Story of Christmas 2020
It felt like Nel took us around the world for Christmas. Starting in Denmark, Danish Æbleskiver are Danish snacks that are spherical in shape. The name literally means "apple slices" in Danish, although apples are not usually an ingredient in present-day versions. The crust is similar in texture to European pancakes, but with a light and fluffy innard like a Yorkshire pudding. Out came a glass dome filled with smoke encased was two danish pancakes but this was the savoury version so it was crispy potato with sour cream and caviar. Delightful!
Next up ontop of rocks with smoke was Edible Holly snapper fish, lemon myrtle, dill and mascarpone. Anything with fish and dill is always good!
Cutely named Rudolph’s Nose was a nugget of Venison, shallots, capers, parsley, mozzarella and rosella jam. I like Venison and I feel like the only time I eat venison is at Nel.
The waiter approached our table with a giant Christmas stocking, asking if we had been naughty or nice this year? He then said he thinks we’ve been naughty. We reached into the stocking to pull out foil wrapped “coal”. Naughty Child charcoal sourdough with Parmesan and whisky infused butter. I die for the butter it’s always whipped so light with a generous serving.
Off to Poland now for Polish Borscht. This was beetroot slices over a cold goat cheese sorbet. Like a cold beetroot soup. I liked it!
Now for my favourite time of the night. The fish dish. Fish Festa kingfish tataki with diced tartare. Bonito, yellow tomato and mango. I loved this, fish dishes never disappoint.
Everyone knows this at Christmas…Ham Leftovers - ham with crispy skin, covered in a mustard orange glaze and finished off with a 12-hour stock consommé. This was delicious!!
Now up for Nelly’s Nanas Christmas Feast the story was told so beautifully by the waiter that I was completely inspired. Short rib in red wine glaze, with Brussel sprouts, horseradish, cavolo nero, confit onion purée and buckwheat Yorkshire pudding on the side. I LOVE short rib, it’s one of my death row dishes. This did not disappoint.
Onto the trio of desserts starting with Last Christmas I gave you my heart which was the strawberry and watermelon gum heart with elderflower and mint. The heart was then covered with an icy snow - a metaphor perhaps? This dish was stunning and I loved the texture of the snow type balls underneath with the gummy heart.
A popular Xmas present Quality Street this dish was so intricate! Bitter orange sorbet, with chocolate ganache, chocolate crumbs, crystalised macadamia, orange and poppy seed cake and orange marshmallow. The wafer bon bons were so light and delicate. I really appreciated all the details that went into this dish, I love mousse so I loved this dish.
To end our white Christmas adventure was Aussie Yule log chocolate swirl with shredded coconut on top of powdered sugar. I love chocolate and coconut so this was perfect!