Secret Truffle Soiree with Daniel Tonin
Secret Truffle Soiree was a night to remember with guests only told of the secret location in the last 24 hours - which turned out to be on the 12th floor at exclusive club Candela Nuevo in Queen Street Melbourne. Lime and Tonic members and media gathered on a fine winter's night to imbibe the best of pasta and truffles from Danny Tonin aka Danny Pasta and desserts from acclaimed dessert chef Pierrick Boyer.
Secret Truffle Soiree was a night of finery and we appreciated the personable touch from Daniel Tonin in visiting the tables and engaging the diners. Here Daniel Tonin is pictured with culinary heavyweights Roslyn Grundy from The Age Epicure and Leeanne Clancy from The Age and Broadsheet.
This indeed was a soiree, with fine entertainment and conviviality in bucketloads. We excitedly began on the stunning rooftop with canapes, Chrismont Prosciuuto and iconic views across the city, notably Southbank.
Secret Truffle Soiree is an example of Lime and Tonic's curated brilliance in forming special unique experiences for their members.
We then enjoyed Antipasto of mixed roast vegetables, Italian smallgoods, buffalo mozzarella and cheese platter with choice Chrismont wines from King Valley.
Danny impressed with this Fontina and black truffle filled Tortelloni in a wild mushroom broth with fresh pine mushrooms. We enjoyed the combination of broth and pasta, a substantial dish.
Danny went into truffle overdrive with this Braised ox cheek with spinach, mozzarella and celeraicrotolo on a pea pureee with pickled baby roots and chestnut puree. He went around personally shaving the truffle on to our plate, great theatre and much appreciated.
Danny has a priceless sense of humour and made several short speeches during the night, his personality on display here charming leading Melbourne blogger Thanh Do from I Eat Therefore I Am. Danny is known for his charisma as well as his cooking, and he comes from a fine Melbourne Italian background , as his family opened "Mamma Vittoria" in Smith St in 1982. Danny grew up as a young boy making pasta. In 1992 the family opened "Pasta Classica" selling their homemade pasta to the masses. The business has taken off and Danny has attracted attention far and wide with his unique pasta, flavours and innovative cooking.
We also understand Clinton Gresham Chef at Cobb Lane was highly involved in the kitchen.
Pierrick Boyer from RACV Le Petit Gateau then impressed guests with his "Selection of Pierrick Boyer's In Season Desserts." Pierrick is a celebrity chef himself and often travels the world to prestigious events where he exhibits his fine dessert skills.
This was quite the occasion, and assisted by the abundant supply of quality wines from Chrismont as well as the truffle dishes.
Scotty Yeoman from Masterchef Australia is everyone's favourite dude and he was part of the culinary action on the night.
Secret Truffle Soiree was a fabulous evening, with thanks to Danny Tonin, Lime and Tonic and Mel (Prosecco Queen) from Squawk Media.