What’s Hot on Our Winter Menu

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As the temperature drops and the leaves fall, restaurants across Melbourne update their menus to prepare for the change of season. Warm and comforting dishes, perfect for the chilly weather will appear on winter menus.

From hearty soups and stews to rich and decadent desserts, winter dishes cater to a wide array of tastes. So, whether you’re a fan of classic comfort foods or adventurous flavours, there’s sure to be something delicious and comforting that will delight your taste buds. 

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular dishes on our new Saros Bar + Dining menu

Winter Dishes Warm Your Soul in Melbourne 

Winter is a unique and exciting time of year in Melbourne. It’s a city known for its temperate climate and the colder months bring fresh energy to Melbourne’s vibrant foodie culture. 

One of the highlights of winter in Melbourne is the city’s thriving food scene. As the weather cools down, Melburnians flock to cozy cafes and restaurants to enjoy warm, hearty meals and steaming cups of coffee. From classic comfort foods to international cuisine, Melbourne’s food scene sure does satisfy every appetite.

Overall, winter in Melbourne is a unique and exciting time, offering visitors and locals alike a range of food to enjoy. So rug up, grab a table, and embrace all that this vibrant city has to offer during the colder months.

And at Saros, you’ll find a range of hearty and flavorful dishes to warm you up during the colder months. So whether you’re in the mood for something comforting or exotic, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Winter Menu Delights at Saros

Lamb Skewers

Winter Menu: Lamb Skewers| Saros Bar + Dining

Australian lamb rump skewers, covered in Chermoula Spices from Northern Africa and turmeric labneh on the side. Lamb rump skewers bring the flavour of the Mediterranean to your palate. 

Pair this with a Yarra Valley, Pinot Noir to complement the taste.

Scallops

Winter Menu: Scallops | Saros Bar + Dining

Locally caught Scallops from Port Philip Bay. Our chefs bake and sear these perfectly, with just a drizzle of black garlic butter to complement the fresh seafood taste and texture. 

Pair this with a citrus and mineral white wine that will cut through the butter and add a sensation of flavour to the scallops. We recommend Sarvardo Pinot Grigio from Breganze, Italy, or a local Eden Valley Riesling.

Beef Brisket

Winter Menu: Beef Brisket | Saros Bar + Dining

Beef brisket that has been slowly cooked for 12 hours. 

Paired well with our lovely Margaret River Cab Sauv from Snake & Heering, who have produced some amazing wine from Western Australia, or a glass of Henschke Five Shillings Shiraz from the Barossa. Both wines have medium-high tannins, enough to cut through the beefy tomato sagu texture that gives the dish a bold, red meat flavour.

Beef & Pork Ragout Cigars

Winter Menu: Beef & Pork Cigars | Saros Bar + Dining

Cigars are like large spring rolls, however, don’t expect crunch. Instead these are soft pastry filled with a rich beef & pork ragout. Perfect to share with two people, this dish also comes on a bed of three cheese sauce; Comte, Mozzarella, Parmesan. 

Pairs well with a strong acidic and plum red like our Spanish Tempranillo from Carinena in Spain.

Marinated Roast Chicken

Winter Menu: Marinated Roast Chicken | Saros Bar + Dining

Garlic, lemon and herb marinade, free-range chicken that is roasted and cooked off in the pan, you will eat with your eyes as the aroma hits your senses. The succulent taste of tender chicken rivals Nandos Portuguese chicken.  

Because chicken is so versatile, pair this with our Kay Bros, Grenache rose or our Big Buffalo (from our Californian friends) chilled Pinot Noir.

Food & Wine Matching in Winter 

While our chef has made some excellent suggestions for food and wine pairings with our winter menu, our guests love to get some tips on wine matching.

Matching food and wine in winter can be a great way to enhance the flavours of your meals and make your dining experience more enjoyable. Here are some general tips to keep in mind when pairing food and wine in the winter.

  1. Consider the weight of the food: In general, you want to pair heavier wines with heavier foods, and lighter wines with lighter foods. In the winter, hearty stews, roasts, and casseroles are common, so you may want to choose full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, or Zinfandel to match.
  2. Look for warming spices: Many winter dishes are flavored with warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. These spices can be tricky to pair with wine, but a good rule of thumb is to choose wines with similar flavors. For example, a rich, spicy red like Shiraz or Malbec can complement dishes like beef stew or spicy chili.
  3. Think about acidity: Acidity in wine can help cut through rich, fatty foods and cleanse the palate. Winter dishes like roasted meats or creamy pasta dishes can benefit from a wine with high acidity, such as a Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.
  4. Don’t forget about dessert: Winter desserts like pumpkin pie, apple tarts, and chocolate cakes can be paired with sweet dessert wines like Port, Sauternes, or late-harvest Riesling.

Ultimately, the best food and wine pairings come down to personal taste. Experiment with different combinations to find the ones that work best for you.

Wrap Up

Winter menus offer a variety of delicious and hearty dishes that are perfect for colder weather. In Melbourne, it’s a great time to rug up, grab a table and create a memorable dining experience that will warm you up from the inside out. So embrace the flavors of winter, and enjoy the delicious seasonal dishes that this time of year has to offer at Saros Bar + Dining.