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Australia Dinner

Bailliage of Australia
Perth, August 26, 2020

Showcasing our return
" Our special guests included Denis and Tricia Horgan from Leeuwin Estate Winery "

We continue to enjoy a COVID-19 free state in Western Australia. Cautiously attending a series of premier events in keeping with Chaîne and national protocols we showcased our return.

A gourmet odyssey degustation menu of local Western Australian produce was organised to take place at the renowned Hearth Restaurant at the Ritz Carlton in Perth.

Executive Chef Jed Gerrard used his extensive local knowledge and international culinary experience to take us on this gastronomic journey through our state.

Our special guests included Denis and Tricia Horgan from Leeuwin Estate Winery who sponsored the wines and Dennis Lillie, Australia’s legendary fastest cricket bowler who hails from Western Australia.

Denis and Tricia’s daughter Simone Furlong expertly explained the wines and their excellent pairing with the exquisite dishes.

Members and guest enjoyed canapes and a sparkling 2017 Pinot Noir/Chardonnay on arrival in the Hearth Lounge. The sparkling wine had a 36% Chardonnay composition giving a complex nose with primary fruits of pear, apple, and grapefruit.

Once seated Vice-Chargé de Missions Ron Saulsman glowingly gave a toast to the evening.

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Gascoyne region - north of Perth
Raw Shark Bay scallops
dill, horseradish, nasturtium, burnt cucumber
Leeuwin Art Series Riesling 2019
Tasting note: delicate elegance with highlights
of jasmine, lemongrass, kaffir leaf

Mid-West region - north of Perth
Cold smoked Geraldton kingfish
sesame custard, apple and Chardonnay dressing
Leeuwin Art Series Chardonnay 2016
Tasting note: recognised as one of the world’s best

Wagin - south-west of Perth
Spiced Wagin duck, rhubarb, coal-roasted leek
Leeuwin Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Tasting note: deep, dark currant, berries, cherries,
cassis a rich, dense nose. A treat as the wine
is yet to be released.

Margaret River
Lake Preston beef cheek
exotic mushrooms, parsnip
Leeuwin Estate Art Series
‘Museum Stock’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Tasting note: an earlier vintage of the wine for the
previous course, more expressive and complex

Great Southern Region
along the Southern Ocean
Hearth-roasted pear
toasted sandalwood nuts, Camembert ice cream
Leeuwin Estate Shiraz 2017
Tasting note: concentrated nose of redcurrants, blackcurrants
and dark chocolate - completed the evening perfectly

The scallop first course was delightfully presented - a teaser of more culinary ingenuity that followed. In a straw poll afterwards other contenders for the favourite dish accolade appeared, especially the pear dessert, the most talked about firm favourite which concluded our gourmet odyssey.

In the Chaîne’s honoured tradition, Bailli Thurston Saulsman acknowledged Chef Jed with a Certification of Appreciation. Certificates were also awarded to the Ritz Carlton Perth’s General Manager, Dario Orsini, to the Service Director and the service staff.

A special thank you was given to Dario and Vice-Conseiller Culinaire Hugh Stowell, Secretary to the Weld Club. Their collaboration and attention to detail assured a remarkable and exceptionally successful event.
 
Vive la Chaîne!

Keith Swailes
Vice-Chargé de Presse

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