While many of the Sydney foodie crowd were at the Coogee Pavilion celebrating the launch of Good Food Month on Tuesday 30 September 2014, a select group of 60 media and celebrities went to Kirribilli’s first small bar and restaurant, The Botanist, for an intimate VIP dinner to launch its spring menu and introduce new head chef Timo Vogel.
Timo has worked in restaurants around the world, and his most recent tenure was at Garfish Seafood Kirribilli. Timo created the new menu to reflect the start of the warmer season, and last night showcased grazing plates expertly paired with matching wines provided by Young & Rashleigh at a relaxed three course dinner. Upon arrival guest were treated to a chilled glass of Villa Sandi Prosecco Veneto from Italy, then after mingling at the bar they were seated for a delicious three courses matched with wine, and dessert to finish.
For entrées they served two dishes: grilled halloumi with honey quinoa; and beetroot cured salmon with avocado. These dishes were matched with Astrolabe Province Pinot Gris from Marlborough. For mains, the two dishes served were seared kingfish with pea puree, fennel & aniseed, and roasted lamb rump on toasted couscous & ratatouille. These dishes were accompanied by Teusner The Family Shiraz, from Barossa. Dessert was a delightful bouquet from The Botanist garden, including lemon curd, sponge cake, chocolate soil & herbs served in a flower pot.
Celebrities who attended the event included Scott Gooding, Tiffany Farrington, Justine Schofield and Arrnott Olssen.
The restaurant’s name references illustrious Botanist Gerard Fothergill who travelled the world researching plants, and whose last years of his life were spent running a small book shop in the very building the restaurant now occupies. The Botanist pays homage to these historical and botanical themes of exploration and discovery, creating food and cocktail menus using abundant offerings of fresh produce, herbs and spices.
