04 October 2012

National Stroke Foundation 'Food For Thought' Fundraiser Dinner, Melbourne (24 May 2012)

Shed 9 Central Pier, 161 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands Vic 3008


Discovering a sense of charity

Food for Thought is an event to inspire the senses. It will encourage guests to taste, discover and understand their way through an unforgettable foodie evening and raise awareness of the impact of stroke in the community. It will be an opportunity to reflect on a common side effect of stroke which is loss of the taste sensation. ”

Thanks to Anna Hickey from the National Stroke Foundation for inviting me as a guest to the ‘Food For Thought’ fundraiser dinner in Melbourne. Luckily I was in town for a design conference allowing me the opportunity to join other passionate bloggers on the night. The décor, lighting and atmosphere made for a very special night for the 200 guests. Gorgi Coghlan did a great job being host and keeping the schedule of events on track. The entourage of Melbourne’s finest chefs generously devoted their time and produce in support of raising funds and awareness. A behind-the-scenes tour of the kitchen revealed it was very much a team effort from all the chefs preparing and plating each dish. Service staff were efficient and professional throughout the night. My favourite dish was without a doubt the Son in law egg by Chef Leigh Power from Gingerboy. An explosion of well-balanced flavours tempting me to visit the restaurant one day. Best eaten in one mouthful or it can get very messy with the soft yolk. The most interesting dish addition was the crispy ox tongue by Chef Scott Pickett from Estelle Bar & Kitchen. Definitely something a bit different for my seasoned palate that was enjoyed.

Chefs on board:
Riccardo Momesso - Sarti
Leigh Power - Gingerboy
Michael Fox - Henry & The Fox
Mathew Hart - Balgownie Estate
Scott Pickett - Estelle Bar & Kitchen
Nicolas Poelaert - Embrasse Restaurant


SNAPSHOT REVIEW:
PROS: Fundraiser for a good cause, Awareness of the risk factors and signs of stroke and promoting healthy lifestyles, Enjoyable atmosphere, Sampling dishes from a variety of top chefs, Event raised over $130K
CONS: Even young people can suffer from a stroke
MUST TRY: Son in law egg from Gingerboy again one day, Remembering how to spot the signs of a stroke FAST
VERDICT: It's an pricey ticketed event at $195 per person but supporting a good cause is priceless and you'll get to sample dishes from top chefs
Menu




Kingfish and swiss chard 'cannelloni', yuzu, lima bean, squid ink by Chef Riccardo Momesso from Sarti


Son in law eggs, chilli jam, Asian herbs by Chef Leigh Power from Gingerboy 
SIMON FAVOURITE :-)


Rabbit terrine, rhubarb compote jelly and salad brioche by Chef Michael Fox from Henry & The Fox


Vine smoked spiced spring chicken, sticky apricot chutney and sage thyme jus by Chef Mathew Hart from Balgownie Estate

Slow cooked wagyu rump, field mushroom puree, black garlic vinaigrette, shaved celeriac and ox tongue by Chef Scott Pickett from Estelle Bar & Kitchen

Hazelnut parfait, chocolate buttermilk by Chef Nicolas Poelaert from Embrasse Restaurant

Chef Nicolas Poelaert praying everyone loves his dessert — I believe they did

A big thanks to all the chefs that devoted their produce and time






Memorabilia to tempt your wallet


Auction time


Lucky key — there can only be one winner

Team effort in the kitchen



Cheeky monkey in the kitchen

Crispy ox tongue — very good




Bloggers in the kitchen

Plenty of washing to be done

Ashley Ng (I'm so hungree) lining up her shot


Bloggers doing what they do best — taking photos of their food and tweeting to the world

My Table 22 dining guests: Chelsea Fammartino, Ellie Paxton-Hall, Lee Chan, Sofia LevinThanh DoAshley NgKenneth Meow, Nic Crilly Hargrave, Helen Alexander

Happy Birthday Ashley

Photobomb time

Pretty fancy toilet decor — although wash area is unisex so you get to see if the boys actually wash their hands

Goodie bag — great timing as I needed some toothpaste




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