I like to regard the chef/sommelier team (Peter Gordon, Cristian Hossack and Melanie Ellis) at The Providores as the Kiwi culinary version of The Bee Gees. By that, I mean that they have the ability to create some beautiful and magical combinations that have stood the test of time. Over the past year (2011) I have enjoyed some memorable food and wine pairings during wine dinners that they have hosted at their restaurant in Marylebone, London. Here are my choice highlights of these expeiences.
Dog Point Vineyard dinner (June 2011)
Kaipara Harbour oyster with yeast cream, dashi foam and buckwheat – NV Dog Point “Two Shady Dogs” Methode Traditionelle, Sparkling Wine
Monkfish with nut brown butter, samphire and salsa verde – 2008 Dog Point “Section 94″ Sauvignon Blanc
Framingham dinner (August 2011)
Open raviolo of diver caught scallops with yuzu butter sauce – 2009 Framingham Pinot Gris
Astrolabe dinner (September 2011)
Pan-fried line-caught sea bass with prawn and truffle oil raviolo, miso beurre blanc and green mango apple slaw – 2009 Astrolabe “Taihoa” Sauvignon Blanc
Pistachio rose baklava with roast apricots and long pepper ice cream – 2007 Astrolabe Noble Riesling
Seresin dinner (October 2011)
Den miso blackened monkfish with pickled lotus root and harissa – 2009 Seresin “Chiaroscuro”
Yellowfin tuna and nori tempura with tarragon nashi pear salad and Seresin extra virgin olive oil – 2008 Seresin “Leah” Pinot Noir
Forrest dinner (November 2011)
Smoked mozzarella, risotto and jamon parcel – 2006 “John Forrest Collection” Chardonnay
Roast New Zealand venison, butter roast parsnips, wild mushroom puree and blackberries – 2006 “John Forrest Collection”, Gimblett Gravels Syrah
To celebrate the arrival of Spring, the team at Providores will be hosting a “Best of” wine dinner on Tuesday April 17th 2012. I will be attending and will act as ‘guest speaker’ to assist Melanie present the wines served throughout dinner. Please note that the dinner is already sold out and will also poignantly mark the departure of head chef, Cristian Hossack. The sumptuous 6-course menu will feature his most favourite ‘signature’ dishes. Details are available on the restaurant’s website.
In addition, printed copies of my book “An Epicurean Odyssey: A Road Trip Around New Zealand” are available for purchase at The Providores. You may also wish to watch a short video interview of Melanie Ellis here. During the clip she talks about her experiences of working at The Providores and her thoughts on food and wine matching.
The roving sommelier is the facilitator of liquid enjoyment and by sharing my knowledge, passion and experiences, I will be your friendly tour guide on this gastronomic jaunt. Essentially “An Epicurean Odyssey – A Road Trip Around New Zealand” is a personalised journey through food and wine, embellished with many mouth-watering anecdotes and more than 80 recipes and wine pairings. It will be your essential guide to New Zealand and a must-read for real foodies, wine lovers and enthusiastic travellers – all packed into less than 300 pages.
Please note: the eBook version is now available at the Kindle Store too!
A portion of my book sales will be donated towards the New Zealand Earthquake Appeal Fund.
I’m looking forward to hearing about your own food and wine stories and comments.
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The epicurean odyssey continues…
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