Melbourne Epicurean Eats

Taxi Dining Room

Shhh...Secret Dining Society

Covert, coveted and exclusive, Jude Smith's second Secret Dining Society dinner triumphed at Taxi Dining Room. 

 

 

Launched in July 2012, 10 guests, drawn by ballot, were lucky enough to enjoy a private four course dinner, with matched wines, at the Little Press & Cellar. None other than George Calombaris was at the helm.

On this occasion, Taxi's executive team, led by Tony Twitchett, hosted a decadent dinner party for 30 guests on the roof top deck of Transit. 

The menu was seasonal and innovative; wine was plentiful and matched each dish perfectly (thanks to head Sommelier Jackson Watson on hand to guide us through each vineyard); and the company of my 29 new friends was simply delightful.

Venue manager, Kieran Spiteri and his team, created a unique dinning experience, and a seamless service.

With weather on our side, the vista from the third floor was short of spectacular. 

Secret Dining Society is sure to flourish amid the social media landscape of emerging foodie trends. It definitely will not remain a secret for much longer.

Eat: The menu reflected Twitchett's passion for contemporary fusion of Japanese and Australian cuisine. The crispy cone bay barramundi with a yabbie curry sauce was the standout of the five course feast. A variation of this dish, features on Taxi's regular menu.

Snapper sashimi with pickled myoga & miso crumb
Chandon Rose, 2008

Taxi's sticky pork with crispy quail & black pepper caramel
Dr Burklin Wolf " Wachenheimer" Riesling, 2010

Crispy Cone Bay barramundi with a yabbie curry sauce
Even Keel Chardonnay, 2010

Stockyards Wagyu porterhouse, marble score 7+ with horseradish cream & yakiniku
Sanguine Estate " Progeny", 2010

'Ecuador' dark chocolate ganache with mandarin, star anise & cardamon
Mas Amiel Maury Rouge, 2009

Drink: A range of wines were matched with each course. Kudos to Watson for returning to some simple classics. A shout out for Heathcote's Sanguine Estate " Progeny", 2010.