At $150 per person we had high expectations and we were not disappointed. We were greeted warmly at the door and lead to our table, the room was dimly lit enhancing the view of the Opera house and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Once seated the staff wished us a 'Happy Anniversary!' which was a really nice touch. We giggled at all the cutlery in front of us - it sure beats the usual pair of chopsticks!
For starters we were given a complimentary celery soup and a fresh soy and linseed sourdough bread roll (if only all bread tasted this way!). The butter that accompanied the roll was absolutely delicious (light but so full of flavour) I think I finally understand what it means to pay more for a really nice butter (I feel a visit to the growers market coming up). We did have to politely decline when offered another roll so that we didn't spoil our appetite.
Pacific oyster with mignonette dressing
If you look closely you can see that the lemon has been carefully wrapped up so that the seeds don't fall into the oyster when you squeeze it - all the small details....
Confit of Petuna Ocean Trout with beetroot mousse & horseradish creme fraiche
Peking duck Consomme with dumplings, shaved abalone and mushrooms
I was so proud of Jacky when this dish came out. He isn't normally a beetroot fan but he still gave the dish a go, when we first started dating he wouldn't touch anything that was 'different'. Now he's very open to trying things to explore what he likes and dislikes with an open mind.
At this stage we had used all our cutlery and were given a new set for the next set of dishes.
Western Australian Scampi wrapped in Tunisian brick pastry and served with gremolata
Twice cooked kurobuta sweet pork belly with pear salad and a cider dressing
The scampi looked amazing and tasted like a mini lobster. The pork was succulent and the flavour lingered in your mouth after every bite.
Poached beef fillet with braised silverside, bone marrow, condiments and beef consomme
Awesome...the photo says it all.
While we waited for dessert Jacky told me how the toilets had small hand towels just like home. I had to go check it out, after all... nice toilets are a must!
Complimentary strawberry dessert topped with a sweet lemon granita
Caramelised apple with caramel millefeuille and pain d'epice ice cream
Chocolate Valrhona tart, caramelised salted peanuts, vanilla ice cream
I knew Jacky wouldn't really enjoy the apple dessert so I emailed the restaurant asking them if they could change it to a chocolate one adding a special message in chocolate. When the desserts arrived the grin on Jacky's face when he saw the chocolate tart was just priceless.
Coffee & Tea and petite fours
lemon tart, earl grey chocolate truffle, coconut macaroon with a chocolate filled centre.
This dinner was just a fabulous experience, the food was exceptional, the service was flawless and they just made us feel really special and looked after. At $150pp this 7 course tasting menu was worth every dollar!
Aria Restaurant
1 Macquarie Street
East Circular Quay
Sydney
PH: 02 9252 2555
2 comments:
Happy 9th Anniversary Emz and jC!
n' Happy Belated B'day jC..
Congratulations and best wishes to the both of you.. :)
aw yum im so so jealous =) happy anniversary guys!
Post a Comment