Aspro Ble

Aspro Ble is at 389 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne (part of the Hardware Lane strip). To get there, walking along Hardware Lane you have to run the gauntlet of "spruikers"; Aspro Ble was the first restaurant that didn't have someone outside practically clasping at my sleeve to get me to eat there, which seemed like as good a reason as any to try it, although the crisp, clean blue and white decor and delicious-sounding menu were also high on the list. The food was wonderful: an amuse bouche of a creamy vanilla and fig yoghurt ball, with a fascinating texture and interesting flavours and accompanied by a shot glass full of chilled vegetable gazpacho, was followed by a starter of Greek pork and leek sausage with smoked beef and kefalograviera cheese, which was an interesting mix of flavours crowned by juicy sausage slices; the main course of slow roasted lamb with a roasted garlic dressing was soft, mouthwatering and rich in flavour, and the roast potatoes were slightly lemon scented and lightly cooked to perfection in olive oil and oregano. The owner came out to explain the menu and serve, and was diffident, friendly and clearly very excited about the food being served. An excellent experience.