Secret Foodies recently hosted a dinner for 50 foodies in a secret Surry Hills location revealed just two hours before the event.
As 5pm rolled around, everyone was eager to find out the location of the Secret Laneway Dinner. Would it be an alleyway? Where would the food come from? Who would be the chef?
Unfortunately whenever you plan an outdoor event you always take a chance on Mother Nature. Sadly, on this occasion, the heavens didn’t shine down on us. The clouds got darker and rain started to sprinkle, so our highly anticipated laneway dinner in Surry Hills became a highly anticipated private section of a restaurant dinner.
Thankfully, with enough good food, delicious wine and titilating banter any night can be saved from the elements.
Clutching their umbrellas, guests arrived at The Winery in Surry Hills eager for the evening to begin. Usually, guests would be greeted by Ms Darlinghurst, however she is off galivanting in Mexico for two weeks. Tonight Secret Foodies hostess Leanora Collett, welcomed everyone to the Private Room of The Winery. Masks sat beside the menu for each guest, whilst candles lit the room with small vases of blooming pink, white and green flowers on each table.
To begin the evening, guests enjoyed The Winery’s signature cocktail – The Giggly Rose – a delicate mix of mint leaves, rose syrup, rose petals, gin, a touch of lemon and Yarra Valley sparkling. After taking thier seats, The Winery Head Chef Sam Bull came to the Private Room and spoke about his experience as chef and teased guests with the delicious foods about to come. He joked that he included some special ingredients in the main course that were just for the foodies. We also heard from Jonathan Molloy from Distinction Wines, who spoke about the selection of Mud House Wines that were matched with each dish.
It was only a few moments more before the Instagram competition was announced and guests got snapping. With the chance to win a bottle of Mud House Wines, the competition was fierce!
Shortly after guests were seated, the waiters brought out the 2014 Mud House Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region. After just a few sips of wine, an appetiser of barbequed octopus with kale and lemon was delivered.
Then onto a lightly cured ocean trout with rocket, dill, citrus, fennel and kale chips. The light seafood dish was coupled with the 2014 Mud House ‘Home Block’ Single Vineyard Pinot Gris, Waipara. The Home Block Pinot Gris is another light wine from Mud House Wines, which is often described as having peach and pear flavours.
For the main, guests enjoyed slices of tender Duck breast accompanied by soaked currants, endive, walnut, pear and a sweet apple cider dressing. To match the duck, fresh glasses were brought out for the 2014 Mud House ‘Claim 431’ Single Vineyard Pinot Noir, Central Otago NZ. Guests went back for seconds of this beautiful wine, a full bodied red wine, delivered with delicacy.
Before the night was over, there was time for some dessert. Those who were game went in to hold the Homemade Cannoli with their hands, whilst others refrained – opting in for a knife and fork. With one end filled with chocolate and the other filled with cream, it was a delicious end to a lovely evening.
The Winery
285A Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
9331 0833
www.facebook.com/TheWinerySurryHills