Roux at the Landau

The Roux At the Landau is a beautiful and elegant place, nestled next to the Langham hotel. We were pleased to walk in out of the cold and they checked in our coats as we didn't need them in this warm and welcoming establishment.

We were seated along the edges of the oval shaped room, well placed for us to peer in on the quiet bustle and the pride with which the staff conducted service in this place.

Before orders were made, we were given these delicate appetisers.

Although we asked to split the entree, the entree came out pre-split for us, and because there just isn't a pretty way to plate up half a prawn, the chef very generously gave us one each for our share. The scallops were the hero of the dish, delicate and just cooked through so that it didn't lose any of its bite, juices or flavour.

This was my Sea bass main which was scrumptious and beautifully cooked.

Mr.HEA ordered the beef main which was also perfectly done, Tender and juicy just the way it should be.

My main came with a healthy serving of couscous too.

And Petit fours, complimentary because the Chef just wanted us to have something to finish off the meal with, Pity I just couldn't stay awake any longer that night, having just flown in from Sydney that morning, otherwise I would have loved to stay for desserts and tea.

So glad we selected this place to have our belated anniversary celebrations at. The staff were lovely and the food was delectable. And have I highlighted that the Chef is extremely generous? Must go if you're staying at the Langham or just in town and looking for a nice place to celebrate something special.

Valentino exhibition at Somerset House

A New Exhibition at Somerset house, this display collates over 130 dresses from the fashion house's collections over the years. The journey begins with a collection of personal photographs, fashion show invitations and thank you notes from the various celeb clients Valentino has amassed over the years.
It then takes you to the Catwalk of these dresses on display, but get this, you're on the catwalk and the dresses are watching you walk. The dresses are best observed in a zigzag fashion following the numerals that explain each of the style and techniques for each garment. My favourites were one that was a White rebrode lace evening gown with pink degrade chiffon drape detailing, created for Mexican actress Maria Felix, and the stunning masterpiece of a wedding gown he created for Princess Marie-Chantal’s which took twenty-five of Valentino’s seamstresses to make, featured 12 kinds of lace and had a four and a half metre train. 

The rest of the show gives you a unique glimpse into the techniques employed to make these couture pieces, including Valentino's own insights via his virtual museum. Enjoy some of the sneak photos I managed to grab, but even more, make sure you head towards Somerset House if you ever are in London between now to the 3rd March 2013. It is open daily from 10.00 to 18.00 and costs GBP12.50 per entry. Closest tube station is Temple.

Married but single

I am going off on my trip to see Mr. HEA soon. A trip I approached with trepidation.

Maybe I ought to change my blog name, or maybe I am still in search of my happy ever afters. It didnt appear upon marriage like the fairytales promise. Truth is, Mr. HEA's path to happiness right now is mutually exclusive from mine.




I have always loved Sydney and this chance to find my own life in Sydney again and rebuild it anew as a married but single person, it was really a good way to live out the single girl in me that I never properly heralded out before we married.

Who says Sydney lacks in any way the amount of things to do? I have always loved this city what with the random promotions and festivals. Remember that time when Martin place was transformed into a massive nail parlor?



Or when Lego pieces were strewn around?




And when they brought Orange out to Sydney and also had Art and about installations all for free.

Nothing beats these lovely surprises and the gorgeous landscapes made even more beautiful with the perpetual sunshine




I haven't even mentioned the new speakeasy bars that have infiltrated our social scene giving us just a tad more variety than we used to have. Or the good selection of good quality food that's readily available. All has made it worthwhile that I stayed behind.

I won't lie. This distance has taken me to some rather dark moments this year that I ain't proud of. I pray I figure out what is my new path in the next six months and I hope it aligns with his.

Until then, I bid lovely Sydney 2012 adieu and will be trying out London for a while.




P. s . Thank you all my well wishers and friends and followers for being so supportive and patient with my cynicism and rants. It's been easier just knowing you all care.




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Boy-o-boy

Boy-Oh-Boy

Boy oh boy was such a gem of a find on this trip. We went to Hunter Valley for the weekend with every intention of keeping it casual. So casual we never bothered to make reservations to any of the good restaurants to eat at. Right in the peak of wedding season, this was by no means a rookie mistake. Muse, our first place of choice had been booked out by a Lucky couple for their wedding.

They were really gracious though and suggested Boy-oh- boy to us. And with nothing more to go by but the recommendation from Muse's staff and the knowledge that it is French casual dining, we set off to Tempus Two where we were in for a treat.

