Merivale Feast for the Senses Launch Party

On the evening of 9 June 2010, the Gourmantic duo attended the Merivale Feast for the Senses launch party at the Establishment Main Bar in Sydney’s George Street. Arriving just after the starting time of 6.00 pm, there were surprisingly no queues.

Inside the popular bar which attracts a hip crowd, a ice swan sculpture sat beside romantic roses and candelabras setting a mood of elegance and style. Rows of glasses topped with red, white and sparkling wine lined up across the bar making drinks easily available. A fragrant mulled wine was served for a brief period of time which went down very well on a cool night.

When the food started to be served, getting anywhere near the waiting staff proved a little problematic. Trays were emptied by eager people within seconds but shortly after, more canapés and small meals were more easily available.

Among the starters, there was  Chicken Quesadilla with Salsa and Mini Tarts, neither of which we managed to photograph. Later, we were treated to a hearty Cassoulet of braised beans, Toulouse sausage, tarragon dragoncello with a soft herb crust, a generous serving which got many nods of approval.

Soft, tender and packing a lot of flavour were the Shiraz braised beef cheeks with chestnut puree, Brussel sprouts and crispy speck. The Rotolo of roast field mushrooms, cavalo nero with ricotta and parmesan had a good dose of earthiness which would please vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

For dessert, the Mini Chocolate Cakes quickly disappeared before we had a chance to get near them. That was made up for by the Caramel Cream Tart which hit all the sweet spots.

Food bloggers were easy to spot, choosing a coveted well-lit location to photograph the food from various angles before sinking their teeth into it.

With free food and drink in lavish surrounds, we couldn’t have asked for more but surprises kept coming when we ran into good friends we haven’t seen in a few years.

The party which officially ended at 8.00 pm was to launch Merivale’s series of lunches and dinners for $39 at their various dining establishments. The $39 winter feast deal includes 1 or 2 or even 5 courses with a glass of wine or beer.

Merivale certainly know how to put on a classy and generous launch party which was a very enjoyable evening.

As with such events, I let the photographs tell the story. Thank you to everyone who posed and smiled for our cameras.

Please note that all photographs are copyright of Gourmantic and cannot be used without permission.

Merivale Restaurants
est., sushi e, Teppanyaki, Mad Cow, Uccello, Ash St Cellar, Sushi Choo, Bistro CBD, Lotus