Description: Ah, the Flower Drum. It is a Melbourne institution; it is a place that many hear about, yet sadly never see. It is one of Melbourne's finest dining experiences and a once-in-a-lifetime (for most people) experience.
I've been talked into going to the Flower Drum twice. It's a place where we normal folks who live in Melbourne should set aside some cash for. Yet the experience of the silver-service and delicious Chinese cuisine is worth it. I decided to wear my red cheong sam for the event.
The restaurant itself may have a horribly old and slow elevator to take you up to where you will dine for the evening, but don't let that put you off! It has a gorgeous atmosphere, giving a sense of tradition and costliness that you tend not to get in many big restaurants. The waiters are, of course, very attentive to your needs. They are always there, but you tend to forget them until you drop something, or when you leave the table and return, only to have the waiter already there, pulling your chair out for you. Silver service indeed!
When we were all seated, we were told by the waiter that there are two ways of ordering - either to pick from the set menu (and share - as one always should do at Chinese) or to tell them what you want and let them decide. We chose the second option, with people asking for lobster, beef, and san choi bow. When our meal came, it was partially one of the banquets with a few minor changes, minus a few dishes - to be fair, the three items we asked for were on the banquet menu!
We started with scallops, followed by the san choi bow, Peking duck (most of our group loves this particular dish!), then crayfish with noodles and ginger sauce, followed by a to-die-for spicy steak. With a bottle of wine to share between three people, the price of the meal came to AUD$150. In total the bill for the eight of us came to over AUD$1,000! But it was worth it for the experience.
If you do get the chance (and the money) to go to the Flower Drum, I recommend that you go at least once in your life. It is an amazing experience.
Close