CAROUSEL - Formula Fine Dining

22 Aughtie Drive, Albert Park Lake - ph: (03) 8646 6000

Carousel at Albert Park Lake has one of the best views of Melbourne's skyline. At sunset, there is no better place to be sipping a glass of champagne while celebrating a special occasion with friends.

I was very happy to be invited to the Formula Fine Dining event tonight.

The event was part of a fine dining series of corporate entertainment during the 2012 Formula 1 Grand Prix. This year's chefs included Matt Moran, Manu Feildel and Philippe Mouchel.

Our guest chef tonight was My Kitchen Rules presenter, Manu Feildel. The evening started with canapes and F1 sponsor Mumm champagne served at the balcony overlooking Albert Lake at the sound of a jazz trio. Nice music, atmosphere, drinks, venue... the night promised to be an event to remember.

Our three course menu included:

Scallops with hazelnut butter: cooked perfectly, covered in silky butter and crunchy hazelnuts. Perfect combination of textures and flavours.

Chicken liver parfait on croutons had, again, fantastic texture and taste - I had a few of these!

Entree of mussel and saffron pies

The pie was served in a ceramic bowl covered with puff pastry. It was more like a thick mussel and saffron stew than a pie, really. Very tasty - I loved the strong taste of saffron - but not as dense as I would expect a pie filling to be.

Main of kingfish with pickled baby onions and bacon, served with a celeriac puree

I really enjoyed this dish. The fish was cooked well and the onions and bacon added a touch of sweet and sour that complimented the celeriac puree.

Manu Feildel was a charming host. He took time to talk to the guests and was a very entertaining speaker as well.

It was a great night and a perfect way to finish our day at the track.