Australian VIP launch of JOHN WALKER & SONS Private Collection 2015 Edition

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Diageo.

Gastrology attended the Australian VIP launch of JOHN WALKER & SONS Private Collection 2015 Edition at Lake Eyre Penthouse, The Olsen last night.

Hosted by UK’s talented whisky aficionado Dave Broom, we enjoyed an exclusive dinner by Spoonbill Restaurant and were one of the first people in Australia to taste this limited release. 

This blend of rare fruit character by Master Blender Jim Beveridge is the second annual release in a series, which showcases the innovative spirit and craft of the blenders behind the world’s leading Scotch Whisky house. 

The JOHN WALKER & SONS Private Collection launched with the 2014 Edition (which we also had the opportunity to indulge in), an exploration of the JOHN & WALKER & SONS signature smoky character from three celebrated regions of Scotland. 

The 2015 Edition is a limited release – only 8,888 individually numbered decanters worldwide, and from that only 252 bottles hitting Australian shores – that reveals the fruit top notes of the JOHN WALKER & SONS house style. 

Jim has selected several treasured casks from a study started many years ago into the fascinating effects of wood on maturing whisky, which have created a richness and perfect harmony of flavours over time.  These unique whiskies have been chosen to both complement and contribute to the fruit character, and balance the blend with a touch of dryness and sweetness. 

The JOHN WALKER & SONS Private Collection 2015 Edition (46.8% Alcohol By Volume) is presented in a deep red glass decanter with an angled cut to reflect the slanted label on the iconic JOHNNIE WALKER square bottle, and is set in a cream box with the story of the Rare Fruit Character of this blend. 

JOHN WALKER & SONS Private Collection is exclusively available from Dan Murphy’s Australia (www.danmurphys.com.au) nationwide, RRP $888.00.

#GastrologyInDubai - Breakfast @ Reform Social & Grill

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Reform Social & Grill.

Best known for its authentic gastropub lunch and dinner experience, Reform Social & Grill Dubai is also home to the city’s best English breakfast.

The breakfast menu features an array of fresh and healthy breakfast options as well as fresh fruit smoothies. 

Located in The Lakes, Emirates Living District, the venue possesses an eclectic charm with a contemporary vibe and is surrounded by an idyllic garden.

Eggs Royale - Poached eggs, smoked salmon, hollandaise sauce

Two perfectly poached eggs were succulently seasoned with savoury smoked salmon and accompanied by a wonderfully luxurious hollandaise sauce a top a grilled English muffin. In all, this dish was a respectable assembly of breakfast essentials.

Pancakes with bacon and maple syrup

A simple breakfast favourite that amalgamates the best things in life (such as bacon). The pancake was fluffy and moist and embellished with delicious maple syrup.

Reform Social & Grill Dubai has succeeded in crafting a convivial atmosphere in which to enjoy a weekday brunch. Friendly and hospitable wait staff will be at your service throughout your meal.

Location: The Lakes Club, Emirates Living District, Dubai

Phone: +971 (4) 4542638

Link: http://www.reformsocialgrill.ae/

Cuisine: English

#GastrologyInParis - A delicious chapter of Parisian life @ Les Bouquinistes by Guy Savoy

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Les Bouquinistes.

Set up on the banks of the Seine like any "bouquiniste" (booksellers of used and antiquarian books) worthy of its name, Les Bouquinistes welcomes passers-by, connoisseurs, travellers and those who stop out of curiosity.

In one of the most beautiful locations in all of Paris, the restaurant has sweeping views of Notre Dame and the Pont-Neuf, and is within earshot of the barges navigating the Seine. 

The restaurant is elegantly designed with subdued décor, a pair of back-to-back bars incarnating the epicentre of the restaurant, and glass and metal walls cleverly demarcating the various spaces. 

Various books adorn the walls of the restaurant, keeping to the "bouquiniste" theme. 

Les Bouquinistes menu is designed by Guy Savoy and Chef Stéphane Perraud and focusses on quality produce and creativity. New items are added each day to keep regulars coming back for more.

Whiting fish and tartar of oysters, curdled cheese and garden peas

Our adventure commenced with Whiting fish served with tartar of oysters, curdled cheese and garden peas. The fish was superbly fresh with the gentle sweetness of the tartare of oysters effortlessly infusing each bite. Each element of the entree was allowed to participate in the flavoursome symphony to good effect.

Prawn ravioli with vegetables, broth emulsified verbena

Beneath the layer of superbly cooked pasta were soft shreds of sweet prawn.  The bisque had a well-developed flavour profile and veloute provided decadent flavours to complement the delicious prawn meat. 

Pollock of line, mushrooms, cabbages romanesco and razor clams

The Pollock of line was one of the highlights of our visit. The luxurious sauce that accompanied the tender fish fillet was mouth-wateringly rich and indisputably one of the best sauces we have sampled in recent times. It was a brilliant amalgamation of flavours.

Angus beef back steak, turnips and oyster mushrooms

The dish of Angus beef back steak was simple, delicious and very well executed. The beef was cooked to a tender and juicy pink and was exceedingly flavoursome and "melt in the mouth". The use of stuffed turnip which emulated a bone marrow was a clever addition.

From left: Fresh strawberry, matcha meringue, strawberry and matcha sorbet; "Chocolate"

A strawberry centric dessert of fresh strawberry, matcha meringue, strawberry and matcha sorbet provided a different mix of pleasant flavours. We loved the velvety smooth consistency of the both the sorbets and crunchy textural elements courtesy of the meringue. The aptly named dessert of “chocolate” then concluded our meal on a decadent note. It was a dessert that would have delighted any chocolate lover.

