Charcoal Grill On The Hill
Editorial
Most folks, except the vegos of the world, enjoy a nice big juicy steak. It seems that Melbourne restaurants have caught on to this, and lately you can't go anywhere without being tempted by a prime beef cut on the menu. Charcoal Grill, however, has been a dead-set serious steakhouse for years now, long before steak became a fashionable evening out. There's a certain formality within the dark red walls of Charcoal; a sense that this will be a no-nonsense meal. Pass the glass cabinet displaying a line up of choice steaks on your way into the dining room, where the seats are timber and the tables are cloaked in heavy white tablecloths. Nearby, you can hear beef cuts sizzling from the kitchen where the chefs ceremoniously marinate, grill and flip.
To begin with, nibble on some grilled mince cevapcici, duck sausage, or, if you must, grilled vegetables. Then choose between a rump, porterhouse or scotch fillet which are all grass-fed and well aged. Each comes served with a salad and fries and lashings of your favourite sauce. Yes, there is chicken and pork on offer, but the steaks really are the reason to come here. Owner Dejan Derbogosian runs this ship enthusiastically and can often be seen hovering around the restaurant giving advice and mouth-watering descriptions of the menu. His high-spirited knowledge is a welcome when matching your meal with a glass from the extensive wine list. When it comes to dessert, a cheese platter is your best bet as each wedge has been carefully selected by the man himself.
Rita Erlich, June 2008
User Feedback
Peter Stevens
July 09, 2008
They don't use a real charcoal grill - I was told by the owner that he uses a gas griller; not sure whether I want to eat there again!
silly sausage
July 22, 2008
Took my partner there for his birthday after a few recommendations from serious steak eaters, and was happy with the steak itself, and lovely wines ... but that's where it ends. Our entree of duck sausage was more like a lonesome Coles snag, with a few baby asparagus on a fancy plate ... for $11. Bad start. Then the steak comes out on its own, no garnish ... and my medium porterhouse showed no signs of pick ... won't go again mainly due to the very disappointing entree.
Trevor Steen
September 01, 2008
Peter you are right! I also asked the manager about the grill and he said it was gas and that they installed especially large gas lines in the building. Apparently the extra power from the gas grill "caramelises" better than a charcoal job. Anyone have any ideas 'bout this? . . .
Geoff Blight
March 07, 2009
Service excellent, warm and friendly. The Steak is the BEST quality cut and cooked to perfection. The whole experience is excellent.
Len Williamson
March 13, 2010
THe BEST steak I have ever had in this country !!. In fact I have visited some of the best steakhouses in the U.S. & this was better than all of them. Forget the entrees just order the large scotch fillet with chips a nice glass of red & you'll be in heaven. Trust me!
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