The Independent in Gembrook served Argentinian food to US bikie show star
Foodies are travelling from all over the world to try lime-cured scallops and homemade empanadas at a Dandenongs Argentinian restaurant that’s made Victoria’s Delicious 100 list, with a Sons of Anarchy star among fans. SEE FULL LIST
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The taste of Argentinian heritage with a pinch of world travel is being served up to foodies who travel far and wide to eat at The Independent.
Gembrook’s modern South American restaurant has not only become a popular travel destination for epicureans but has been ranked 66 on the Delicious 100 list for 2019.
A team of experienced reviewers travelled more than 11,000km and ate hundreds of dishes across the state to dish up the best restaurants Victoria has to offer.
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The food chef and owner Mauro Callegari and his head chef Manuel Sandeiro have served people from as far away as California, with Sons of Anarchy’s Charlie Hunman travelling to Gembrook to dine.
“It’s amazing how far people travel to come here,” Callegari said.
“A very famous actor from Sons of Anarchy came to eat here. He said a friend in California told him to come here if he was ever in Melbourne.”
“It’s a big compliment.”
And while there is always room for walk-ins, Callegari said it was always wise to book ahead.
“I make modern Argentinian food and everything has my touch and style, developed by travelling the world,” Callegari said.
“I incorporate this into my cooking, and that’s how I define my food — Argentinian with my own take.”
A favourite of diners is the smoked maple carrots with chilli, coriander and peanuts — “a dish that is on every table”.
There are two menus to choose from; Chef’s menu with classic dishes or Mauro’s table, a nine course degustation with staple Argentinian dishes.
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“A staple dish is roasted pumpkin and sweet corn stew — it’s one of Argentina’s number 1 dishes,” Callegari said.
“We have a simple dish, beautiful iceberg lettuce with a mustard dressing and grated Tasmanian cheddar.”
Chef Mauro Callegari hails from La Paternal in Buenos Aires where his passion for food was ignited.
He learned to cook in his mother’s restaurant, where the food was authentic and homemade.
From there he worked in 5-star Argentinian hotels and restaurants, moving to London in 2001 and working under Michelin star chef Chris Galvin at Conran’s Orrery-Almeida.