Yes, you heard right. The geniuses behind Messina have brought Messina Degustation to Sydney, and (spoiler alert) it’s absolutely delightful.
Everyone who has a sweet tooth knows about Messina. Their daring and imaginative take on flavours has made them a household name, not to mention they jump at any opportunity to bring us bold and sensational new sweets (like that time they created all the desserts for the Night Noodle Markets). Now, they’re bringing us Messina Degustation. This is Messina, but not as you know it. You will not be queueing for a cone here– there are only eight guests, and everyone dines together. I’ve been a long-time lover of Messina, so when I heard about this I got myself there quicker than you can say gelato.
My Plus One and I headed out to the Darlinghurst Messina store. We were ushered past the people queuing to get their Robert Brownie Junior fix to the store’s low lit neighbour, The Creative Department. Seated around a table with three other couples, we were given the brief by our host, Adrian. There would be seven courses with paired, non-alcoholic drinks. We were invited at any stage to join the chefs (who doubled as our waiters) in the kitchen to look behind the scenes. If you want salted caramel and donuts, he told us, you can find that next door — this is Messina creations.
As each course and beverage was presented we were treated to insights and jokes by the chefs, as well as a description of what we would be eating and where the inspiration came from. Each elaborate and thoroughly creative course was obviously lovingly crafted. The ideas and work that went into the preparation border on scientific genius. Ingredients were dehydrated, only to be rehydrated over a number of hours with an added essence of something you never would have imagined but which made the resulting product a million times better than the original. Preparation was funny and provoking — never pretentious. Highlights included a Thai Basil Mousse, Plum ‘Beer’, an egg, and caramelised oak ice cream.
Unlike any dining experience Sydney has to offer, Messina Degustation is unforgettable on so many levels. Make sure you book now so that you don’t miss out on a seat at the degustation in May.
– Elli
Owing to a sweet tooth of epic proportions, Elli de Ryckman de Betz considers herself an expert authority on all gelato related matters.
Messina Degustation will run Thursdays through Sundays for the month of May.
