a copy of my review from www.yetanotherreview.blogspot.com
"a dining experience that cannot be created at home, encompassing this through food, service and ambience"
My expectation was high - I had been told this was one of the most known restaurants in Melbourne, and one that was highly creative. From the moment I walked through the door, the service was impeccable and polite. We were being expected, shown to our seats, our coats taken.
I was a little surprised that we had a number of waiters throughout our visit, and all got to know us in the few hours we were there. We were first introduced to the concept of a degustation menu. Essentially, one does not order from a menu; instead, we specify what we don't eat, and let the chef create a dining experience tailored to our tastes. So, there we waited anticipatedly while nervously commenting that we weren't "that adventurous".
We opened with something to amuse the tastebuds.
Now, I must apologise in advance for being unable to remember exactly everything we dined on tonight - there was much to remember.....! And please note, I am using the website of this restaurant to help me out here....
So, to begin....the Amuse Bouche, consisting of a delicately balanced (on a champagne glass, no less!) lettuce leaf with a quail yolk (and more stuff I cannot remember!); inside the glass was a warm soup that was so full of flavour. But don't ask me what it was.....
The first course was Saumon aux Epices, which displayed three different ways of presenting and tasting salmon: salmon jerky with toasted brioche, smoked salmon vale, and sterling caviar with a fish emulsion. This was surprisingly interesting, with the same flavour being presented in three very different textures.
Secondly was their special dish, a Mushroom Risotto with White truffle sauce. This was like no other mushroom risotto, so rich, and made with brown rice. The white truffle sauce (though green.... :P ) added the extra tang to take away a bit from the richness of this dish.
The third course saw our table deviating from each other, as some of us preferred no game meat (or red meat). So, there was powdered (frozen) duck liver with a sauce of some description and we had a dish that explored the textures and flavours of cannelloni using different ingredients...
So, there was a mascapone roll wrapped in tomato jelly, more tomato bits..(wow, my memory is failing me...). But this dish really did explore the different textures, which was most interesting.
The fourth course was a visual feast, a Bouillabaisse 'en cinq minutes' et tartare d'ecrivisse, a 5-minute bouillabaisse with tartare of crayfish, buffalo milk skin, with rich flavours of saffron. This was made at the table in a coffee maker, which boiled the soup to 80 degrees celcius at which time the soup rose to the upper chamber, which contained flavours for the soup - crayfish, mussel, celery, saffon, more stuff I don't remember.......there it boiled for a few minutes, then cooled and then returned to the lower chamber, the soup now full of flavour and ready to be served. In our plates was a buffalo milk skin and crayfish with saffron, over which the soup was poured. The soup was tenderly light, but so full of flavour.
The fifth course, for those adventurous enough, was Eclinaison de boeuf, displaying different cuts and textures of beef - a checkerboard of white polenta and beef shin, crispy chilli intercostal, tataki of sirloin, and confit flank with a pumpkin and yuzu stuffed baby squash. For those of us not really into red meat, we had red mullet that was stuffed with crab meat, and wrapped in carrot spaghetti, accomapnied with a red mullet soup sauce, and a roasted fennel with some other dressing I cannot remember, and orange dust.
So, five savoury courses, but what restaurant would stop there?
A palette cleanser of golden kiwifruit in peppermint jelly (so infused with alcohol.....) on top of a champagne something with raspberries with lychee ice. And that wasn't dessert....
Then there was pre-dessert, some Pullet Eggs, which came delivered in a half-dozen egg carton per person (okay, three of the eggs were 'fake'), but the other three contained delicious flavours of white chocolate and orange mousse, pistachio eggnog and prune & some alochol thing...(don't ask me, I don't know differences...). This was probably one of the most interesting presentation modes, and most intelligent too!
Then there was dessert, whereupon we were asked what we preferred, and whether we "all liked chocolate". Again, differential desserts for our table were brought out...
a traditional French souffle, straight out of the oven,
and a chocolate mousse served on a bed of lemon base, with a white chocolate disc (to match the shape of the bowl...), with Tasmanian berries, all with a berry oil/coulis. The topping was hot, and poured on top of the white chocolate disc in order to make the chocolate melt in a pattern, which decorated the mousse beautifully. Again, another amazing feat of dessert presentation, and a dynamic one at that. This was incredibly rich, though a beautiful mix of different flavours.
