A lovely spot to enjoy the sunshine, wine and a three course lunch.
The cooking course was run by Careme (named after ‘the King of Chefs, and the Chef of Kings’ Marie-Antonine Careme at Palliser Vineyard). It was the Pinot Noir Dinner Party course but I’m now tempted to do all the other ones as well.
Unfortunately, the food photography did not turn out as well as I’d hoped. My old digital camera broke and I was using Matt’s one which I clearly can’t use as well as him. I seem to have gone fuzzy on my macro shots. Or maybe the camera was sneaking sips of wine when my back was turned.
Spiced Lamb Backstraps in Filo Pastry served with Cranberry Sauce
I cannot adequately describe how delicious this was without drooling on the keyboard. Needless to say I went out and bought some lamb this morning and have it marinating in the fridge in my little baggy of fresh spices as I type. Hopefully I shall be able to recreate something close to this spectular dish for tonight's dinner.
Spinach and Ricotta Tortellini in Mushroom Broth
Making pasta from scratch is fun, shaping tortellini is way harder than it looks. Mine looked like lopsided paper hats but they still tasted good.
Braised Rabbit with Soft Polenta
I've never really eaten rabbit before, but now I've not only guzzled one, I know how to joint one.
Walnut Tart with Chocolate Pastry with Walnut and Date Ice Cream
So rich and delicious. I'm a big fan of chocolate pastry and tarts but there were no suprises there. It turns out, I'm also a big fan of making ice cream. Very tempted to get a proper ice cream maker. Just also need to get a bigger freezer.
The wines were also fabulous. Amazingly enough, I was so stuffed on food that I managed to show some restraint and only bought a riesling.
* Obviously, the kitchen is not in amongst the grapes, but you do get to eat the delicious food in the scenic surrounds of the garden, looking out the acres of vines.
2 comments:
Foooooood pron!
Seems like you guys are having a good holiday :)
Holidays are great, especially when it's sunny as well. It's a little sad we're into the second week already. We must catch-up soon. Play date perhaps? Zoo? Karori Bird Sanctuary?
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