Markov Place

The night started off perfectly. I found a carpark directly out the front of this urbane cool restaurant and wine bar. Little Markov is the name of the bar out the front and once you walk through here you will find Markov Place, a gorgeous looking restaurant with a warm warehouse feel about it.

The first thing that comes to mind when I think back to my dining experience at Markov was not of the food but the light fittings. Occasionally the artist in me comes out but rather than paintbrush in hand it is generally wine glass in hand and this occasion was no exception.

Armed with my $10.50 glass of Pirie, Pinot Noir and waiting for Alex (Sister in Law) to find a carpark I decided that I could easily create a chandelier out of tree branches and decided not to let this fantastic opportunity pass me by. I got out my mobile phone and text myself - "Make a twig chandelier with wire and enamel when you get a chance".

I didn't know what style of food we would be enjoying that evening as the website is a still image with no links to a menu, but I thought maybe it would be Russian if the restaurant was named after the Mathematician. The menu as it turned out had a Spanish influence.

The food comes out sporadically throughout the evening. Alex and I ordered (too much!) sweet potato croquetas which were very unappealing to look at, I think I mentioned 'giant burnt poo' - for the sake of the rest of the review being a relatively good experience let's forget about the croquetas. Following the aforementioned we dined on some lovely juicy scallops on the half shell with a creamy leek, white sauce on the top. I could eat scallops all day! Then along came the Prawns and Chorizo sizzling in a ceramic dish, very garlicky but I love garlic so no problem here and right when we were stuffed to the brim the quail that we forgot we ordered came out. The quail was not the best as it was coated in a lot of mayonnaise (strange).

Try Markov Place to dine or just go and sit in the bar and talk to strangers over a bar snack. If you choose your meals right you shouldn't be disappointed and the atmosphere is so warm and welcoming that I will definitely return, if not to eat then to sit with my paint brush Pinot and ponder creating my next chandelier...

Website: www.markov.com.au
Address: 350 Drummond St
Carlton VIC 3053
Phone: (03) 9347 7113
Bookings: Yes
Licensed: Yes
Value: Not bad