Le Vin Wine Dinner at Dolly Restaurant in Le Méridien
Le Vin Wine Dinner at moody 1930's style Dolly Restaurant was a memorable event, guiding us through an elevated European menu served against a cinematic backdrop at this 5 star hotel. Enter off Bourke St into a modern hotel of excellence with a dose of nostalgia. We were invited to experience the best of Dolly and enjoy this welcome addition to the Melbourne culinary scene.
Having descended the art deco staircase, we were brought into a world of finery at Dolly, the in-house restaurant of Le Méridien Melbourne, with Executive Chef Christian Graebner working wonders in the kitchen.
Dishes were complemented by signature Artful Cocktails by The Everleigh Bottling Co. and wine pairings by Cellarhand's Patrick Walsh, and special guest winemakers Kim Chalmers (Chalmers, Heathcote), Sandra de Pury (Yeringberg, Yarra Valley), and Alister Timms (Shadowfax, Macedon Ranges).
Dolly is an impressive combination of new world and old world charm.
Dolly Restaurant highlights the building's amazing history, having perviously housed cinemas and popular Metro nightclub (some guests of the evening remembered attending both).
Wines were a standout. It is clear Dolly has a strong wine arm.
Standout dishes at Dolly included -
Freshly shucked oysters, Champagne Sorbet Fennel and Potato bread with Homemade Apple and Radish Lard, Stunning White Tomato Consommé with Veg Pearls, Ricotta and Crab Dumpling, Salmon Caviar, Melt in your mouth Yarra Valley Smoked Venison Loin with Mushroom Broth, Green Pea Purée, Saltbush Powder, Rhubarb Meringue Tart with Vanilla Shards
Venison was a highlight.
Kim Chalmers.
Wine pairing was elevated featuring Chalmers Wines 2022 “Doty” Prosecco and 2022 Pecorino, Shadowfax 2021 Minnow Rosé and 2021 Macedon Ranges Pinot Noir, and Yeringberg 2020 Marsanne/Roussanne and 2020 “Yeringberg” Cabernet. Winemakers enlightened us on the pairings and spoke about their wines. A memorable night indeed.