Iconic local pub’s menu highlights Josper grill cooked premium meats
The Doutta Galla Hotel in Kensington, affectionately called ‘The Doot’ by locals, has been a place to gather and enjoy a drink since 1889. However, since re-opened after an extensive renovation, the pub is becoming known as a destination for diners. It’s the home of a great steak, cold beer and genuine hospitality.
The winter menu is full of delicious pub classics and snacks that are perfect for sharing. But the highlight is the premium cuts of meat, all cooked over a Josper charcoal grill, which gives the meats a rich, smoky, elevated, smokehouse feel. The team is so proud of the selection that they have their own Josper Grill Menu, which changes weekly.
The steak offering centres around premium Australian and Wagyu beef, with a strong focus on quality provenance with grass-fed, grain-fed, wagyu and dry-aged cuts sourced from producers including Gippsland, Riverine, Southern Ranges and Shimo Wagyu. These high marbling score cuts, all paired with traditional sauces and butters and approachable sides, are the epitome of the menu’s quality.
Co-owners, ex-Hawthorn Football Club Captain Luke Hodge, and actor Travis Fimmel, are particularly fond of the Josper Grill Menu. “You can’t beat the steak,” said Hodge, whose current favourite from the rotating menu is the Southern Ranges Grass Fed Cube Roll, served with chips and slaw and he likes it medium rare. Meanwhile, Fimmel goes for the T-Bone with gravy – which also changes but is currently a 500g Gippsland grain-fed.
The kitchen is led by Chef Sunny Ghotra, a nominee for Chef of the Year at the recent AHA VIC Awards for Excellence, and previous Head Chef of Cinder. Alongside Sunny’s wealth of experience is a genuine passion for delivering food with heart.
Must-try dishes from the regular menu include Braised Lamb Ribs (Alabama BBQ, chives), Tuna Tataki (pickled beetroot, wasabi, avocado), Red Cherry Duck Leg (coconut rice, pickled cucumber), Honey Chipotle Chicken Burger (honey chipotle fried chicken thigh, bacon, pickle, American cheese, kimchi slaw, chips) and the selection of pizzas with either San Marzano or Confit Garlic base.
On 30th July, Doutta Galla Hotel will partner with fellow Kensington local business Bakery Hill Distillery to host a Whisky Dinner. The three-course dining experience will feature expertly matched whisky pairings, and the centrepiece of the meal will be the whisky-washed steak main course, created especially for the event.
Winter also brings a variety of new seasonal specials:
- Sunday Roast, 11.30am until sold out – a weekly rotating roast with all the dressings will be available all winter for $32pp.
- Friday Lunch Special, 12pm-3pm – 3 oysters (Kilpatrick, mignonette or natural), steak, chips, slaw, sauce, and a glass of wine or beer for $59pp, it’s the perfect opportunity for a corporate lunch or a meet up with mates.
- Friday Lunch Chef’s Selection, 12pm-3pm – curated selection of starters, steak, fish and sides, plus a glass of wine or beer for $110pp (minimum 2 guests and the whole table must dine on the Chef’s Selection.
Regular weekly specials and events:
Happiest Hour – Happy Hour at the Doot operates every weekday from 4 to 6pm, offering $5 handles, $7 house wines and $12 select cocktails.
Mondays, all day – Locals Day – Any burger, schnitty or fish & chips for $20.
Tuesdays, all day – Steak Day – 250g porterhouse + chips & salad for $25. Option to upgrade to wagyu for $39.
Wednesdays, all day – Parma Day – parma, chips & salad for $20
Wednesdays from 6.30pm – Pub Trivia – upstairs with Sh*t Pub Trivia
For sports lovers, The Doot has fifteen screens throughout the pub, ideal for those wanting to catch the World Cup of the footie live while enjoying a great meal and a cold drink.
The relaxed atmosphere, paired elevated pub meals makes the Doutta Galla Hotel the perfect spot for Melburnians to escape the chill and enjoy moments with friends, family and colleagues this winter.
The Doutta Galla, 339 Racecourse Rd, Kensington VIC 3031
https://douttagallahotel.com/