Sometimes You Have To Get Out

We first encountered the DR gang at the St Ali's Laneway Festival. Whether they had been engaged by the St Ali team or by SBS that had organised a free food blogger photography exhibition in one of the spare garages, we will never know.

The sign was simple, the offerings short but not so simple. The technology used and choice of containers even more impressive, especially given that a corrugated iron shed was being used as the makeshift bar.

When the resulting photos were shared among the Foodie Team's friends, a discussion frenzy ensured. Where is this bar? What sort of cocktails would require liquid nitrogen? (The southside sorbet, which PN proclaimed to be "yummy") When is it open? How many people can turn up at the same time? Are any of the bartenders single?

Then a friend confirmed the date that she was moving abroad. We had our perfect reason to make reservations.

It was the first Easter Saturday I had ever gone out for the night with a group of girls (and two boys, who both decided to be teetotalers for the night). The girls were well dressed for the occasion, and the boys had been briefed to make sure decent photos were taken. I had been warned at the time of booking that the bar does not have a kitchen, but "something can be organised". Nevertheless, half the group opted for an early dinner before joining the rest of us (the advance party, I called us)

What struck me about DR:

1. One of the smaller bars I have been to, yet not surprising given this is Melbourne.
2. For a small bar, it has a very big space for a big group like ours. I can see why reservations are critical.
3. The "taste spectrum" map at the front of its menus (chained to the bar). It makes ordering for test tasting very easy.
4. All the bartenders have beards!
5. You never know what vessel they will use to present each cocktail...

6. Listen very closely to the instructions that come with your cocktail to make sure you know how it should be drunk...
7. It may have no kitchen, but it will help you organise pizzas from Crust Pizza. Yum!
8. Try not to drink too fast. Prices do differ based on ingredients used, but they are all very, oh so very very good. Olives are free.
9. Try the cocktail on the blackboard at the bar. It is not in the menu, it will be cheaper than any other cocktail offered and it will still be delicious.
10. Try not to be TOO loud and indiscreet with the cameras. Even if the bar design means that photos are inevitable.

Der Raum - 438 Church St, Richmond. A small Melburnian jewel that has won more awards than Meryl Streep and Daniel Defoe's award nominations put together. The great drinks, the attention to detail in everything from the bar design to the way the drinks were served and the attentive customer service tells you why it won and deserves those awards. Cocktail lovers, you have been informed.

PS Yes the Foodie Team did check out the SBS exhibition, and notes were taken of bloggers whose photos were of such a quality that the Foodie Team should check out their blogs...