Thursday, February 18, 2010

Aria Restaurant

Sorry for the tardy post. I've been on holidays to Fiji and I'm only just getting back into the swing of things. Before we left for our final HURRAH holiday (with baby due in May, we won't be going on any holidays for at least 2 years....hmmmmm we probably won't be fine dining for the next 2 years either!), we had a lovely dinner at Aria Restaurant. I've been wanting to try it for ages now and when I saw the dessert they made on Masterchef I definitely had to go. It took till now, thanks to my mother in law who offered to babysit Keane. And it was a gorgeous meal....everything tasted wonderful and it was so beautifully plated too. A winner in my books!

Our view to the right
Shame we weren't seated in the Harbour Bridge/Opera House area

Our view to the left

Amuse-bouche:
Something along the line of marinated salmon with dill and miso foam.
I didn't have any of this (being pregnant limits what you can eat ie I can't have the salmon because it's not cooked through and many many other limitations which I won't go into because I'll bore you....and itmakes me sad). Lucky for my husband he got to have my portion and thought it was unusual but very nice

Entree 1:
Roasted spiced scallops with prawn crisps, shaved fennel and a tamarind and date dressing.
Mmmmm I'm a sucker for scallops. There were so juicy and plump only thing letting it down was I thought they were a little over-spiced. But still a lovely dish

Entree 2:
Ballotine of rabbit, foie gras and capocollo with ginger bread, pumpkin and a pomegranite dressing.
I'm surprised my husband chose this one. But he loved it. And it was a very decent portion too especially when you have it with the ginger bread (a whole slice of bread)


Mains 1:
Steamed pink snapper fillet, beetroot puree, kohlrabi, green apple with crème fraîche.
This was perfect. I could not fault it even if I tried. Really beautiful flavours and fish cooked just right. I'm usually not a fan of having fruit with meat but the green apple really works with the snapper.

Entree 2:
Trevalla roasted with glazed witlof, chestnut mushrooms, white beans and a chicken jus.
Aria really know how to do their fish that's for sure. Crispy skin and moist right through.

We ordered a side of truffle mash. So so so good. Creamy and very satisfying.
Dessert 1:
Mango cheese cake with ginger crumble, lime jelly and lime sorbet.
Very light and a great way to finish off a meal.

Dessert 2:
Valrhona Chocolate - a rich chocolate délice with chocolate sorbet.
And of course there was no way I'd miss out on the Valrhona Chocolate. This was everything I expected and more. Totally fell in love. On the other hand my husband didn't enjoy this as much as I. He took one spoon and said that was enough. He could feel it clogging his throat.....amateur!!!!!!! I'm offended on behalf of Mr Moran hahaha!

Petit Fours:
Trying to remember back that far.....lemon curd tart, chocolate truffle and blackcurrent jelly
I can understand and appreciate why Aria was awarded 2 chef hats. The food and service really was right up there and I would not have expected anything less.

7 comments:

  1. Woo hoo, been waiting for a post!
    I have been talking about going to Aria for ages... This makes me want to go even more!! YUM!

    I hope you have some things to show off from Fiji as well!
    :)

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  2. signature dessert of Valrhona Chocolate is great. i'd happily order that one again. good to hear the service was good too. :-)

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  3. I just came back from holidays too, so I understand how hard it is to get back into the swing of things! lol. I loved my meal at Aria, it was definitely one of the best meals I've had! Everything looks so beautiful, I'm glad that it lived up to your expectations :)

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  4. Hi Elise - Do go if you can Elise, it really is one of the best places I've eaten at (for fine dining)

    Hi Simon - Oh wasn't the Valrhona Chocolate to die for?! Hehehehe

    Hey Betty - I can't believe I waited this long to try it : )

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  5. haha your husband is funny lol but guess that meant more dessert for you tho right!

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  6. It's been too long between visits! Your pictures are making me want to fix that pronto. And lol at the chocolate "amateur" :P

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