Winter Chef Series at Julie

Overview

Julie — the hatted bistro in the Abbotsford Convent — is getting a helping hand through the cold weather. Each month in winter, a different chef is taking over the restaurant, bringing unique and, most importantly, comforting dishes to the menu.

In May, Canadian chef Emmanuelle Leftick was in charge. Now, it's Diana Desensi, who'll be running the show throughout June. She's worked with a bunch of Melbourne's top chefs, including Karen Martini and Matt Wilkinson, and was a key player in the opening of Saint George in St Kilda.

At Julie, Desensi is bringing a five-course feast to the table. Start with house-made ricotta and agrodolce alongside fresh focaccia, before moving onto bacalao croquette and Zio's salumi with persimmon relish.

Next comes Desensi's favourite — the pasta — in the form of cacio tortelli with radicchio and milk sauce. The main is lamb abbacchio with Reggiano, served with sides of Roman beans with olive and lemon, and garden leaves dressed in anchovy and lemon. Finish up with amarena cherry and chocolate torte.

Desensi will be at Julie from Thursday, June 5–Sunday, June 29th. In July, chef Harriet Tomlinson will take the reins.

Top image: Marie-Luise.