+ Gasometer
484 Smith Street Collingwood VIC 3066
T: 03 9417 5539

This is the second time we have visited Gasometer – the hotel once known by the same name but more recently the dodgy irish pub on the corner of Smith and Alexandra opposite Officeworks. Apparently the chef is ex-De Los Santos and there is a real Spanish | Mexican | Latino take on the food. I arrived around 6.30pm and most of the tables were reserved – which was good for a Tuesday night – and 3 large central ‘communal-style’ tables also booked but grabbed a table for 3 against the wall.

We tried the ‘money shot burger’ – which was ‘on the money’ – 17.0 with fat steak fries and aioli served very compactly in a red basket – almost too much so – making it a little difficult to eat but I seemed to work it out. The 400gm porterhouse was ordered medium rare but came out quite rare – but was still a good steak and again served with fat steak fries, crispy onion rings and  a great hot dijon 29.0. The last dish at our table was one of the specials – the ‘pinchos mancheros’ – skewered lamb with salsa and fries which looked fantastic and was served on a wooden board 24.0.

We were all quite bloated – but made room for the New Orleans beignets – a take on the churros from De Los Santos but dumpling|doughnut-style with a rich chocolate sauce and blood plum coulis 12.0. They also have a wide selection of beers and ciders although a little light on wine choice but overall it’s a local that is definitely a cut-above your average local.