When it comes to food, Melbourne is a serious hotspot on the global restaurant scene. Award winning chefs, and culinary gems can be found in and around this bustling metropolis.
For years, Melbourne has been the host of the season opener of the FIA Formula One World Championships. Each year, typically during the month of March, as Australia kicks off the F1 circus, Melbourne welcomes thousands of tourists to its streets.
There is one restaurant in particular which is sure to leave a lasting impression on its clients- a veritable restaurant on rails; The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant!
This fleet of glossy, burgundy restaurants on wheels delivers a unique experience to traditional, stationary dining. Guest arrive for their Tramcar experience approximately 15 minutes prior to the their departure time. Departure location is on Clarendon Street Junction, tram stop 125 Normanby Road, corner of Clarendon Street (across the road from the Crown Metropol hotel).
As the tram departs, passengers cruise the scenic streets of Melbourne. The route visits areas such as Melbourne CBD and the beachside suburb of St Kilda. The trams also pass through South Melbourne, where diners are treated to beautiful homes and historic architecture. Of course, it also passes trough Albert Park; home to the Grand Prix.
Melbourne restaurants provide outstanding food choices, showcasing various cuisines from all over the world says the restaurant’s Executive Chef Stephen Shadbolt. Shadbolt has been with the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant for more than 10 years and is constantly creating seasonal menus to delight riders.
Since the Tram’s inception in 1983, the restaurants have become a star attraction and a tourism symbol for Melbourne. Dining aboard is not only a culinary delight, but a trip into a little piece of Victoria’s history.
The restauranteurs behind this endeavor have crafted a quintessential dining experience taking into account the best of both worlds; modern day comfort, and the charm of days gone by. The trams have been carefully refurbished to provide all the modern conveniences you would expect from a first class restaurant, comforts such as seats covered in plush velvet. They also feature tinted windows and beautiful brass fittings to cast a cozy interior glow and background music to add to the dining experience. The trams are also air conditioned and have stabilisers fitted to ensure a smooth ride. And yes, there is a bathroom, in case you were wondering.
Chef Shadbolt has just developed his Autumn menu which will delight the many visitors who will be in town for the Australian Grand Prix. This menu will consist of Roast Fillet of Beef. Daube of Beef, Gruyere, leek Pie ,Confit Vegetables & Red Wine Vinaigrette. Also on the menu will be Seared Chicken breast, Stew of Broad Beans, Peas, Fondant Potato & Citrus Sauce.
Of course, in Australia, wine is just as important as the food. The restaurant showcases wines from Victoria’s oldest vineyard: Chateau Tahbilk. Established in 1860 Tahbilk is one of Australia’s most beautiful and historic family owned wineries. Morgan’s Bay Sparkling Cuvee, Tahbilk Shiraz, and a Tahbilk Sauvignon Blanc are amongst the star selection.
The vineyard is Located in the Nagambie Lakes region of central Victoria, just120 kilometers north of Melbourne. This region has established itself as one of the nation’s premium vinicultural areas, the property comprises some 1,214 hectares of rich river flats with a frontage of 11 kilometers to the Goulburn River and 8 kms of permanent backwaters and creeks.
Information relating to our scheduled departure times and prices can be found at www.tramrestaurant.com.au