Stuffed Zucchini Flowers with truffle and goat cheese mousse salad of asparagus

A daily menu meant that the selection was kept small, simple, and guaranteed freshness. We shared entrees, and had chosen well with the Zucchini flowers and its light stuffings.

63 degree poached eggs sautéed mushrooms watercress and roquette emulsion

I have tried a few times to make a slow cooked egg and you know, I should really leave it to the experts. I never could make my egg turn out like the one that was in this soup. It was just gorgeous and when the yolk was mixed into the emulsion, it gave it that yummy creamy flavor and complemented the woodiness of the mushrooms perfectly.

Milly Hill lamb with beetroot & strawberry puree

The boys who had this couldn't stop raving about it. The purée he says is the perfect combination for the tender cutlets. Everything was moist, flavorsome and so unforgettable especially when paired with Tempus Two's GSM.

Wagyu rump with red wine jus & potato foam

The star if this dish was the delicious potato foam it came with. It was like light, fluffy mash. Full of the flavor of potato but so light you almost doubt you had taken a mouthful.

Boy o boy surf n turf

Marrow, Speck, Scallops and prawns was not your typical kind of Surf and turf. To be honest, I've rediscovered my lack of interest in speck. But the sweet marrow when married with the scallops and prawns, made a strangely delicious combination. It is a more delicate version of Surf n Turf and probably the most creative one I'll ever try. I did find the scallops too overcooked, much to my disappointment.

.Chocolate fondant with yogurt foam and passion fruit sorbet

But any disappointment is dissipated with this dessert following it. Oozing chocolate centers and a delicious passion fruit sorbet to cut through the bitter sweetness, you could be much happier not sharing this dessert at all, unlike us who reverted back to sharing the course.

Pineapple and lemon curd ravioli with coconut ice cream

Fortunately the only other strong contender for attention to the fondant was this delicate ravioli. A refreshing palate cleanser, it was delightful to finish with this dish of tropical flavors.

Boy-oh-boy is now new, but it should very soon become a well known place I think. As long as it continues plating up beautiful and delicate dishes that's jam packed with technique and flavor, no one could resist making this their Hunter Valley haunt.

Muse

Muse at Hungerford Hill Wines

This place was the one restaurant we clamoured for the entire trip. One week later now and I still cannot forget the scallops I had there. It was a beautiful experience for us despite the extreme heat and I think you should definitely try your best to get there.

A gorgeous view from our table, the restaurant promotes alfresco dining. We were glad to be under shade on the patio however, it was simply too hot a day to be completely outdoors. The wait staff were very attentive to our discomfort with no airconditioning and our skin sticking to the leather chairs, they constantly refilled our water glasses with ice-cold water and any cold refreshments were brought out promptly from the bar and kitchen upon order.

Pan Fried Canadian Sea Scallop

avocado puree, ginger, coriander and sprout salad, chilli and lime dressing

Here's the crowning glory for the meal. I loved the mix of the sauces and the scallops were cooked to perfection.

Panfried Market Fish

steamed broccolini, ginger, soy and sesame dressing, fresh lime

This Ocean trout was cooked really well, but just using soy sauce for flavour, it possibly wasn't the most impressive dish for an asian crowd.

Orreccheitte Pasta

confit milly hill lamb, truss tomato, fetta, salsa verde

There was not enough flavour in this beautifully presented pasta dish for the person that ordered it, but it was a generous serving and made with loads of freshness.

Lamb and Confit Garlic Burger

blue cheese, balsamic eschallot jam, desiree potato chips, aioli

Awesome chips and aioli and a gorgeously cooked burger and the blue cheese thankfully wasn't a strong one. This meal was too large for one especially on the hot day we had, but nevertheless, a very good dish that is highly recommended.

Chargrilled Milly Hill lamb loin with Jerusalem artichokes, broadbeans, broccolini

I particularly enjoyed this. Tender lamb loins and three veg was just what the doctor ordered after over-indulging the entire weekend. This was healthy but hearty and I wished it wasn't too hot to enjoy this with a mellow merlot or shiraz as it would have matched perfectly.

Peanut brittle sundae

See this? This is THE perfect lunch for such a hot day. If we had thrown caution to the wind like my wise friend did, we wouldn't have had to sit through an entire meal before we could dig into this. Yes, my companion thought it was too hot to bother with lunch and only ordered this instead. We of course followed suit and had it lined up for dessert as soon as we saw this being served. The most gorgeous and gourmet sundae I had ever had.

Strawberry twist to Eton's Mess, served with Chantilly cream. The dessert's only flaw was that it was served on just a hot day. But the meringue was lovely on the bite and the strawberry and cream was just the right classic touch to end the wonderful lunch with.