke, adding a fragrant "wow" element when revealed. Again, each element of the lamb dish was perfect, containing flavour, texture and contrast.


The Poached Wagyu Beef was yet another winner with many contrasting flavours and textures. The soup is poured at the table, giving a sense of theatre but also making sure the dish is at its best with the soup infusing the truffles into it.


Desserts are my favourite part of any meal and the Salted Peanut Caramel Parfait with chocolate, caramelised banana, caramelised popcorn and ice cream is the best salted peanut dish under the sun (insert claps for hyperbole). The marriage of salted peanuts and caramel parfait is eternal and won't end in divorce (cue puzzled looks as to the description). The offspring of caramelised banana and popcorn do not disturb the marriage and instead enhance it.


If you don't order the best salted peanut dish under the sun, you might want to order the best mango dish in the Universe, not the World, but Universe. People only ever remember Miss Universe, no one ever remembers Miss World, as clearly the world is surpassed by the all encompassing universe. So this dessert of Tastes of Mangoes is the best in the universe. There's a mango parfait, mango ice cream, mango gels, fresh mangoes and some passionfruit for good measure. An utterly refreshing dessert.


As I mentioned earlier, my table was at a prime location. I loved the view from that table, and the ambiance there is also perfect. It feels removed yet still part of the buzz of the restaurant. My only slight objection is still about the lighting. It's brighter there but the pinstripe lighting gives a strange effect that I don't care for. I'd rather have bland lighting rather than this mood lighting.

The service, without Frank looking after us like last time, was still good, but not great. The waiter was a bit slow in refilling water, forgot a few items, and didn't give us the dessert menu until we asked. He was still very efficient but lacked the warmth just a bit.

I would come back to The Point any day of the week. I love how Scott is constantly changing the menu and using seasonal produce to produce complex, innovative and stunningly delicious food. The Point has managed to score two chef's hats this year and if they continue with this quality of food, it won't be long until a third chef's hat is obtained.

Overall Rating: 19/20, Exceptional food and great views.
Scores: 1-9: Unacceptable, don't bother. 10-11: Just OK,some shortcomings. 12: Fair. 13: Getting there. 14: Recommended. 15: Good. 16: Really good. 17: Truly excellent. 18: An outstanding experience. 19-20:Approaching perfection, Victoria's best.

The Point Restaurant on Urbanspoon

13 comments:

  1. OMG.. you are seriously hardcore! First, Vue and now The Point! 19/20? Ok... then I have to add it to my list.

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  2. Speaking of Miss World, I took a picture with Miss World 2010 the other day. :D

    We were on the same flight from HK to KUL. :D

    I might give The Point a try, provided if google map tells me that my place is not too far from this area. Don't own a car. :(

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  3. I keep hearing about this place from friends, I think it's about time I gave it a try.

    those desserts look yummy.

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  4. I went here on Friday but have yet to post about it.. The roof starting leaking from the huge downpour and our whole table was drenched!! Lol a memorable experience..

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  5. Oh dear- you really like this joint! But totally understandable considering. I've eaten here a few years back once and was not disspointed so it would be good to see the new menu!

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  6. Seriously? Universe? Woah... I really have to go and try now!!

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  7. Ahhhh! I'm going here end of this month. With Kim. I can't wait!

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  8. Penny, cmon I'm not that hardcore. You eat out way more than me. Please add to your long list, you wont regret it.

    Michelle, you must email me that photo, would love to see it. The Point is that the city end of Albert Park, just get someone to drive you.

    Kim, must must order the salted peanut dessert.

    Catherine, so did you end up being able to eat anything there or did you have to leave?

    Adrian, I do indeed love The Point. Strangely, I haven't eaten their steaks for which they are famous for. That means I must go back again.

    I-Hua, as Stephen Hawking would say, you need to create the universe so that you can taste the delicious food.

    Celeste, hooray. As I said, I highly recommend the charcuterie (easily shared between two people) and the salted peanut dessert.

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  9. Your repeated custom to this place is testament to how it should be number one on my places to visit list! :P

    You should try the salted caramel parfait dessert at Spice Temple if you haven't already.

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  10. April, you got that right. It's so good, just go. I shall indeed try the Spice Temple salted caramel parfait when I get there. So many places to eat, so few dollars and space to fit into my stomach.

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  11. That really is an amazing looking charcuterie platter!

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  12. Agnes, best charcuterie platter in Melbourne I think.

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  13. I love love love the Point, we got married there in 2003 & have gone back frequently ever since ever since.

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