Largesse Dining #6

Almost a year and a half ago (according to my own blog) I had the delicious fortune of attending the third event of the Largesse Dining series (hosted by Red Cabbage in South Perth). When the sixth (and quite possibly the last) event was announced earlier this month, I was pretty keen to attend again. Given my hubby was eating en largesse himself while in Los Angeles, I figured I’d treat myself to a Monday night out with fellow foodies and other charitable folk.

For those unfamiliar with Largesse Dining, it is (to quote myself if I may) “a unique dining concept in which six chefs from Perth’s finest restaurants donate their talent and time for a charitable cause”. The Royal Flying Doctor Service was this event’s beneficiary and I happily found myself sharing a table with the Service’s Community Fundraising Officer, Sonia Abbott and guest speaker Chelsea who had firsthand experience (twice!) of how important the Service is.

The RFDS is largely privately funded. On average 22 people a day require the Service in WA alone, and quite surprisingly it’s utilised as much by city folk who find themselves in strife in regional areas, as by people who live in remote stations. It was good to hear that Rio Tinto donated $14 million recently for the Service to acquire a jet which reduced the time to travel from Kunanurra to Perth from 12 hours to 3 hours. Every minute counts in emergencies so this is a huge lifesaver.

With affirmation that the price paid (this dinner was $180 per head with matched wines) was going to a most worthy cause, good intention was duly rewarded with six captivating courses. My point-and-shoot camera actually did a pretty nice job so I’ll let the photos do the talking with just a small comment from moi.

Air-dried ham, Swan Valley yolk, ajo blanco, foraged herbs (Kiren Mainwaring – Dear Friends Restaurant)
Simple in theory but massive in flavour. The yolk became a rich sauce.

Smoked trout, chilli squid, saffron (Scott O’Sullivan – Red Cabbage Food + Wine)
Refreshing. I could eat this every night in summer.

Radicchio tortellini, Fontina fonduta (Jason Jujnovich – Divido)
Pasta but went down easily. Gotta love Fontina’s pungency but it didn’t overtake the dish.

Braised venison shin, foie gras espuma (Clarke’s of North Beach)
The night’s most curious looking item but very moreish flavours.

Pressed duck thigh, chanterelle, cep (Todd Stuart – Petite Mort)
A very autumnal dish. Loved the foam and mushrooms.

Chocolate, caramel, sorrel (Hadleigh Troy – Restaurant Amusé)
The OMG dish. I loved Amusé’s Dessert Degustation but I’ll dream about this one dessert.

My favourite? There were some clear winners for me at Largesse Dining #3 but this time, I was hard pressed to pick a stand-out with each course having its own special appeal. If I really had to pick, the dessert is the one course I’d love to have again and again :)

A big thank you to everyone involved in getting Largesse Dining organised. It’s a magical night from which a charity benefits through our gluttony. I can’t think of a better way to do a little good for others and as I’m sure other guests would agree, we hope this isn’t the absolute last time we can get these amazing bunch of people together.

2 Comments for this entry

• 

  Chompchomp

  July 6th, 2012 on 6:19 am

  Wasn’t it an awesome night! So lovely to meet you and Perth Munchkin….see you at the next foodie event!

  Reply
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  Monica

  July 12th, 2012 on 5:48 pm

  Lovely to meet you! Just sad we couldn’t wing it after all and be on the same table. Look forward to meeting again :)

  Reply