Discover a magical hidden garden, a world full of wonder and intrigue. At Number 50 nature collides with the an old forgotten house, creating a unique dining experience hidden underneath the moss.
As usual, guests were told very little about their upcoming Secret Foodies experience. So anticipation was running high and curiosity was peaked as they arrived at 50 Argle Place, Millers Point last Saturday.
From the outside it looked like just another rundown house near The Rocks. Only this one had been seriously neglected, there were even giant vines growing out from behind the shutters!
They were handed a glass of Stoneleigh Classic Sauvignon Blanc 2014 on arrival and asked to enter the Hidden Garden, also known as No.50, by Stoneleigh Wines.
What came next could have only been a shock. The entire house has been transformed into a wild, overrun garden full of moss, grass, vines, wild mushrooms and more.
Guests were led through the house by Stoneleigh wine experts who gave them the royal tour. In each room there was a new Stoneleigh wine to try including their latest Wild Valley range. At the end of their tour guests were brought outside onto the back veranda overlooking a beautiful garden where our dinner took place. Two tables of ten were set and covered in succulents, moss, ferns and of course and Secret Foodies masks.
Here guests enjoyed a glass of Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc Wild Valley 2015, as they enjoyed a selection of canapés. Pepper shortbread with prosciutto and fennel jam were brought around by the waiters as well as salted croutons with beetroot hummus, fresh cherry and baby edible flowers. Guests also tried the tea smoked salmon pastrami with fresh cucumber, celeriac cream and baby herbs.
As guests were seated the entree of fresh prawn, chargrilled asparagus, potato cream and sea fern with avocado oil was served alongside a glass of Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc 2014.
For mains they enjoyed seared rare NSW sirloin with tempura enoki, salsa verde and roasted organic black garlic, a dish with complimenting crunchy and saucy elements. Many sides were laid on the table to accompany the sirloin, including salad leaves, petals and seeds with verjuice dressing. The cauliflower gratin with raclette and sourdough crumb sat alongside warm artisan loaves with Pepe Saya butter and truffle salt. Guests chose from the classic Stoneleigh Pinot Noir 2013 and the Stoneleigh Pinot Noir Wild Valley 2014.
For dessert they had a light and beautifully presented eton mess made with fresh watermelon, strawberry and lavender with chantilly cream and French meringue. This dessert was matched to a glass of Stoneleigh Rapaura Pinot Gris 2013.
Those who missed out on this unique dining experience can do a FREE tour of the house and taste the Stoneleigh wines. For more info visit http://www.stoneleighno50.com
Stoneleigh Wines, New Zealand
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