If you haven't been to Lamonts in East Perth, you really are missing out.
A view over the canal in East Perth that can only be done justice with your own eyes and one of WA's best chefs in Nathan Le, ensures a romantic night out, fun dinner with friends or even an early morning breakfast before work will be something you rave about even if you head down there quite regularly like myself!
We hit the Conversations with Kate Lamont for the first time and found the experience beyond compare for such an event.
NOTE: The following night out was only $88 per person!
Kate Lamont is so passionate about not only her food but also her wine. If I remember correctly, I think Max Veenhuyzen mentioned that Kate wanted to be a winemaker prior to becoming a chef!
She is very down to earth and still manages to keep a great sophistication when she talks about symmetry and matching food to wine.
Now onto the food!
We started with a Chive and Creme Fraiche Tart with Roquette and Pecorino Salad matched to a 2007 Lamont's Verdelho. One of the lightest yet creamiest tarts you'll see and taste, which was a perfect start. Described in one word by my guest as "amazing".
2nd course was a Scallop Boudin Blanc with Apple Jelly and Watercress Puree. This was matched with the standout wine for the night in the 2002 Lamonts Riesling and in case we were still thirsty, the 2006 Lamonts Riesling. A perfect example of the teachings that Kate wishes to get across to us budding wine enthusiasts by matching Rieslings of different vintages.
The scallops came out perfectly, as expected (too many restaurants overcook their seafood, and scallops in particular) and the apple jelly was so subtle and somehow matched brilliantly to the watercress without taking anything away from the star, the scallops.
3rd course wine was the 2005 Heggies Viognier accompanying a Green Pea Soup with Calvados Cream and Sesame Tuille. This was the ultimate pea soup. Simple. Once again, matched perfectly with the wine and this was confirmed when my guest and I didn't speak throughout the whole soup hoe-down.
4th course was probably my favourite, if I had to choose one. Corn Beef Cheeks with Sweet Potato Skordalia and Salsa Verde The corned beef cheeks were pickled and sweet, with the potato really completing the dish. Who would have thought that corned beef and spuds would end up my favourite dish when someone like Kate Lamont is involved in creating the menu?!
The wine for this course was the 2005 Lamont's Shiraz Viognier, which was a lovely Shiraz with a nice contrasting kick from the viognier.
5th course came out and immediately looked like something tailored to my rough style of taste, Kangaroo Loin, Grilled Sausage with Beetroot Galette and Juniper Jus. This course was matched with the 2004 Forest Hill Block 9 Shiraz.
The beetroot galette was the perfect midway point for the kangaroo and sausage. The meat for both was top quality and there really isn't too much else to say. I love kangaroo and this was no exception, I think I love it even more now!
Final course before the tea & coffee was the Lemon Posset with Poached Fruit Salad and Vanilla Macaroon. 2006 Yalumba Hand Picked Botrytis Viognier and a Yalumbda Viongier Grappa accompanied this brilliant dessert. The dessert, once again was pure heaven and thanks to the description on the menu, I think you can understand how well this went down at the end of the evening, especially with the grappa!
Overall, the Conversations with Kate Lamont was one of the best things I personally have done this year. She is such a great person to sit back and listen to when you are as enthusiastic about your wine and food and matching them, as I am.
If you are just there to taste some of WA's great food creations, and great wines, you'll instantly be drawn into what Kate is saying about each course and with her jovial and unstressed nature combined with her business style sense, the evening is not one to be missed.
Make sure you get in quick, though because the Conversations with Kate Lamont is only on a couple of times a month.
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Also, you can check out their monthly Masterclass Series with Kate Lamont & Nathan Le here...
