Station 59

Station 59 , 59 Church Street Richmond.3121 Victoria Australia.

Not so long ago, station 59 was an empty shell , a run down  inner city pub, which looked like it  had last been renovated last, at least 40 or 50 years .Once the unofficial "Office" of the Fire station next door, recently acquired by the  Meza family and in particular managed and run by Jose the younger., it is now in good hands for a bright future.

He may have a baby face, but this man has run some of the best Kitchens in Melbourne. Starting his early years as an apprentice chef, he is the new and current owner of this fine establishment.

Once known for its pool comp , trivia nights, and raunchy barmaids,  Station 59 has re invented itself as a Fine old lady, brought back to her prime with an extensive make over, both décor, entertainment and food. The Front bars décor is tasteful and historic, but with touches of Hipster cool to keep the look on trend.

From the moment you enter, everyone is friendly and inviting. from the doorman on the main bar door, to the young lady serving the food, there are smiles all around.
Several moths  ago I heard a "rumor" that my friends had "acquired" an establishment somewhere in the Richmond area.
Things were quite on the rumor front until suddenly pics started appearing on face book . 

Jose the Younger, & Jose the Elder a formidable duo.

But not only that, this establishment has also opened Melbourne's Latest offering to Latin Cuisine, "El Tumi "restaurant.

 

Classic Peruvian home cooking done at its best,
 

Without any pretentiousness, this Tasty , well presented and generously plated meal was amongst the best Homestyle Latin cooking I've had in a very long time . Unlike other pretentious Peruvian restaurants in Melbourne the meals are. Not "deconstructed " or tamed down to make them totally unrecognisable as the original .

I started with the set menu, three tasty courses with a Pisco Sour cocktail thrown in for the opening nights service.
Starting the meal with Ceviche, a Peruvian classic with a gentle balance between the fish and the acidity of the citrus was great, years of experience most evident in the subtly of this dish Cudos to the chef. Presentation nice, not over the top, and taste..  amongst the best I've eaten anywhere, including Peru.

As the entree looked very large , I opted for a second Entree, Causa Rellena, a type of layered concoction . 

Made with tender prices of gently condimented chicken, layered lasagna style with mashed potatoes and served with a picante Peruvian style salsa. YUMM is all I can say.

I looked across at the size of plate of Tallerines or Peruvian pasta my friend had received I was glad I'd made a second entree choice.

Dessert was Picarones or mashed pumpkin doughnut style fried pastries served with a black sugar sauce , All in all an enjoyable and tasty meal. As we had ordered the set menu we also received a complimentary pisco sour , a Peruvian cocktail made with pisco , lemon and merengue style egg whites. We also enjoyed a a tasty bottle of Argentinean wine between the three of us .

• Was the food authentic Peruvian ? Yes
• Was the food tasty? Yes
• Would I go back again ? Yes
• Would I recommend this restaurant ? YES
• Service was attentive without being intrusive, oh and did I mention that there was live music as well? All in all an enjoyable night out.

                 and then the fun began.

Live music Friday Saturday and Sunday nights, featuring the cream of Melbourne Latin Talent. 

                                            But thats a whole other Blog