Les Bouquiniste offers a delicious chapter of Parisian life to all those who enter. As expected from any Guy Savoy restaurant, we experienced the utmost professionalism and great quality produce within elegant surrounds. 

Location: 53, quai des Grands Augustins, 75006 PARIS

Phone: + 33 (0) 1 43 25 45 94

Link: http://www.lesbouquinistes.com/

Cuisine: French







Check out our Paris foodie guide here!

#GastologyInParis - Traditional cuisine @ Au Petit Sud Ouest

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Au Petit Sud Ouest.

A hop and a skip away from the Eiffel Tower, Au Petit Sud Ouest is a reliable outpost for hearty South-western French cuisine.

The restaurant is particularly known for its foie gras, duck and cassoulet. The interior is incredibly welcoming with its simple and warm decor. 

Whole duck breast with wild mushrooms

The slices of duck breast were cooked to perfection, allowing the rich flavour of the duck to shine through. The earthy mushrooms provided the crowning element to this luxurious dish. We were amazed at the generosity of the serving size but managed to put it all away pretty easily - yum!

“Confit” duck leg and fried thin potatoes and wild mushrooms

The confit leg was beautiful. Encased in crisp skin and wonderfully tender on the inside, it  featured alongside rustic fried potatoes and mushrooms. It was a delicious option that was highlighted by the captivating flavours and aromas of the duck.

Thin apple chips tart soaked with Armagnac 

The dessert of apple tart soaked with Armagnac was a sweet end to our evening. Crispy filo pastry and luxurious vanilla ice cream provided balance to the sweetness of the caramelised apples.

A great place for foie gras and duck lovers - come here to experience warm hospitality and indulge in some good-old French gastronomy. 

Location: 46, Avenue de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris, France

Phone: +33 1 45 55 59 59

Link: http://www.au-petit-sud-ouest.fr

Cuisine: South-western French

Check out our Paris foodie guide here!

#GastrologyInDubai - Asian Inspired World Cuisine @ China Grill

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of China Grill Dubai.

It's a Friday night and China Grill is bustling. While most are toasting to the end of another working week, the work is just beginning for the China Grill team.

Waiters and waitresses, elegantly dressed in black, waft around the moodily lit dining area delivering seamless service.

Executive Chef Owen Stewert is serving up a lesson in gastronomic diversity, showcasing a range of Asian inspired cuisine. 

Housed within The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, China Grill immediately transports you to a world of old school luxury, combined with a dash of the ultra-modern.

The moody colour scheme and lighting create an ambience of subdued elegance, accented by lanterns that gracefully fall from the ceiling of the dining room. 

Dim sum

China Grill delivers a modern twist on dumplings. Each dumpling we tried was delicious. The velvety dumpling pastry was beautiful in texture and the accompanying sea of dipping sauces were each pleasantly appetising. Bursting with flavour, exquisite balance and complexity, these dumplings are a must-have.

Barbecued pulled lamb steamed bun

The lamb buns were an absolute winner. The fluffy, moist and slightly sweet buns were filled with wonderful slow roasted lamb. Having truly mastered the art roasting, the lamb was tender, juicy and packed with flavour.

Black tea smoked cod, Thai basil & pomelo salad

The cod was cooked to perfection, retaining its characteristic delicate but firm texture, the sweet flesh was a delight. 

Kalbi spiced bbq short ribs, kimchi pickled jalapeño chilies

The braised beef short ribs were tender and delicious, with caramel undertones courtesy of being slow-braised in kalbi. Paired with an earthy Asian braising sauce, the ribs fell away at the weight of our spoons whilst still retaining their integrity. The pickled jalapeño chilies and tangy kimchi were the perfect accompaniment. It was a magnificent dish.

Bananas in a box 

An exemplary display of China Grill’s versatility, the desserts are also highly recommended. A theatrical “Bananas in a box” dessert concluded our evening on a decadent chocolate note. 

One of the hottest restaurants in Dubai, China Grill delivers excellent, unique Asian Inspired World Cuisine in a wonderfully understated, elegant setting. It provides a perfect backdrop to meet with friends over a cocktail (or three) and treat yourself to some of the good things in life.

Location: The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Al Sufouh Road, Jumeirah Beach

Phone: +971 (4) 511 7333

Link: http://www.chinagrilldubai.com/

Cuisine: Modern Asian

Recipe: Chicken and chives with Adabi Fried Vegetable Paste (Sayur Goreng)

This post was sponsored by MATRADE's Malaysian Kitchen Program.

This is a super easy stir-fry recipe which is a perfect mid-week dinner solution.

Ingredients:

100g Chinese garlic chives - chopped into 1 1/2-inch lengths

600g chicken thigh pieces

1/3 cup water

Chili flakes (optional)

For marinade:

2 tbs Shaoxing wine

1 tbs oyster sauce

1 tbs soy sauce

1 tsp sesame oil

1 tsp sugar

1/2 tsp white pepper powder

1 tbs corn starch

1 sachet Adabi Fried Vegetable Paste

Directions:

1. Mix all the ingredients for the marinade together in a bowl.


2. Cut the chicken thighs into pieces.


3. Add the chicken in to the marinade mix and leave to marinade for at least half an hour.


4. Pan fry the chicken and until browned.


5. Add water and simmer until the chicken is cooked.


6. Stir in the garlic chives.


7. Sprinkle some chilli flakes on the dish if you like.


8. Enjoy with a bowl of rice!

The Adabi Fried Vegetable Paste is dark red, spicy, slightly sweet and sour, with an exotic aroma of spices and tomato in a viscous, fine paste. It is suitable to use for cooking meats and vegetables particularly  spinach, cabbage, French beans, lady's finger, eggplant and bean sprouts.