Dine the Spanish Regions

Overview

There's something meta about attending an acutely authentic Spanish feast at a venue whose name doesn't allude to the fact that it does anything of the sort. That is, the Robert Burns Hotel. But, all apprehensions are left at old Robbie's door (guaranteed), because this place is possibly Melbourne's best Spanish restaurant. And the best time to go? Their monthly 'Dine the Spanish Regions' dinners.

Held on the last Tuesday of every month, these dinners uncover one region at a time. Past events have taken diners into Extramadura, Andalucia and La Rioja. These feasts have somewhat of a cult following. Actual Spanish nationals come here to get a taste of home; we once attended a dinner where two of the guests were actually from the region. It's legit.

This month, the culinary tour of Spain continues on to Asturias — one of the regions that make up the north coast of the country. For $79 you'll be plated up with four courses of traditional fare, matched with wines that come sourced (if possible) straight from the place in question; everything is considered and culturally specific to the region. So don't come expecting paella — come ready to try specialties you will scarcely find outside of the villages of Spain.