For my third and final review for mushroom mania month I’d actually intended to visit another restaurant. But despite checking their opening hours on their website when we arrived we found it closed. So given we were stuck, and the James St Bistro was nearby, the decision was made to head there for lunch as I knew they were participating in Mushroom Mania month.

James St Bistro is funnily enough located on James St in Fortitude Valley, and is the perfect place for people-watching. Also, given it’s location right out the front of the Palace Cinemas it’s the perfect place to grab a pre or post movie meal.

Mojitos – $14.90

When we were arrived we were quickly escorted to a table facing out onto the street and ordered a Mojito each. Troy and I both have a slight addiction to Mojito’s ever since our first holiday together in Fiji. They are delicious, refreshing and addictive. While Mojito’s are considered a classic cocktail it’s so interesting to see each bar’s interpretation of this classic. James St Bistro’s version arrived in short tumblers packed with ice, lime, mint, sugar syrup and rum. They were delicious, although a little too heavy on the rum for my liking.

After perusing the menu I chose the Leek and Wild Mushroom Risotto with Mascarpone and Troy opted for the Spicy Pork and Beef Meatballs Linguine. As we placed our order our waitress told me that the Leek and Wild Mushroom Risotto was her favourite dish on the menu. I don’t normally order risotto at restaurants. This is mainly due to the fact it tends to be the default vegetarian option, and after years of eating risottos because I had no other choice, I yearned for the ability to be able to choose something from a menu that wasn’t vegetarian risotto or pasta with tomato sauce. So now days, even if the risotto sounds especially tempting I tend to overlook it.

However, I have to say on this occasion I was glad I went with the risotto. It was perfectly cooked, beautifully creamy, and was packed with flavour from the sweet leeks and mushrooms.

Leek & Wild Mushroom Risotto with Mascarpone – $25

I could tell Troy was enjoying the linguine with spicy pork meatballs because he was quiet. When I asked him how it was, in between slurps, he gave me the thumbs up, and said awesome, before cleaning the plate. He said the meatballs had the perfect amount of spice without being overpowering.

Spicy Pork & Beef Meatballs with Sweet Tomato and Basil and Linguine – $25

Join the Mushroom Mania fun and you could win $150

Mushroom Mania runs from July 1 through to July 31.  Here’s how can you join in and win?

• Download the free Mushroom Mania app for your smartphone or check out the locality guide online to find your local participating restaurants.
• Order a dish that features mushrooms
• Write and submit a review of a mushroom dish you’ve eaten for your chance to win $150 every week throughout July

• Join the Mushroom Lovers Club for mushroom recipes, cooking tips, news and more
• Follow Mushroom Mania on Twitter and Facebook

James St Bistro
39 James St
Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Phone: (07) 3852 5155
Website: http://jamesstreetbistro.com.au/

Delicieux dined at the James St Bistro with compliments of the Australian Mushroom Growers Association as part of Mushroom Mania month.