Tea and coffee followed, as in most restaurants, served with petit fours, including interesting choices such as a nougat topped with a carrot salad, a mini pavalova with mango dressing, a pineapple and lychee creation encased in peppermint jelly, and a chocolate covered (almost salty) liquid caramel decorated with gold leaf.
Yes, I ate so many things I wouldn't in my normal life: fennel, gold leaf, caviar, berries, kiwifruit, truffles, boullabaise. Wow.
The service throughout the night was amazing - so attentive, yet with no feeling of being watched. Our glasses of water were constantly kept topped up, our plates cleared efficiently, our napkins nicely folded and replaced on our laps if we left the table. The waiters who served us were knowledgable and polite, catering to all our needs. The restaurant is really quite beautiful, and featured a mirror above the main preparation space to allow patrons to watch the assembly of their meal. The staff were helpful, well-presented and professional, attending to every detail of all the diners, with a particular focus on presentation of all things.
This was an incredibly satisfying yet adventurous meal, something that was definitely very unique and memorable. I would suggest taking your time with either lunch or dinner; the degustation menu is most interesting, and if you're up for a challenge and intriguing meal, this is definitely a good choice.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
sometimes
the good things aren't always easy. sometimes it's because they're hard that they're good.
and sometimes we have friends because we find it hard to talk to God.
and sometimes all you have to do is ask.
and sometimes we have friends because we find it hard to talk to God.
and sometimes all you have to do is ask.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
up and down
....on an emotional shoestring
been running into a lot of people (mostly at uni) recently. it's nice. sometimes i stop for a chat. other times not, but that's cool too. it's the hi that's nice :)
went to the first part of a masterclass given by Bart van Oort, one of the world's most renowned fortepianists. Unfortunately, I couldn't stay as I had a lecture, but I should have just skipped it (I fell asleep anyway...), and listened to it on the web, and stayed for the rest of the class. Oh well, not much I can do now....
Had a number of rehearsals in the past few weeks. I suppose nothing new though...
last week, I counted that I had seven rehearsals in the week. Of all sorts. If these go for an average of 2hrs each, that's 14hrs! That is as much uni as I go to! No wonder I feel like so much of my week is given to uni activities (although not all of is uni related, admittedly...)
Actually spent one Friday night at home. A very rare occurence for me. But had an audition the next day - had to get out to Elsternwick for 9.45am. It was a pretty cool adventure, as I'd never been there. Then hung out for a little while, as I waited for the next audition. Then walked with J along the main street there, which was very cute. Stopped at a lovely bakery and this really nice girl served us. And by really nice, I mean that she wasn't pushy, but she was really helpful too. And just lovely. I like that kind of service. :)
I met somebody who knew a friend of mine, and got to act as an intermediary. It was pretty cool. I like that role, really :)
Had a 21st that night; it was pretty cool - Barbie themed. You can see the photos if you know where to look.....everybody looked fantastic, it was such a great (and funny!) idea. And the guys, I was impressed!
Missed Rowing Day, but didn't really mind about it. I figure, three years, plus had a 21st the night before. It was a good day to catch up on stuff, particularly as I spent the previous day running around Melbourne, getting ready for this party, and generally was quite unproductive.
Played in the soiree on Monday night with L. It went pretty well. She's preparing for the Geelong Advertiser Comp (regional section). It was a busy week....
Tuesday night: saw James Blunt at Rod Laver (the review can be found at Yet Another Review so I don't have to repeat myself..) Just got his new album from the network. Admittedly, some expletives in there, but overall, a good album. There are some really awesome songs! Not really sure what I think of him in general, but some of his music is not too bad!
