Citibank Dining Program Launch with Gary Mehigan

Citibank Dining Program has appointed renowned Restaurateur and MasterChef personality, Gary Mehigan as its ambassador for the next twelve months.

L-R:  Gary Mehigan, Joanna Savill, Roy Gori (Citibank CEO)

Launched in 2011, the Citibank Dining Program entitles all new and existing Citibank credit and debit cardholders to a free bottle of wine, every time they dine and use their card to pay at partner restaurants across Australia. The program is unrelated to points earned on the card which makes it the only rewards program of its kind in the country.

“We wanted to offer a unique experience to our customers,” Linda Duncombe, Citibank Director of Marketing, Digital and Customer Experience said.

Gary Mehigan, who has been a Citibank customer for over 10 years, was pleased to be the inaugural ambassador for Citibank. “I love the support it provides the restaurant industry in these tough times and I love that people can be rewarded by their bank,” he said.

At a launch event held at the 40th floor of the Citibank building, mood lighting transformed the corporate space with spectacular night views over Sydney. The swanky soirée was attended by a Masterchef entourage, various celebrities, media and invited guests.

Champagne Pol Roger

Champagne Pol Roger flowed freely throughout the night while guests enjoyed selection of delicious canapés by Gary Mehigan’s team from restaurant Fenix and Chef Chase Kojima from Sokyo at the Star.

Dukkah spiced quail eggs with cauliflower couscous, lemon puree

Croquetas with jamon, smoked paprika mayonnaise

Tai Yuzu Honey, onion, caper, crunchy miso

Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, truffle salt, spicy mayonnaise

Prawn boudin blanc, fennel jam, almond biscuit, salsa verdi

‘Tosta Matrimonio’ Ortiz anchovies, goats curd & green olives

Crispy pork sliders with Vietnamese coleslaw

Roasted Cape Grim beef, red onion marmalade, basil mash

Peanut and caramel popsicles

Macarons by Adriano Zumbo…

or Zumborons by Adriano Zumbo…

Wines were supplied by First Creek Wines, a NSW winery in the Hunter Valley.

Greg Silkman, Winemaker, First Creek Wines

Four wines of the 2010 vintage were available throughout the evening, with winemaker Greg Silkman on board. First Creek Semillon is an easy sipping, clean, crisp white that goes well with seafood or on its own. First Creek Chardonnay is lightly oaked but fruit driven, with a crisp finish. First Creek Cabernet Sauvignon is made from grapes from Orange in a true cabernet style, with fine tannins which it gets from spending 12 months in oak – very smooth sipping. First Creek Shiraz is more an earthy style of wine than fruit-driven, a robust red that would match an aged steak.

Some photos from the event:

Candles and mood lighting

L-R: Gary Mehigan, Joanna Savill, Roy Gori (Citibank CEO)

Joanna Savill and Chef Chase Kojima of Sokyo

L-R: Roy Gori (Citibank), Gary Mehigan, Joanna Savill

L-R: Adam Goodes (Sydney Swans), Sally Lewis, Ryan O’Keefe

Guests were invited to tweet a photo with a caption, with the most creative winning a $1000 dinner at Sokyo. Denéa Buckingham took out the coveted prize.

L-R: Denea Buckingham, Linda Duncombe (Citibank Director of Marketing, Digital and Customer Experience)

Guests were presented with a gift bag including a signed copy of Gary Mehigan’s Comfort Food cookbook and 2010 First Creek  Chardonnay.

Gary Mehigan’s Comfort Food

More information about the Citibank Dining Program is available at www.citibank.com.au/dine with a full list of partner restaurants at citibankdining.com.au.

Dining Program Launch was held at the Citigroup Centre on Thursday 9 August 2012. Gourmantic attended the event as media guests.