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On the dining out scale, we have cheap eats on one end and fine dining at the other. But what goes in between during those weekdays which you feel like a bit of indulgence without milking your wallet? What if you want something slightly special on a budget?
That's been my situation lately so I'm dedicating this month to indulgence on a budget.
And what better way to kick start the theme than to look at what the Merivale restaurants are offering during their March Into Merivale festival (15 February - 16 April).
During the eight week festival, nine Merivale restaurants - est., sushi e, Uccello, Mad Cow, Bistro CBD, Lotus, Ash Street Cellar, Teppanyaki and Sushi Choo - offer $33 lunch and dinner menus, which includes a main meal with a glass of wine or beer!
I managed to squeeze in quite a few tastings during their launch event a few weeks ago at The Ivy Room and will definitely be heading back to est. and Lotus.
One of my favourite canapes at March Into Merivale 2010 - by Lotus: Skewer of prawn crusted with Tasty Toobs
Another of my favourite canapes at March Into Merivale 2010 - by est.: Grilled scallop tartare, olive oil, lime juice, washed red onion and pork crackle
And another thing which caught my eye was the Cointreau Blush.
Drinks served at March Into Merivale 2010
The Cointreau Blush is a refreshing cocktail with sweet and tangy citrus flavours frolicking within a tall glass. I spotted the recipe on a coaster and let me just say, this cocktail brings back summer! It's super easy to make yourself at home... Give it a go!
So I know how everyone whinges about the inflated cost of food every year, but thanks to Merivale, I don't think eating out on a budget has ever tasted this spectacular!
Lastly, don't forget to subscribe below as there are more exciting indulgence on a budget posts coming your way this month!
March Into Merivale 2010
What: $33 lunch and dinner menus (includes a glass of wine or beer)
When:15 February - 16 April, Monday to Friday, noon to 2pm and 6pm to 8pm
Where: est., sushi e, Uccello, Mad Cow, Bistro CBD, Lotus (* dinner only), Ash Street Cellar, Teppanyaki and Sushi Choo
More info: marchintomerivale.com.au
Mmmmmm YUMMMY! What a great looking cocktail!
The colours in it are quite stunning aren't they! So summery and feminine... It tastes as good as it looks too!
Love the look of the blush pink cocktail as well as the new-look title banner!
Thanks darl! I think this new banner is a keeper :D
Wow, that cocktail looks really tasty! I love grapefruit in drinks.
hehe... me too! pink grapefruit is so wonderful - fresh with a bit of chilli salt or squeezed into a zingy juice, mmm!
There's this event for next week too - some good restaurants featuring a main and a glass of wine from the NSW region - http://www.nswwineweek.com.au/event_list.php?intcategoryid=1 The crisp skin ocean trout at Steel Bar and Grill sounds pretty good!
Wowsers, look at all of those good deals! Decisions, decisions! Part of 'indulgence on a budget' is also knowing how and when to exercise self control! Haha...
for the tail end of summer that would go down well
Oh it sure would! Kinda glad that the beginning of Autumn was warm :-P
Superb spread.....it appears that March is a good time for these sort of events. In the Netherlands, there's restaurant week so select restaurants offer set menus for 25 euros plus.....
Sounds like you have a good deal over there too! :)