Wednesday night: Queen's Ball. This was pretty good - I was pleasantly surprised by the music choices (in the previous few years, I haven't really enjoyed it....), and the venue was beautiful, though somewhat out of the way, but thankfully accessible by public transport). Came home that night fairly early (got home at about 12.30..?) and wrote my draft lead sheet for my jazz assignment. [I handed in the final thing today and my tutor was like "This is fantastic. The harmonies are well-thought out. As an assignment it's fantastic." (musically, there was one thing he didn't agree with, but that was a matter of opinion) I didn't tell him the basic harmony and melody were written at some unlikely hour....although I find in the past few years, I've had amazing creative ideas at such wee hours....mostly techniques ones, and have found the overwhelming urges to harmonise chorales, or write creative pieces for assignments, or had the overwhelming urge to transcribe parts at a weird hour...]
Thursday: well, I only had five hours sleep. Then woke up to do a little bit of practice and then head off to a 9.30am Melba Hall rehearsal. Then to play in Concert Class.....(probably not the best idea on my part, for the night before...). This was finally the chance we got to play the Sextet for All Years. Except that there were about 40 people who missed it because they were standing outside. I should have started later.. :( Oh well...it's the past now....
But there were good comments, and I had lots of fun doing it. One of the msot enjoyable collaborations, I think. Had dinner with K, M and J that night, because J and I couldn't go to M's going away thing the night before. We went Vietnamese - it was fantastic. Then we thought it'd be a good idea to get gelate. It was FREEZING! But so much fun. :) Unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to M (like, for three months..! sniff..!). But then we had a Arutiunian rehearsal, which was good.
Had my first weekend off (in four weeks!) It was quite wonderful. Went out for dinner on the Sat with H and R to Stalactites, which was wonderful. I'd heard lots about the place, but hadn't actually tried it yet. We stayed for a while (ok, so we started late...), but that place is open 24/7, so I suppose it's easy to lose sense of time if you're having a good time and chatting, because they won't kick you out! But I had time on the weekend to clean, do some chores, and even to bake..!
Unfortunately, got sick this week.
So, cancelled a few social engagements, which makes me sad because I like social engagements :P
[As A said, "What do you mean a 'maybe'??? This is you, the 'I'm so social' one! How can you be only a 'maybe' for my birthday??!?!?!?" Hahaha...]
Felt pretty gross and snotty, but you know, had to go to some things eg. last rehearsals.....but otherwise, limiting myself to the very necessary.
Will be playing in class four times in four weeks. The more I think about it, the more intense it is. I hope people don't get sick of me! I hope that person that wrote comments like "Your playing is BEAUTIFUL" writes more of that. Or maybe that lots of people think that :) K made a comment last night "You're doing pretty well for youself, on piano, that is." I was a bit confused by this, actually. Because I think "There are heaps of people much better than me. I'm doing ok, but you know, just ok. It's good."
Unfortunately haven't had piano lesson for two weeks now. The first one was cancelled by me. The 2nd one by my teacher because she had the 'flu. Probably the best thing.....even though I also got sick. I'm just not sure how I'm going....but she always reassures me that I'll be more than prepared for my exam. I took great heart from her when I called her to cancel my lesson....I said that I hadn't had such a great week (which was true, mostly because I hadn't felt my practice was productive, nor had I had much time to devote to it...), and she asked all sorts of things like "Are you ok? How is piano going? Is it your practice that is getting you down? What are you working on now? How is uni going in general? How is commerce going?" and then she proceded to tell me that she had confidence in me, and that I was one of her best students. I worry, but smiled too. Worry because I know I'm not the best. But I don't mind not being the best - that's a tough call..!
Booked (well, not me, but S) tickets to Tasmania for after-exams. Yay! Besides music tour in 2001 (ok, which is slightly 'contrived', in terms of who goes), and exchange to USA with a friend (who initially was a girl I went to school with, but became a friend), I've never been on a trip with friends. So this will be lots of fun. There's 7 (possibly 8) of us hanging out for just under a week. It should be awesome. It's a good group of people, we'll get to spend time with each other - and I genuinely do enjoy hanging out with each of these people, and can't wait to get to know them even better. I think there could be something beautiful about these friendships!
Now I just have to get through the last two weeks (and one day) plus exams before then.......
there is much hard work to be put in......
been running into a lot of people (mostly at uni) recently. it's nice. sometimes i stop for a chat. other times not, but that's cool too. it's the hi that's nice :)
went to the first part of a masterclass given by Bart van Oort, one of the world's most renowned fortepianists. Unfortunately, I couldn't stay as I had a lecture, but I should have just skipped it (I fell asleep anyway...), and listened to it on the web, and stayed for the rest of the class. Oh well, not much I can do now....
