Date:Thursday 5 May 2011
Time: 12.30 p.m for 1.00 pm start
Venue:Balcony Bar
46 Erskine St, Sydney. Ph: 9299 8821. www.balconybar.com.au

Cost: $120 Members and non Members

Bus: $30 Bus

RMYC 11.15am
Gannons Rd 11.20am
Miranda 11.30am
Flower Power 11.40am

Guests are most welcome

RSVP:PLEASE NOTE: FOR THIS MONTH (as David M is away):
RSVP please to Curt York by 7pm MONDAY 2 May 2011.
E: curtis.york@quittintime.com.au.
T: 9525 8668. SMS: 0408 866 662
Guests, past and prospective members are heartily encouraged.

This Meeting: Balcony Bar
A quirky establishment in the city with great ambience and food. Susannah and her team are passionate
about their venue and have only been open for less than a year. They appreciate their guests and have a
friendly approach to great food, wine, rum, and cognacs (they are a customer of Curt and Michael). This
is a nice venue with a friendly atmosphere, (just watch the stairs).

Last Meeting: Lochiel House.
Monique Maul (a co-owner with chef Tony Milroy) showed 17 members and
3 guests why they have 2 hats and were awarded ‘Regional Restaurant of the
Year’ in the 2011 Good Food Guide. We have a new leader in all categories other
than ambience (water is so hard to beat) and main course (which is still with
Samuels). There were several comments along the lines of “my highest score
ever”. Ably assisted by Jan, Monique served us superbly, with comments on
each dish we were about to enjoy demonstrating both knowledge and passion
for the subject.
Canapés of Tempura Sushi Nori with Jansz Premium NV Cuvee, from Pipers
Brook, TAS.
Entrée of Potato Gnocchi, Sautéed King Brown Mushrooms, Prosciutto Cream,
Zucchini, Reggiano, Garden Herbs, stunning in the complexity and subtlety of
flavours, along with potato bread (many second helpings) and chilli marinated
Canowindra olives. Two white wines, a vertical tasting from Marlborough, NZ, of 2008 Te Henga Pinot
Gris (a smoother and creamier drop) at 13% abv, and the 2009, 14% abv (showing the higher ABV with
more spirit and acid, needing some time yet to integrate).
Main course course of sensational Pan Seared Local Duck Breast, Smokey Eggplant Puree, Chestnut
Mushrooms, Fresh Figs, Amontillado Jus, Jerusalem Artichokes, was accompanied by the masked wine a
Pierro Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2001 from Margaret River in WA. Congratulations to Peter Swatosch
for taking the HA from Michael York and Peter James who were all tied on equal written scores, but
Peter S correctly identified that it also contained Cabernet Franc (also a little Petite Verdot, and Malbec
actually).
Dessert was Cacao Bean Custard, Banana, Chocolate Wafer, Puffed Wild Rice, Fresh Mint. A Dusting of
Cinnamon, Smoked Chilli & Muscovado Sugar, and accompanied by Galway Pipe 12 year old Grand
Tawny Port.
A sensational day, well worth the 1.5 hour bus jaunt to Kurrajong (thanks Michael D).
Curt York and David M

Ryan Turner - Secretary
t: 02 8543 3980
m: 0410 521 203
e: ryan@roguestudios.com.au
w: www.roguestudios.com.au