A trip down memory lane 2.0
This was such an extra special dinner, it’s my partners first time to Nel <3 we dropped into my besties house beforehand and it turned into a celebration dinner as I got asked to be a godmother!! <3
Presented on a mossy green rock formation in a bowl filled with dried ice. To start the dinner off right was Melon bombs Rockmelon juice, Jamon, Balsamic gel, Baby basil. This was a memory of Italy with melon + prosciutto. An absolute explosion of melon flavour! This reminded me of the chocolate petit four in the OG Disney degustation. This was one of my favourite “snacks” due to the pure appreciation of the process used to create and achieve this dish.
Next came out was a test tube stand with two test tubes and sitting on two spikes was the Thai Green curry dish which was derived from Nelly’s memories of eating green curry in Bangkok. Spicy prawn ball rolled in rice with mango puree and baby mint. Served with a test tube of coconut water and curry oil. We didn’t know what order to do this in so we shotted it first which was probably the wrong way around.
Time to hunt for truffles! Truffle hunt Chicken thigh, truffle paste and mash with tarragon, Breaded charcoal breadcrumbs, Charcoal soil, Sorrel and Pistachios. I have had this dish before at a food festival and I’m glad I didn’t eat the soil this time around. Tim loved this dish, that truffle flavour yum.
Last of the snacks arrived and it was probably my favourite Crumpets bacon butter. Waking up and having a crumpet and butter makes us all smile. This crumpet was so light and golden it was hard to beat. The bacon butter had bacon bits in it that added texture and flavour. I LOVED this *chefs kiss*
This cute little flat clear bowl was filled with Beetroot Creme Brûlée topped with Vinegar popcorn, puffed rice, beetroot discs and red sorrel. This was delicious!! It was cold and full of flavour. Really enjoyed this vego dish.
Favourite fish time, Kingfish tandoori Kingfish, Tandoori spice, Smoked Yogurt, Tandoori oil, Cucumber marinated in Sushi vinegar (just before serving), Baby coriander. This was a core memory of Nelly’s going to Indian as a child and having Tandoori chicken and he designed the dish by using amazing Australian seafood. Usually when I eat kingfish it’s very asian style (soy, chives, coconut, lime etc) so to eat it Indian style was very different and I loved every bite. The crust of tandoori spice worked well with the fish and dipped in the smoked yoghurt was devine. We really enjoyed this dish.
Next up was brought over a massive signature nel bowl. For the Chicken, garlic, mushroom Breaded chicken oysters, Celeriac and comfit garlic soup, Asparagus, Mushroom ricotta gnocchi, Parsley oil This dish reminded Nel of eating amazing soups with bulk and a creamy Gnocchi. This dish has tiny little chicken oysters which are fun fact the two small, oyster-shaped pieces of dark meat that lie on either side of a whole chicken's backbone. These little chicken oysters were like baby schnitzels stacked onto of each other. Even thought they were part of the soup, they stayed super crispy!! Within the celeriac and confit garlic soup was mushroom ricotta gnocchi which had a deep mushroom, bready type taste. I normally am a bit iffy with chicken dishes but this was a massive win!
Onto the last of the mains Steak + chips, from a English pub a good old steak and chips with Nel’s favourite sauce. Slow cooked short rib beef rolled in onion crumb, Pickled onions, Watercress puree, Onion puree, Triple cooked chips, Pepper corn sauce and Watercress garnish elk garnish. This steak was perfectly cooked, I loved the presentation with the 3 onion rings and green puree. Generous serving of chips on the side. We were full at this stage.
Dessert stomach kicked in for Summer this dish was inspired by coming into the hotter months, we love a glass of champagne with fresh summer fruit. Champagne mousse, Dried lychees, Fresh lychees, Poached rhubarb/strawberry, Strawberry puree, Crystalized flowers, Strawberry and lime sorbet. This dish is so pretty! I tried it at a food festival once but it was even better this time around, I love strawberry desserts and this was it!
Sadly the dinner came to the end with Wagon wheels, Raspberry marshmallow, Biscuit, Chocolate, Popping candy and Dried raspberry. Such a fancy wagon wheel and perfect way to get my chocolate fix at the end of the beautiful dinner.