So last night 6.5 of us ventured to the Olive Tree in Sth Melb for a private function
5 of us ate and drank until it ran out of our ears – 1.5 of us was somewhat more refined but still we love them
After dinner we took the opportunity pick the brains of Restaurant Chef and Owner Emilio re Grass Fed beef v Lot Fed beef. Emilio first opened Olive Tree in 1971 and has operated it ever since – last 20 years with daughters Sonia and Tanya controlling front of house.
Now admittedly my memory maybe slightly clouded by alcohol fumes wafting over from a nearby table but I think the following is a fairly accurate
Customer: So Emelio how many beef suppliers contact you wanting to supply product to you:
Olive Tree Emilio: Virtually none they know I don’t buy over the phone.
Customer: So who is your supplier of beef?
Olive Tree Emilio: I now basically buy all my beef from Australian Wholesale Meats in Sunshine West – I go there every Tuesday or Wednesday and hand pick what I want.
Customer: Do you have a preference for Grass Fed or Lot Fed beef?
Olive Tree Emilio: Really prefer Lot Fed beef
Customer: Because of the consistency?
Olive Tree Emilio: Yes almost totally because of the consistency – every week of the year I can get consistent cuts with Lot Fed to my specifications whereas Grass Fed can be a bit hit and miss certain times of the year.
Customer: Is there a difference in your wholesale price?
Emilio: Of yeah - Lot Fed more expensive because they are grain fed for last 90 or 100 days so productions costs are higher.
Customer: Is there a difference in cooking Grass Fed compared to Lot fed?
Olive Tree Emilio: Yes there is – Lot Fed cooks a bit quicker and retains a better colour when cooked – Grass Fed doesn’t have as much juice in it and so cooks a little slower – also Grass Fed can go a little black if you not careful when cooking.
Customer: Do you get many customers asking for Grass Fed beef?
Olive Tree Emilio: Yes we get some but very few – I do always have some Grass Fed on hand for those who specifically ask for it.
Customer: Do you buy any beef from O’Connors?
Olive Tree Emilio: I did buy a lot before but not so much now – I can get equal quality much closer to home.
Customer: Do you buy any beef from Greenhams / Cape Grim?
Olive Tree Emilio: Yes we buy a bit but it’s Grass Fed and we sell much more Lot Fed
Customer: Can the customers tell the difference between Grass Fed and Lot Fed when it is served on the plate?
Olive Tree Emilio: (Replied with a bit of a giggle) Yes some think they can!
Of course as always YMMV.