Sigh... Lunch at Quay. Well someone's gotta do it...

A brief trip to Sydney at the end of May couldn't have ended on a higher high. My lovely friends at Quay restaurant invited myself and partner for lunch before we jumped back on the plane to Kyoto. It was such a pleasure to experience a meal here again after so long and to introduce my ex wine maker boy to the joys of both the food and wine menus, the vista and the wonderful Mr John Fink and Kylie Ball. Thank you guys xx

 Chef Gilmore was on leave at the time but the gorgeous and talented Analiese Gregory did him proud as usual. We love starchef Analiese. Pocket rocket and style queen to boot.

If you have seen my prior posts on Quay you will know that I am more than a fan. So instead of repeating myself with the same culinary superlatives I will simply provide a few shots and descriptions of particular dishes. All of which... needless to say really.. ROCKED!!

Fragrant Jasmine tea poached chicken, shaved hand dived sea scallops, Chinese artichokes, smoked white eggplant cream, pea blossoms, perfumed with Korean virgin black sesame oil

Gentle braise prawns, octopus, diamond shell clams, heirloom radish, pink turnips, baby squid and sea urchin

Smoked and confit pig cheek, shiitake, shaved scallop, Jerusalem artichoke leaves, juniper, bay

Shiitake, chestnut and nameko mushrooms, root vegetables, aged gouda custard, hazelnuts, white lentil leaves, cumin

Berkshire pig jowl, maltose crackling, prunes, cauliflower cream, perfumed with prune kernel oil

John Fink and Kylie ball - always great to see the crew enjoying a meal in their own restaurant!

Jersey cream, salted caramel, prunes, walnuts, ethereal sheets (oh mama!)

Nitrogen frozen vanilla mousse, fresh mangosteen, custard apple, feijoa ice cream, coconut cream

If you are Australian I probably don't need to tell you that above is the Guava Snowegg - one of Quay's now famous signature desserts (partially thanks to its debut on Masterchef) and below is the 8 textured chocolate cake that Mr Fink will have you believe I wet my pants over when I first tasted it...  that story has slightly evolved from the original description of my blushing, tears and laughter - which were actual responses.  Just to set the record straight!  But the pants wetting makes a good story so I am happy for him to sustain the myth - and just pray it doesn't escalate!

Money shot!

These truffles were so good I bagged some and took them home to friends we were staying with - who really did wet their pants....

Thanks again lovely Quay peeps  - especially to the staff who were on duty that day who always make me feel like I am walking into a relaxed but special party at a friend's place. xx