THE TIA FOX

Hyatt’s of Australia held their holiday dinner in “The garden of Good and Evil” at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne. The night was filled with many surprises and delights. This was a night of what can only be described as #LivingGrand!

The night began with Pommery champagne and canapes. I was greeted by warm smiles and impeccable hospitality. I couldn’t help but notice the perfectly stacked champagne tower in the middle of the room! When the champagne was poured, I could imagine this moment would fit perfectly into a scene in The Great Gatsby.

For dinner, we were led to another room. The door opened for the grand reveal and it was a sight to behold! I could hear the ohhs and ahhs filling the room. True to the theme, we were standing in a garden filled with flowers, greenery and a very special guest…a Shetland pony (YES, a real live pony!).

The first entree “Garden of Good & Evil” was a sugar snap pea, baby carrot, potato, jerusalem antichoke paired with Pinot Gris from Mornington. I loved the presentation of this dish.

For the second entree, “Good vs. Evil Scallops”. The “Good” was scallops with horseradish, dill and purslane. The “Evil” was scallops with avocado, wasabi and dashi. I was amazed by the attention to detail and it was a consistent theme throughout the night!

The palate cleanser involved the guests making their own apple sorbet. We were given an empty marble mortar and pestle. First, we added herbs. Then the syrup and finally liquid nitrogen. We stirred it until it became a sorbet consistency! Who would have thought making sorbet could be such a blast!

After the main course, we were surprised yet again. This time by a room filled with the melodies from 20 or so Opera singers.

For the finale, the doors opened to yet another room with tables filled with edible desserts! I didn’t know which to eat first. Pictures speak a thousand words! It was truly a memorable night filled with laughter, fun and grand moments!