Had a number of rehearsals in the past few weeks. I suppose nothing new though...
last week, I counted that I had seven rehearsals in the week. Of all sorts. If these go for an average of 2hrs each, that's 14hrs! That is as much uni as I go to! No wonder I feel like so much of my week is given to uni activities (although not all of is uni related, admittedly...)
Actually spent one Friday night at home. A very rare occurence for me. But had an audition the next day - had to get out to Elsternwick for 9.45am. It was a pretty cool adventure, as I'd never been there. Then hung out for a little while, as I waited for the next audition. Then walked with J along the main street there, which was very cute. Stopped at a lovely bakery and this really nice girl served us. And by really nice, I mean that she wasn't pushy, but she was really helpful too. And just lovely. I like that kind of service. :)
I met somebody who knew a friend of mine, and got to act as an intermediary. It was pretty cool. I like that role, really :)
Had a 21st that night; it was pretty cool - Barbie themed. You can see the photos if you know where to look.....everybody looked fantastic, it was such a great (and funny!) idea. And the guys, I was impressed!
Missed Rowing Day, but didn't really mind about it. I figure, three years, plus had a 21st the night before. It was a good day to catch up on stuff, particularly as I spent the previous day running around Melbourne, getting ready for this party, and generally was quite unproductive.
Played in the soiree on Monday night with L. It went pretty well. She's preparing for the Geelong Advertiser Comp (regional section). It was a busy week....
Tuesday night: saw James Blunt at Rod Laver (the review can be found at Yet Another Review so I don't have to repeat myself..) Just got his new album from the network. Admittedly, some expletives in there, but overall, a good album. There are some really awesome songs! Not really sure what I think of him in general, but some of his music is not too bad!
Wednesday night: Queen's Ball. This was pretty good - I was pleasantly surprised by the music choices (in the previous few years, I haven't really enjoyed it....), and the venue was beautiful, though somewhat out of the way, but thankfully accessible by public transport). Came home that night fairly early (got home at about 12.30..?) and wrote my draft lead sheet for my jazz assignment. [I handed in the final thing today and my tutor was like "This is fantastic. The harmonies are well-thought out. As an assignment it's fantastic." (musically, there was one thing he didn't agree with, but that was a matter of opinion) I didn't tell him the basic harmony and melody were written at some unlikely hour....although I find in the past few years, I've had amazing creative ideas at such wee hours....mostly techniques ones, and have found the overwhelming urges to harmonise chorales, or write creative pieces for assignments, or had the overwhelming urge to transcribe parts at a weird hour...]
Thursday: well, I only had five hours sleep. Then woke up to do a little bit of practice and then head off to a 9.30am Melba Hall rehearsal. Then to play in Concert Class.....(probably not the best idea on my part, for the night before...). This was finally the chance we got to play the Sextet for All Years. Except that there were about 40 people who missed it because they were standing outside. I should have started later.. :( Oh well...it's the past now....
But there were good comments, and I had lots of fun doing it. One of the msot enjoyable collaborations, I think. Had dinner with K, M and J that night, because J and I couldn't go to M's going away thing the night before. We went Vietnamese - it was fantastic. Then we thought it'd be a good idea to get gelate. It was FREEZING! But so much fun. :) Unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to M (like, for three months..! sniff..!). But then we had a Arutiunian rehearsal, which was good.
Had my first weekend off (in four weeks!) It was quite wonderful. Went out for dinner on the Sat with H and R to Stalactites, which was wonderful. I'd heard lots about the place, but hadn't actually tried it yet. We stayed for a while (ok, so we started late...), but that place is open 24/7, so I suppose it's easy to lose sense of time if you're having a good time and chatting, because they won't kick you out! But I had time on the weekend to clean, do some chores, and even to bake..!
Unfortunately, got sick this week.
So, cancelled a few social engagements, which makes me sad because I like social engagements :P
[As A said, "What do you mean a 'maybe'??? This is you, the 'I'm so social' one! How can you be only a 'maybe' for my birthday??!?!?!?" Hahaha...]
