The House of Food and Wine

Popular Port Melbourne eatery The House of Wine and Food will say bonjour, bon soir and bon appetit to kick off the inaugural Bastille Festival. Running till Sunday, 16 July, the festival not only celebrates France’s national day, but the delicious food, produce and dishes that the country is famous for. Champagne anyone?

To coincide with the French-themed events, Sunday is all about owner Alan Giles’ famous seafood bouillabaisse. This is one meal that I could honestly it was an experience eating — it really is quite the production. The rich fish stew is based on a recipe picked up in Marseilles in the late 1960s and Giles has spent much time perfecting his technique. The mouth-watering dish is served with an assortment of fresh seafood — prawns, clams, scallops, mussels plus a few surprises — and a superb rouille with croutons. 

‘Many things changed in France because of the Revolution, but from a perspective of food and wine lovers it was all benefit. Many of the talented chefs that had worked in aristocratic households eventually started their own restaurants and these new eating houses were the birthplaces of much of the great cuisine that has existed since,’ says Giles.

Vive le France! 

The House of Food and Wine  
65 Cruikshank Street, Port Melbourne
Open Wednesday to Sunday, Wednesday to Friday, 12pm to late, Saturday, 5pm to late, Sunday, 12pm to late
thehouseofwineandfood.com