John took me to Clooney Restaurant (Auckland City) last night for my birthday. Our evening was more 'an experience' than just a meal. The service couldn't be faulted, the right combination of attentive without being 'in your face' and snobby about the food.
The menu was amazing and making a choice between dishes was just too difficult...so the answer was obvious - the tasting menu. There was a choice of 6 or 9 courses. We decided that 6 course was plenty, and it was.
Our meals (all 6 courses) and wines were spectacular. I was determined the first course dish was going to be my favourite, but as each new dish came I was equally impressed. The wine matches for each course were the best I have had. The tricky part was remembering to drink the wine before each dish was devoured.
I substituted the beef dish for a vegetarian dish. If I was to go back again I would be tempted to have the 6 course vegetarian tasting menu as this dish was so good.
I would have to say last night's meal was not only my best birthday dinner ever, but also my best restaurant experience ever.
If I had to choose a favourite dish it would be either the valdeon dish (it looked like nothing special but was the most unexpectedly incredible little dish) or the dessert (the feijoa and ginger combination was amazing).
My mission now will be to find another excuse to go back...watch this space!
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salmon, orange, saffron, fennel pollen
Marc Brédif Vouvray 2010
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congee, hot smoked snapper & broth
Domaines Schlumberger ‘Les Princes Abbes’ 2008
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duck breast, cherry, radicchio, licorice
Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2010
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beef, shiitake, garlic, miso, marrow
d’Arenberg ‘The Galvo Garage’ Cabernet, Merlot, Petit Verdot 2006
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(aubergine, white miso, black garlic, date, farro
Chateau de Sours Grand vin de Bordeaux Rouge 2009 - vegetarian replacement)
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| valdeon, beetroot, walnut, pomegranate |
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feijoa, rosemary, brown butter, ginger
Pasquale ‘Plump’ Late Harvest Pinot Gris 2011
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