Felt pretty gross and snotty, but you know, had to go to some things eg. last rehearsals.....but otherwise, limiting myself to the very necessary.
Will be playing in class four times in four weeks. The more I think about it, the more intense it is. I hope people don't get sick of me! I hope that person that wrote comments like "Your playing is BEAUTIFUL" writes more of that. Or maybe that lots of people think that :) K made a comment last night "You're doing pretty well for youself, on piano, that is." I was a bit confused by this, actually. Because I think "There are heaps of people much better than me. I'm doing ok, but you know, just ok. It's good."
Unfortunately haven't had piano lesson for two weeks now. The first one was cancelled by me. The 2nd one by my teacher because she had the 'flu. Probably the best thing.....even though I also got sick. I'm just not sure how I'm going....but she always reassures me that I'll be more than prepared for my exam. I took great heart from her when I called her to cancel my lesson....I said that I hadn't had such a great week (which was true, mostly because I hadn't felt my practice was productive, nor had I had much time to devote to it...), and she asked all sorts of things like "Are you ok? How is piano going? Is it your practice that is getting you down? What are you working on now? How is uni going in general? How is commerce going?" and then she proceded to tell me that she had confidence in me, and that I was one of her best students. I worry, but smiled too. Worry because I know I'm not the best. But I don't mind not being the best - that's a tough call..!
Booked (well, not me, but S) tickets to Tasmania for after-exams. Yay! Besides music tour in 2001 (ok, which is slightly 'contrived', in terms of who goes), and exchange to USA with a friend (who initially was a girl I went to school with, but became a friend), I've never been on a trip with friends. So this will be lots of fun. There's 7 (possibly 8) of us hanging out for just under a week. It should be awesome. It's a good group of people, we'll get to spend time with each other - and I genuinely do enjoy hanging out with each of these people, and can't wait to get to know them even better. I think there could be something beautiful about these friendships!
Now I just have to get through the last two weeks (and one day) plus exams before then.......
there is much hard work to be put in......
Thursday, May 08, 2008
A Closed Chapter
As of this afternoon, after the Music Students' Society AGM, I am no longer the Vice-President of the MSS. This is a decision I came to a while ago, that I would not run again for office. Essentially, I have little time as it is, and feel that these positions require time to dedicate to ensure the club runs successfuly. Today represents the end of two years on the MSS committee, a time I have greatly enjoyed. I started as the Combined Degrees Representative in the 2006-2007 term, after which the positions were constitutionally altered, and served as Vice-President in the 2007-2008 term. The most recent committee was one I enjoyed the most, with a healthy mix of mostly combined degree students who quickly became friends (if they weren't already).
This committee were enthusiastic, had ideas, ran events successfully and were incredibly active in promoting the presence of the student society throughout the faculty. It has maintained the strong financial position that it was left in (even better?!) and increased membership and awareness.
To all who formed the committee for 2007-2008, I am grateful for your friendship, and you have been wonderful to work with. I appreciate your enthusiasm, your organisation, willingness and sense of fun. I will miss the 'mofo', feeling popular with emails from various committee members replying all, knowing almost everything ;), cooking sausages, sitting in on things and learning the ins and outs of what's going on. I will smile at the memories - short meetings, feeling popular, buying $$$ of stuff, carting watermelons, wearing cool t-shirts, standing behind the BBQ, handing out pizza, knowing stuff.
This committee were enthusiastic, had ideas, ran events successfully and were incredibly active in promoting the presence of the student society throughout the faculty. It has maintained the strong financial position that it was left in (even better?!) and increased membership and awareness.
To all who formed the committee for 2007-2008, I am grateful for your friendship, and you have been wonderful to work with. I appreciate your enthusiasm, your organisation, willingness and sense of fun. I will miss the 'mofo', feeling popular with emails from various committee members replying all, knowing almost everything ;), cooking sausages, sitting in on things and learning the ins and outs of what's going on. I will smile at the memories - short meetings, feeling popular, buying $$$ of stuff, carting watermelons, wearing cool t-shirts, standing behind the BBQ, handing out pizza, knowing stuff.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
