Sommelier India at the World's Longest Lunch
The 'World's Longest Lunch' actually refers to the table - in the case of the Melbourne affair the table stretches for 320 metres, seating about 1,000 people! reports SI correspondent, Alok Chandra from Melbourne. This is a ticketed event that simultaneously took place on 4th March, between 12 noon and 3 pm in a public space at 25 different locations in Victoria state. The Melbourne event was in the Carlton Gardens outside the Royal Exhibition Building, and cost A$115 per head.
The cuisine was France-inspired - Provencal - and conceived by celebrity chef Gabriel Gate and the wines were Australian, all from Yering Station Winery from Victoria (where else?). The ambience was simply terrific. There were street performers of every description; the rain held off (mainly), and everyone went home happy.
The menu:
Aperitif: Yarrabank 2006 Cuvée Brut Sparkling - a scrumptious bubbly and a perfect start with Hors d'oeuvres of Rabbit Terrine, Grilled Sardines, Beetroot, Cured Salmon, Confit of Tomato followed by Le Plat Principal - Slow-cooked veal with fennel, broad beans and olives.
The Wines:
Yering Station 2010 Fumé Blanc
Yering Station 2010 Pinot Noir Rosé
Yering Station 2009 Pinot Noir
Yarrabank NV Crème de Suvée Sparkling
To serve such a meal is by itself great - to do so for a total of about 1,000 people is simply amazing. The 'Longest Lunch' in Melbourne was actually the longest table, which at 320 metres is the height of the Eiffel Tower in Paris! C'est magnifique!
