Looking to try Kangaroo in Melbourne?

[azukizer0]

Ok, I apologize in advance if this question seems naive, cliche, or in poor taste (or any combination thereof) but I'm very curious about trying kangaroo meat while in Australia. Here are my general questions for you chowhounds:

1) Is it worth it or just the Japanese equivalent to blowfish (all hype and not really very good)?

2) If it's good, are there any solid recommended spots in or around Melbourne that would give me the definitive kangaroo eating experience?

3) As far as I know, eating kangaroo doesn't mean I'm breaking any hidden foodie "rules" like eating fois gras or even buffalo meat, or does it....

4) If anyone has any good recommendations for restaurants, the more information you can give me about your experience there or why their kangaroo dish was incredible, I'd appreciate it!

Thanks for any insight/recommendations you can provide!

- Azuki

[mr_gimlet]

1) Its very accessible and affordable. It tastes like a mild venison

2) Many places do kangaroo. The definitive experience would be at somewhere like Charcoal Lane on Gertrude Street, a restaurant run by an indigenous charity to develop hospitality skills. Like Fifteen, except cheaper with better food. It tends to appear as specials at mainstream restaurants.

3) Not if you eat meat.

4) Can't say any kangaroo I've had was incredible, more interesting.

[PhilD]

Only point I would ad to MrG is that you need to eat it quite rare, if it is slightly overcooked it goes tough very quickly and isn't good. I tend to find it is best served simply, like a steak, fancy preparations don't add a lot to it.

Re you point 3: wouldn't the "hidden foodie rule" be to eat lots of foie gras and not pander to the mis-informed?

[Memah]

Kangaroo cooked well is great and PhilD makes an important point, rare is by far the best way to do it. It's a lean meat and much easier on the environment than other red meats. I'm a fan!
I don't know who has it on the menu right now, but if you're up for a 'cheap and cheerful' experience, The Edinburgh Castle 'Pub' in Sydney Road (corner of Albion) Brunswick have it on the menu and on a Monday night, you can have a 'Roo 'n Red' for $12 (meaning kangaroo and a glass of red wine). The environment is very casual.