I love free food. What's better is good free food and Merivale delivers that every time. To promote their Winter specials and events, Merivale held their launch party: A Feast for the Senses at the Establishment Bar on 9 June 2010 from 6pm-8pm.
Arriving 10minutes early, there was already a long line up of people battling the cold hoping to get first taste of their yummy food. The ice sculpted swan was the first to get my attention but unfortunately they wouldn't let me in early to get an uninterrupted shot.
Pictures were taken hastily as my camera battery has been flashing red light all night (the other one has decided to die on me completely) and it was also virtually impossible for someone not to bump you while snapping photos. Simon said he would let me use his photos if I can't manage to snap some. So nice :)
Merivale's Feast for the Senses runs throughout the Winter season offering Lunch and Dinner menus for $39 (2 courses, 1 for EST and 5 courses for Sushi Choo with a glass of wine or beer). $49 can get you 3 courses! I had a look of the choices and personally, I would love to try the 3 course menus offered by Bistro CBD.
(I have yet to blog about eating at Mad Cow during the March into Merivale event) LOL.
A Feast for the Senses Promotion
A Feast Indeed
Swan Ice Sculpture
Roses with Candles
I loved the Victorian styled roses with candles feature throughout the event. There was one on every table and made the venue very classy.
The overwhelming crowd
Alcomohol
Chicken Quesadilla
It was served with salsa in a bowl to scoop out but there was too many people and not enough hands to get some.
Shiraz Braised Beef Cheeks with Chestnut Puree, Brussel Sprouts and Crispy Speck
The beef cheeks were braised to the point that the meat just comes apart when you touch it. The beef cheeks was a bit tasteless but was served with some strong flavours such as the crispy speck and chestnut puree to give it taste.
Rotolo of Roast Field Mushrooms, Cava Nero, Ricotta and Parmesan
Favourite dish of the night. Served with ricotta and shaved parmesan, the roasted mushrooms was creamy and cheesy. Perfect for a chilly winter night.
Cassoulet of Braised Beans, Toulouse Sausage, Tarragon Dragoncello with Soft Herb Crust
Didn't like the sausage very much but the cassoulet of beans with soft herb crust had a sour and tangy taste which I enjoyed very much. The dishes were served in a bowl rather than the usual mini canapes. The Winter dishes were hearty and warm and made me feel like that I'm on the couch with a blanket on me with a big bowl of hot soup in my hands to warm myself up.
Quiche
Mini Buns
The buns were too hard! It was those bread that you eat Vietnamese Pork Rolls with and I didn't really like it. Giving in to chewing the hard, cold bread, I just ate the fillings instead.
Pasta
The pasta was cold when I ate it :( Maybe I took too long to find a spot to take a picture but I'm sure it would've tasted much better warm.
As expected, the crowd for the Merivale launch is overwhelming. Food disappeared the second it comes out and I certainly had my share of waiting to snatch myself a bowl.
Feast for the Senses starts on the 7th June and is available Monday to Friday 12-2pm and 6-8pm.
Restaurants include: EST, Uccello, Sailors Thai, Mad Cow, Bistro CBD, Ash St Cellar, Sushi Choo, Sushi e and Lotus.
