No. 35 has always had a close relationship with NGV. To celebrate the Van Gogh and the Seasons part of the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces 2017, No. 35 is offering a special lunch menu. In Lunch Like Van Gogh, Diners can choose from either a two- or three-course menu with wine, where the dishes are inspired by the famous artist.

In a novel idea, a trio of sauces is made available in ‘paint tubes’ for you to adorn herbed bread using a brush and palette. There’s a choice of a creamy and sweet smokey sweetcorn, blue cheese, and caramelised onion, and the less sweet, and slightly fresher roasted red capsicum and sundried tomato. The pine nut is the favourite; the combination of pine nuts, fresh basil, olive oil, and garlic is like pesto in dip form.

For entrées, the ‘Sublime’ Salad Lyonnaise comes with rich, buttery croutons, oozy poached duck egg, crispy pancetta and frisée lettuce. The ‘Magisterial’ Chicken Galantine with Salsa Verde is juicy and tender, also coming with bits of capsicum and pistachio.

Mains are a hearty affair. The ‘Palette’ of Boeuf Bourguignon, with braised Beef, pommes purée, sautéed mushrooms and red wine sauce is slightly sweet, with a notable red wine flavour. The beef itself is easily torn apart – a comforting pairing with the firm potato puree and salty chunks of bacon. The ‘Monochrome’ Seafood bouillabaisse with saffron rouille is so rich and so delicious.

For dessert it’s a choice of the smooth ‘Pastel’ Crème Caramel with Cognac-soaked raisins, and a fresher option of ‘Canvas’ of mixed sorbet with biscuit tuille and coulis.

To Lunch Like Van Gogh, pop in to No. 35 for lunch on Thursdays and Fridays before July 8.

Disclaimer: I was invited to No. 35 as a guest, however, opinions expressed here are purely my own, and are based on my experience at the time

No. 35
Sofitel
25 Collins St
Melbourne, VIC, 3000
(03) 9653 7744
no35.com.au