Stokehouse

Introduction: A culinary institution at 30 Jacka Boulevarde, St. Kilda Ph 9525 5555. It has a casual downstairs bar and restaurant and a more upmarket upstairs dining room.
Ambience: Feels like quality but not excessively refined. The ultra modern chandeliers made from plastic dinner implements that have been heated and twisted contrast with the art work - rather naive Tahitian stuff roughly in the style of Paul Gaugin the French stockbrocker turned artist (could a few more of them please do that too?)
Service: Very professional
Food: Despite several changes of head chef over the last four years every review I've read has been rapturous about the food, and the service and the venue. Well the venue is as attractive as ever - great views across the bay, white table cloths and linen serviettes, an open airy and clearly refined establishment. The sevice is as above and the food - well I have only good things to say about it. Entrees, mains and desserts were as good as they get. Italian inspired international.
Mussels in a light creamy soup, not too salty, with just the right amount of wine were a great start. The pork loin with slow cooked pork neck was beautifully prepared and presented with taste to match. The fillet of John Dory did nothing to diminish the reputation of the chef.
Desserts were to die for. The lemon tart delicate and mouth wateringly yummy.
Wine: Extensive but not necessarily expensive list with an adequate variety by the glass
Price: Not much more than at many far less impressive places. Around $40 for mains
Comments: Not only can you enjoy the food but the scenary often includes more than the bay - good place for celebrity spotting however Eddie McGuire and Sonia McMahon both failed to notice me!
Score: 16.5/20