A Thank You to Annie Smithers
On Tuesday, 26 August, we welcomed a friend, chef and author, Annie Smithers, from her celebrated Trentham restaurant, du Fermier for an exceptional evening.
An early adopter of the paddock-to-plate philosophy, Annie's cooking is firmly rooted in the rhythm of the seasons and the varied produce they offer. With a career spanning over four decades, cooking with some of Australia's best chefs, Annie's du Fermier is the proof in the pudding — an institute rich in expertise, care and community.
At du Fermier, generous four-course meals are served around a communal table with produce sourced almost entirely from her kitchen garden. Her food is underpinned by the classical techniques she has spent her lifetime refining.
We were delighted to welcome Annie to Gertrude Street as she prepared a five-course late winter menu. Our wine team selected Central Victorian wines to match that speak to du Fermier's sense of place. Annie's warmth, generosity and respect for produce are values we share, and we can't wait to welcome her again.
The Menu
Leeks vinaigrette, Dijon, hazelnuts, herbed crumbs
Double-baked Comté soufflé, leaves
Black Faced Suffolk lamb, three ways
Sprouts & potato purée
Long Paddock Banksia, lavosh, blackberry jelly
Lemon meringue roulade, vanilla ice cream
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