One Ford Street was the setting for A Festive Champagne Luncheon hosted by the Champagne Bureau, Australia. The luncheon was to present various styles of champagne that would pair throughout a meal, from canapes, mains through to dessert.
One Ford Street
One Ford Street, with Chef Sam Bennett in the kitchen, showcased dishes from their current menu which were paired with champagne styles from apéritif through to more complex styles to partner with richer dishes.
Courtyard
Recently opened, One Ford Street is at the rear of the newly renovated Cricketers Arms Hotel in Balmain and the restaurant serves up honest rustic Italian fare in a casual and simple interior space. For those who enjoy dining al fresco, the courtyard has a light cover to filter the suns rays with pot plants hanging down and herbs in pots on the wall making a welcoming space. The private outdoor table for twelve makes a good setting for family and friends to gather.
The fresh and light Champagne Jacquart Blanc de Blancs 2006 was served with the tasty canape of Dad’s Smoked Trout Pate on Toast and very fresh Natural Oysters with vinaigrette.
Tomato Salad, Farinata, Goats Cheese, Cipollini and Balsamic
The Tomato Salad with Farinata, Goats Cheese, Cipollini and Balsamic prepares the palate for what is to come. The tomatoes are fresh with just the right firmness with the cipollini adding some sweetness. The soft goats cheese is a standout in the dish with both its flavour and texture while the farinata gives a crisp contrast in texture.
Simple Market Fish Carpaccio
Simple Market Fish Carpaccio is fresh, clean in texture and with a wonderful vibrant flavour to tempt you back to have one more.
These two dishes were accompanied by Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve NV.,With its small bubbles, aromas of biscuits and brioche with those following through to the palate with dried fruits and berries, it made a delightful pairing.
Tiger Prawn, Shellfish Sauce and Maltagliati
The Tiger Prawn, Shellfish Sauce and Maltagliati is bursting with flavour from the shellfish sauce which lightly coats the house-made maltagliati.
The Champagne Thienot “Cuvee Stanislas” Blanc de Blancs 2005 was unusual on the nose with smoky notes coming through which followed through on the palate as well as honey and dried fruit.
Bass Groper, Pippies, Cabbage, Tarragon and Prosciutto
The Bass Groper, Pippies, Cabbage, Tarragon and Prosciutto all come together and work so well in this dish. The freshness of all the ingredients stands out from the tender flesh of the fish to that slight firmness of the pippies to the beautiful soft texture of the prosciutto.
BBQ Spatchcock, Fried Organic Polenta, Peas and Gravy
The BBQ Spatchcock, Fried Organic Polenta, Peas and Gravy sums up the Italian influence at One Ford Street as a dish you would have with friends gathered round the dining table. Moist spatchcock with lovely subtle barbeque flavours and crispy fried polenta covered with mashed peas all make for a tasty and hearty dish.
These two dishes were paired with Champagne Canard-Duchene Blanc de Noirs Charles VII NV which is made using black grapes of Pinot Nnoir and Pinot Meunier with spicy aromas and fruits on the palate. The champagne is a good match with both dishes and its complexity would work with meat dishes as well.
Yoghurt Pannacotta, Nectarine and Champagne Jelly
The Yoghurt Pannacotta, Nectarine and Champagne Jelly is a dessert that you need to make sure that each of the components is on your spoon before you place it i your mouth. The sum of these for outweigh the individual. The pannacotta is slightly firmer with a touch of sourness that is baanlced well with the jelly.
With plenty of fruit on the nose and the palate, the Champagne Mumm Brut Le Rose NV made for a perfect pairing.
While champagne is the drink of choice for celebrations or when sitting in a private marquee or as an apéritif, this tasting showcased that champagne can and does enhance a meal through its different styles that will pair from salads and seafood through to rich meats and desserts.
One Ford Street is rustic food made well to be shared around the table with friends. The dishes are flavoursome being made with fresh house made produce and seasonal ingredients. Good food, good friends, ah this is the life, or, c’est la vie.
One Ford Street
1 Ford Street
Balmain NSW 2041
(Rear of Cricketers Arms Hotel)
Photography © by Gourmantic – Copyright: All rights reserved.
