Esposito @ Toofey’s - Carlton

Date: Tuesday 1^st and Wednesday 2^nd March 2011

Restaurant: Esposito @ Toofey’s

Address: 162 Elgin Street (cnr Drummond), Carlton

Phone: 03 9347 9838

Commentary : Sarah Andrew

Although I have dined at this venue on a number of occasions, I have never taken part in a degustation. It was with much enthusiasm that manager Ty Simons and I discussed the possibility of running an event with a focus on alternative varietals. Equipped with a selection of wines and tasting notes, Head Chef Mirella Willingham constructed a delightful menu that was a success on both nights.

Mirella trained under Executive Chef Maurice Esposito for many years. She worked with him at The Stokehouse in St Kilda, Il Baccaro and Sarti in Melbourne CBD. She spent 2 years at Bistro Giulliume before returning to run Maurice's kitchen at Esposito @ Toofey’s prior to the launch of Saint Peter’s (Maurice’s city restaurant), where Maurice is now residing. This does not mean that Maurice is off the scene at Esposito, as I have seen him there as many times as I have seen him at Saint Peter’s, making me wonder whether he has access to teleportation! Regardless, the results at both restaurants are worth checking out first hand.

Given I have reviewed this restaurant before I will simply focus on the degustation menu which was served in the following order:

Aperitif

Georges Michel “Methode Traditionelle” NV (Marlborough)

1^st Plate

Handpicked Northern Territory Mud Crab, mixed heirloom tomatoes, puree of avocado & preserved lemon served with:

Soumah ‘Savarro’ 2010 (Yarra Valley) and Thomas Vineyard Estate Verdelho 2010 (McLaren Vale)

2^nd Plate

Crayfish Omelette, crisp pancetta, shaved fennel, apple and hazelnut salad served with:

Lamont Pinot Gris 2009 (Central Otago)

3^rd Plate

Seared Venison Carpaccio, blood plum, caramelised onion, truffled pecorino & porcini served with:

Hastwell & Lightfoot Tempranillo 2006 (McLaren Vale) and Amietta Vineyard Shiraz Lagrein 2006 (Moorabool Valley)

4^th Plate

Rare Roast Beef, crisp polenta, zucchini flowers, braised mushroom, thyme jus served with:

Top Knot Sangiovese 2006 (Heathcote)

Finale

Cheesecake filled Poached Pear, almond nougatine crisp, pear sorbet and butterscotch sauce served with:

Georges Michel “Autumn Folly” 2006 (Marlborough)

Both nights started well with Georges Michel “Methode Traditionelle” NV which is modelled on a Cremant de Bordeaux (Semillon / Sauvignon Blanc made in a dry style). The first plate was very well received by guests and gave everyone the opportunity to experience two very different wines with the same cuisine. On the first night I decided that the second plate was the absolute highlight for me, however this was tied on the second night with the final plate.

The presentation and quality of each dish was spot on, along with the quantity of food served, timing between each course and overall attention to detail by the staff. We were delighted to have Nicholas Clark from Amietta Vineyard and Stephen Worley from Soumah in attendance on the first night. Jude Coleman from Lamont joined us for both nights and Lindsay Ross from Knots & The Bridge attended on the Wednesday night. All were in agreement that the opportunity to showcase their wine in such a fine setting with such fabulous food pairings was a winemakers dream.

On behalf of our winemakers and the team at Selador Wines we would like to say thank you to those involved in making both nights something to remember. Should you be tempted to visit either of Maurice Esposito's restaurant booking is highly recommended!

Cheers Sarah