Movida Aqui, Melbourne

Originally, we had planned to go to Movida. But being a little unorganised, when we called to book there was only one place left at Movida Aqui for the time we wanted . 

So, off to Movida Aqui we go.

When we arrived, it wasn't full but it didn't take too long for it get pretty busy. The place itself has a great vibe to it. The decor I wouldn't say is anything to rave about but it does give it a nice, comfortable and trendy feel. 

I like places where you can see the chef's at work. We weren't sitting around the bar/kitchen area but I wouldn't have minded if we were.

We were provided with a drinks menu first... This is a very long menu. Not being in the mood really for a wine or a beer, I settle for a cider. Boyfriend gets himself a beer. 

The cider comes out and it's one I haven't seen or tried before. I didn't mind it, but probably wouldn't order it again. If you have ever been to Bali and ordered yourself a Bali Cider, they're very similar. I think so anyway. 

After our drinks are brought our table, we're given a food menu and a specials menu. The menu itself isn't too long, though that doesn't make it any easier deciding what to order. The Tapas menu is only one serve, and we wanted to try as many different things as possible. In the end, we ended from the Tapas menu:

1 x Tortilla (wild mushroom, organic egg and caramelised onion)

1 x Bomba (Catalan potato bomb filled with chorizo)

1 x Venado (Cured venison loin on brik pastry with celeriac and morcilla)

From the Raciones menu (Serving size to share):

1 x Cordorniz Con Lentejas (Jumbo quail stuffed with rabbit, pinenuts and jamon with braised green lentils)

From the Specials menu (Serving size to share):

1 X Salmon (Salad of hot smoked salmon, farro, creme fraiche and hazelnuts)

1 x Fabada (Pork belly, morcilla and chorizo with braised white beans)

Food is delivered and is brought to your table as it is ready in no particular order. 

First served is the Tortilla. The serving size was OK. It was packed full of mushroom and onion throughout the entire slice and the caramelized onion added a beautiful flavour throughout.

Second to arrive is the Venado. I don't know what we were expecting exactly, but this wasn't it! And, it was so teenie tiny. We still cut it in half so we could both try and it was... interesting? Maybe not something I would order for myself again, just my taste...

Third at the table is the salmon. OK serving size, enough to share between two. Salmon was cooked nicely, flaked apart really easy. I loved the lentils as well, they added a really nice flavour. 

The Bomba came in fourth. This little ball of potato goodness, yum!! Who doesn't love potato and who doesn't love chorizo. Add a delicious blob of sauce and you have a winner! We're wishing we ordered two of these instead of one Bomba and one Venado. Oh well! 

The quail and pork belly soon followed. Was pretty impressed at first sight with both of these, they looked delicious. 

Again, serving sizes were good to share between two people. 

The quail was cooked beautifully and came off the bones so easily. The filling was delicious and again, sitting on those yummo lentils.. mmmm! 

Pork belly was delicious!! Nice and soft, the crackling nice and crisp. I'm not a fan of black pudding so I put that on Boyfriends plate for him to eat. The beans were nice and in a beautiful sauce. 

We're glad these two dishes were saved till last.

Next time we're in Melbourne, hopefully we're a little more organised and can get a table at Movida. I even wouldn't mind checking out Paco's Tacos next door - who doesn't love a good taco?!