Turn It On At Divido

Tradesmen top the list as the ideal mate for most women. In a recent survey being with a handyman who knows how to use his tools is at the top of the most desired partner list ahead of professionals like lawyers, accountants and engineers. I’ve got to say I have always wanted to meet a guy who is my Mr Fix-It. Just think of all the benefits about someone who is great with his hands.

I went to Divido with a buff electrician friend of mine. Given my belief that a man’s brain is his sexiest organ, I was particularly interested to explore the stats about electricians supposedly being the brightest sparks of all tradespeople. Staring across at a 6"3' dark haired, tanned Adonis with green eyes also added to the intrigue and I was excited to put these theories to the test.

Divido is an award winning restaurant serving modern Italian fare. It’s claim to fame is also its co-owner and executive chef Jason Jujnovich who knows his way around fine food having worked with the likes of Gordon Ramsay and spent time in the famed kitchen of London's River Cafe. Eclectically decorated with chocolate leather banquettes, delicate bamboo prints and exposed light bulbs hanging from the ceiling, the latte and velvety, hot chocolate coloured walls create a feeling of warmth and an intimate ambience.

For starters we shared a plate of wood roasted figs with Yarra Valley goats cheese and quinoa salad and a plate of home-made rigatoncini with Amelia Park lamb, sofrito, white wine and truffle pecorino. The figs were gorgeous. Plump, sanguine and pouty they arrived warm and oozing with creamy goats cheese. Every bite exploded in our mouths and filled us with a fluffy pillow of curd. The warm, roasted figs were sweet and syrupy – the perfect contrast against the tartness of the cheese and the crunchiness of the quinoa.

Quinoa is a wonder grain. It is pure protein and has been revered as sacred since the time of the Incas. Quinoa was even used to sustain Incan armies, which frequently marched for many days eating a mixture of quinoa and fat, known as "war balls." I don’t know that my date’s balls became any more rock solid after eating it but his lamb pasta was positively more-ish.

For mains we opted to get carnivorous and shared in the pork belly with potato frico, savoy cabbage and vinsanto apples. We also ordered the Amelia Park beef fillet with eggplant funghetto and cannellini bean puree. A sexy thought crossed my mind about my hot electrician – I wonder if he dives into other carnal pleasures with a similar vigour and intensity? The pork belly was divinely crisp and looked like a picture on the plate surrounded by the more delicate melon balled apples. The beef was robust and gave a heady edge to our otherwise subtle plates.

For dessert we could not go past tasting the famous chocolate nemesis with frangelico ice-cream. Decadent and rich this is a chocolate lover’s orgasm. The hint of hazelnut in the ice-cream provided a welcome reprieve from an otherwise overly indulgent offering. We closed our eyes and made the sensation last as long as we could.

The food at Divido is an absolute turn on. Even the exposed light bulbs could not distract us from being completely mesmerized by the flavours, textures and tastes of this spectacular dining experience. Jason Jujnovich has mastered the tricks of his trade to create a taste extravaganza.

The mind-blowing food, romantic setting and attentive service left me wanting more, not to mention my date who knew how to use his mad skills to light my spark. There’s some truth to the rumours.

Passion Rating★★★★★
Food:★★★★★
Service:★★★★★
Ambiance:★★★★★
Overall:★★★★★