The AGM of the Society was held prior to the lunch and was attended by 23 members.
The numbers swelled to 30 members and 7 guests for the lunch.
The aperitif on arrival was a Guillaume de Vergy blanc de blanc.
This sparkling had an initial taste of sweet but freshness on the back palate.
The restaurant was generous in presenting four entrees for us.
Spicy BBQ Prawns, nduja butter, herb crust
This was a great balanced dish rich, spicy, savoury with good presentation.
Enjoyed by attendees that ordered this dish.
Prawn Cocktail – iceberg lettuce, avocado mayonnaise
Fresh prawns with a tasty mayonnaise topped with avocado.
Burrata, zucchini flowers, sorrel pesto
The sorrel pesto was a delicious contrast to the creamy burrata.
A comment that there could have been more zucchini flowers on the plate.
Onion tart, gorgonzola, pear and herb salad
There was a choice of 3 mains :
Beef Wellington, red wine jus. Side of potato terrine and mixed leaf salad.
A generous serve per plate with tender beef cooked rare and flavoursome.
There was a small and adequate amount of mushrooms and pate around the beef, although some diners were not able to detect this. The beef was served on a tasty rich jus which was soaked up by the potato terrine. A few diners would have liked the meat to be cooked a little longer.
Blue Eye Trevalla, prawn bisque, crispy leek with a side of potato terrine and mixed leaf salad plate
A flavoursome prawn bisque, although a little too thin as needed a spoon to eat it.
The Blue Eye trevalla was not cooked to a uniform temperature as some were a little overcooked.
The sides matched well with this dish.
Corn fed Chicken, caramelised shallot, mushroom puree, also served with the potato terrine and mixed leaf salad.
The chicken was very tender and the shallot and mushroom puree was excellent, although the puree was an unusual colour. The sides matched well with this dish.
To finish off a large meal we were served a dessert of Affogato containing ice cream, Frangelico liquer and coffee.
Up to the individual as to how they consumed the affogato.
White wine
Nocton Coal River, Chardonnay from Tasmania
This chardonnay had a good balance of fruit and acid and had not been
left too long in the oak barrel.
Red Wine
Mont Redon Cote du Rhone GSM
A robust red with plenty of body.
Taste of cherries, blackberries giving excellent fruit, soft tannin, good balance.
One comment – one of the best reds from the Society.
Matched well with the beef.
The ambience was relaxed with the staff, as always, ensuring the ladies felt welcome.
Excellent service.
Sydney Ladies Wine & Food Society 