I like it when people undersell events. It’s an old business equation: under promise + over deliver = happy clients. I think the team implemented the equation for this experience, not that the under promise was anything to be scoffed at. Picture walking into an event expecting light drinks and canapés and instead being treated to a 14 course degustation with matched wines.
During one of my favourite times of the year, Melbourne Comedy Festival, Chandon is hosting a pop-up in the city at The Emerson. It will run from 5-28 April from Tuesday to Thursday. The concept is to provide Chandon’s cellar door experience, normally reserved for those that make the trek to the Yarra Valley.
The Emerson‘s rooftop has been transformed into a green-and-white wonderland for the duration of the cellar door experience. After a few quick happy snaps in front of the photo wall, we were ready to be wined and dined. The menu was split into small and large plates: burrata, ocean trout, french onion beef cheek sliders, lobster roll (with delicious, delicious chunks of lobster), lamb cutlets, oysters, and a charcutterie board. Phew, that was the ‘small’ section. Now picture the well-sated group of Melbourne’s foodie finest also downing Chandon wines with each course.
The conversation was flowing as freely as the wine when we were treated to a performance by The Wine Bluffs, Damian Callinan and Paul Calleja, who are in town for the Comedy Festival. They showcased their unique and hilarious knowledge of wines.
The large plates showcased some of the freshest produce I have ever tried in delicious dishes: confit duck, grass fed sirloin, barramundi, and linguini. If you manage just one dish at The Emerson during your cellar door experience, I’d highly recommend the baked barramundi — scrumptious.
Head to The Emerson’s rooftop for the unique Chandon cellar door experience with the views of the city skyline in the background.
– Rukmal
Co-founder of The Plus Ones, Rukmal lives and breathes events.
Chandon in the City runs 5-28 April 2016 from Tuesday to Thursday at The Emerson (143/145 Commercial Rd, South Yarra). A la carte menu available; book in for the degustation menu.
