The Fawkner Bistro Bar – South Yarra

I was recently given the opportunity to co-host a night for a wine club at The Fawkner. The menu was designed around a selection of eight wines from Australia and New Zealand, and the wines were sampled blind with a specific dish per wine. The menu was as follows:

First course: Ceviche and sashimi of yellowtail kingfish, Sydney rock oysters, pickled cucumber and abalone, paired with Domaine Georges Michel Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (Marlborough).

Second course: Angel hair pasta with roast Moreton Bay bug and fennel, paired with Tomboy Hill “Rebellion” Chardonnay, 2006 (Ballarat).

Third course: Assiette of duck: peppered seared breast, confit leg pastry, red wine soup, paired with Portsea Estate Pinot Noir 2007 (Mornington Peninsula).

Fourth course: Roast barramundi fillet with mograbeih, smoked eel, chorizo, Spring Bay mussel paired with Yelland & Papps Grenach 2006 (Barossa).

Fifth course: Fricassee of squab with chestnuts and winter vegetables paired with Amietta Shiraz Lagrein 2006 (Geelong).

Sixth course: Eye fillet chateaubriand with liver parfait, Madeira jus and assorted mushrooms paired with Patrick T Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Coonawarra) and Hennings Shiraz 2006 (Heathcote).

Seventh course: saffron poached pear with lemon sponge fingers paired with Patrick T Botrytis Semillon 2006 (Coonawarra).

Given that the event was held on a cold Tuesday evening, it was great to see the restaurant full. Our group was tucked between the bar and the open fire and we were the last table to leave, around 1130pm (not bad for a school night)! By the number of wine orders and comments about the quality of food, I would say a great night was had by all.

Thanks to Andrew and the team for yet another successful wine degustation event.