If you’ve been reading my blog long enough, you’d know that I love New York. I’ve been there twice, and once I even thought of moving there. So when Sofitel Melbourne On Collins invited me to their ‘Modern New Yorker Lunch’, I was like, yesssss I’ll be thereeeeee.
This new menu is in celebration of Sofitel Melbourne On Collins’ partnership with the National Gallery of Victoria’s (NGV) Winter Masterpieces exhibition, MoMA at NGV: 130 Years of Modern and Contemporary Art. The dishes were indeed like works of art themselves, as you would see in the pictures below.
Every dish is well thought of. In their own words: “Guests have the opportunity to take a gastronomic adventure beyond MoMA at NGV with amuse-bouche inspired by nostalgic works from MoMA New York. Such inspirations include the 1978 Space Invaders video game, consisting of a giant space-like crispy pork skin or the macaron petit fours inspired by the creator of the first emoji’s in 1991, Shigetaka Kurita, both of which sit side by side in a line-up of iconic New York deli-style dishes, like the classic Reuben sandwich or Manhattan Clam chowder.”
Say no more. Just look at the pictures.
Entree: Waldorf Salad. It contains spice candied walnuts, truffle, yoghurt, celeriac, apple and red grapes. Initially I was convinced that I wouldn’t like this (not too much of a nuts girl), but after carefully trying a bite, I ended up finishing almost half of it. And it was my husband’s entree, so…
Entree: Lower East Side Bagel. This is smoked salmon with cream cheese and chives, my favourite!
Main: Manhattan Clam Chowder. A mix of clams, bacon, potato, baked croutons and tomatoes. The Asian in me was initially thinking, how would I be full with just soup for mains? Oh but it was satisfyingly filling.
Main: The Reuben. This is made of pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and pickles, and it comes with American fries.
Dessert: Marilyn Monroe Sundae. Chocolate, strawberry and vanilla ice cream, with whipped milk jam. Also, it has the popping candy thing… you know, those candies that pop in your mouth?? It instantly transported me to my childhood days.
Dessert: New York Cheesecake. Cheesecake with raspberry coulis. Ahhhhh… New York cheesecake. Enough said.
Coffee and emoji macaron!
The entire experience was lovely! After first being dazzled by the beautiful view from the restaurant, we were amazed by the artfully styled dishes and then thoroughly satisfied by the deliciousness (is there even such a word?) of it all.
(Also, as the hubby’s birthday was just the day before, I cheated and made this his birthday lunch! 😛 Can laaaaa. As long as he’s happy right??)
The ‘Modern New Yorker Lunch’ menu is available at the No35 restaurant at Sofitel Melbourne On Collins for a limited time only: 9th June until 7th October 2018. You can choose a two-course meal for $55 per person, or a three-course meal for $65. Both include a glass of wine and a choice of tea or espresso coffee.
For more information, visit www.sofitel-melbourne.com.au.
Love,
Natalie