Travel can be a tantalizing adventure, one that both thrills and excites; and when that experience involves food, a whole smorgasbord of desirable holiday options are revealed.
Aside from simply being a delight for the senses though, food has a way of bringing people together in a way few other activities can. And when the essential ingredients of food, company, and conversation are mixed together, the meal is elevated to that of a stimulating occasion.
Sharing a bountiful meal after all is one of the great joys of life, but at One&Only Resort on Hayman Island, there is a dining event with an added ingredient - preparation. Inserting the chef into the dinner mix adds a unique layer to the meal not otherwise explored.
Known as The Chef's Table, this inspired, laid back event has become a favourite with guests. Held once a week, the main kitchen is transformed into a decorated space for twelve, each of whom have a front row seat to the artful culinary performance being directed by Executive Chef, Karim Hassene.
Decorated with native green, white and yellow flowers, the elegantly set table is located just steps away from the Chef's Atelier A bench in the heart of the kitchen, precisely where all the action takes place. It is here where guests are taken on a culinary journey of discovery while being led through the various stages of meal preparation.
During the interactive experience, guests are treated to the finest Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Champagne as the Chef reveals closely held secrets and techniques behind great cooking. The experienced chefs share their entertaining anecdotes from years spent in a professional kitchen and discuss the always important concepts of food and wine pairings.
The artful precision taking place in the kitchen culminates in the main event, the meal itself. The gourmet meal is paired with the best wines for some first-hand pairing examples while the chef takes time to answer questions.
The menu features dishes that reflect the freshest ingredients with locally sourced produce offered whenever possible. Wine pairings are listed under each selection for optimum enjoyment of each dish.
Menus are revised each week, however some popular dishes served at past Chef Table dinners include Harvey Bay Scallops, a Pork Belly with Celeriac puree expertly paired with a German Riesling and a beautiful Truffled Tarragon Gnocchi with Porcini. Meat lovers would enjoy such items as grass fed, salt crusted Wagyu beef Tenderloin, also perfectly paired with a deep red, aromatic Malbec.
Of course what's a gourmet meal without the perfect dessert? Each week the chef will highlight a different sweet treat, but if the champagne cheesecake with crunchy meringue and lemon served at a recent Chef's Table is any indication, guests can expect the highest quality with a flair for elegance and sophistication.
There's a reason this event is fast becoming the "must-do" activity when staying at One&Only. Guests who arrive with an appetite, an inquisitive nature and desire to taste some of the best food and wine will surely leave inspired and satisfied.
Prices start from $2,309* for 4 nights at the 5-star One&Only Hayman Island.
