My taste bud are salivating while recalling on this particular wine and food degustation that I had in Lake House in Daylesford. Before whetting your appetite with images of the food I had - a walk through of Daylesford and the journey there. Daylesford is a very tiny town tucked quietly away from the hustle and bustle of the city, 72 minutes ride away from Melbourne city. The journey had always been one filled with many conversations about life, work, ambitions and of course - a little day dreaming of my becoming of a multi millionaire by 32. The view along the way was spectacular. Unlike in Malaysia, all you see along the stretch of highway are unsightly and unkempt forest and rest stop. I , in particular take the 72 minutes to do some soul searching.
Ain't these postboxes cute ? Yes - they are still stuck in the past. But I absolutely love them. So old-school.
Daylesford town.
Entering the little town of Daylesford, you will come across old-school shops and signs. For those curios, Daylesford is well-known for its mineral spring and spa. In fact, it is one of Victoria best Spa Retreat. This time round I did not stay in Shizuka Ryokan - a Japanese "Ryokan" style retreat that contains 7 smaller size "ryokan". Very peaceful - and very japanese. What more can I say ?Dinner on my first night in Daylesford was in Lake House. Lake House has received many good reviews and raves from many food critics. I'm constantly returning for another dose of their Lavender ice-cream (which unfortunately - they only serve it during winter). The menu on that day was divine. If that day was my last supper - that would be it.
For their summer menu - it consist of 9 small tastes with matching wine. To whet our appetite, the chef teased us with a dish called "Amuse Bouche". It is very savory - and the matching French bubbly was an excellent match.
It was a great light start to something gastronomic. Next up, we have a dish called "Citrus and Vodka cured salmon and kingfish with bloody mary jelly". Exquisite taste and something out of the norm. Without saying, the wine matched to it was an excellent choice.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I shall let the images blow you away. Go ahead and drool at them.
Warning : Not suitable for those on a detox or diet program. You will be left hungry.
Crisp crumbed poached organic egg, warm salad of sweet peppers, artichokes olives and capers
Smoked salmon eel and shallot confit in pancetta, warm salad of roast baby beets, horseradish cream
Confit of ocean trout, squid ink risotto, citrus vinaigrette
Seared scallops, roasted master stock braised free range pork, Asian slaw
Assiette of duck – dumpling in consommé, parfait with port jelly, roast duck breast and sausage, lentils
Champagne semifreddo, berry sorbet and fresh berries
Coffee and sweet indulgence (cigarettes not included )
What better way to end a meal if not a cuppa with some sweet indulgences and few puffs of menthol lights.
For the mere price of AUD$190 (RM 570) per person, I definitely think it makes every penny worth. I had never tasted food so divine – with such perfectly matched wines. Two thumbs up for Lake House and I definitely give it a 5 star.
Well, I'm at least glad we have found a supplier that has wine tasting, wine and food matching. At least, I have a free drinking ground now for the drinking devil in me.
