C'est Magnifique!

This was the expression of my client after she has had the Chocolate Souffle last night at Guillaume at Bennelong.  She had waited since March to have this souffle.  I must admit the desserts were really wonderful, the souffle tasted light.  It arrived in a little dish with a vanilla and cherry ripple ice cream served by the side.  The waiter then showed us how it was to be eaten i.e. to push the ice cream down towards the middle of the souffle (refer picture).  The result was a great taste sensation with the crispiness of the souffle on the outside blended with the melted ice-cream on the inside.  I never thought of eating my souffle this way!  We also ordered the Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee and that tasted wonderful too with the green apple jelly and the green apple sorbet - great combination!

You must wonder why I started with the desserts... well, I thought that was the best part.  For entrees, we ordered the West Australian marron - served with delicious crispy pork belly and marron consomme.  We also had the Scallops gently sealed and served with cauliflower puree, Shiitake mushrooms, spinach and chicken jus.  I had the Scallops and I must say I have had better.  Was quite disappointed as the Scallops were a bit over cooked.  My clients enjoyed the Marron though together with the consomme.  Oh... they also serve a selection of breads (about 3 different types) ....

For mains, both of us ordered the Beef Tenderloin.  You know how you expect the beef to just melt in your mouth?  Well, this one didn't.  It was seared to a crisp outer layer but the insides did not melt in the mouth and  the merlot sauce was a bit overpowering.  Hmm... we were told the sauce was meant to be like that...

If  you are thinking of forgoing desserts, order a cup of coffee or tea instead as it is served petit fours.  I must admit this was one of the best petit fours I have had in the sense that they tasted great and there were about 6 different varieties! 

I think the entrees and mains in this restaurant would be rated a 6/10 (for the price and the taste and portion sizes) but I would rate the dessert an 8/10.  Anyway, I guess if you are out to impress a special someone, the million dollar views would overshadow any of the shortfalls in the food!

Chocolate Souffle

Chocolate Souffle

Creme Brulee