An Evening w/ The Globetrotting Gourmet & Home Made Fine Foods

I recently had the pleasure of dining at The Globetrotting Gourmet's latest pop-up style dinner, hosted in the converted warehouse home of author and food enthusiast Robert Carmack & textile designer Morrison Polkinghorne. The evening was a fusion of Robert & Morrison's travel inspired savoury recipes and the creations of dessert queen, Merna Taouk from Sydney's award winning Home Made Fine Foods.

Merna Taouk & Robert Carmac ( Photo - Pierre Issa)

To start we mingled amongst the looms which fill the workspace of the talented Morrison Polkinghorne - who has been creating hand-crafted ornamental ropes, tassels and trims for clients which include The National Trust, since 1991. 

We indulged on juicy figs drizzled with sweet Pepe Saya mascarpone and candied nut crumble and fresh asparagus spears wrapped in prosciutto - With everyone equally impressed by the magical creative space around us.

Next, we were invited upstairs to the formal dining room. A large open space, equally as impressive as the one before. Exotic quirky artifacts and a hint of vintage filled the room. It's the kind of space I could happily explore for hours.   

Gorgeous table wear greeted us at the 12 seated rectangular wooden table, with every serving plate offering a different glimpse into the past. Two large rounds of roped Pepe Saya cultured butter adorned either end of the table and an endless supply of bread made by Mike from Kitchen by Mike was the perfect vessel for the delectable creamy spread.

To start, an American retro entree of king prawns, iceberg lettuce and an amazing creamy blue cheese dressing made with Pepe Saya's creme fraiche, provided the perfect introduction. 

A refreshing cantaloupe and lime sorbet topped with Persian fairy floss followed as the perfect palate cleanser between courses.

Next, a succulent crown rack of veal was presented, paired with a side of Michelin star chef Joel Robuchon's rich potato galette and Burmese Hill Station wild mushrooms from Robert & Morrison's upcoming book.

Joel Robuchon's Potato Galette - Simply Divine. ( Photo: Morrison Polkinghorne)

Dessert was impressive, with Merna serving up her interpretation of a French floating island. Perfectly poached batons of tart rhubarb with hints of cinnamon, star anise and orange were surrounded by vanilla bean creme anglaise and topped with a cloud of sweet meringue and flaked almonds. Heaven.

Dessert Heaven ( Photo: Morrison Polkinghorne)

To finish the evening we chatted about all things food and travel over Merna's dark chocolate, almond and orange clusters with Chinese pu-erh tea and Vietnamese cà phê Chồn drip coffee. 

Guests were presented with a cute twine tied brown paper package on departure. Upon arriving home I discovered another of Merna's fine dessert creations - The delectable Sticky Date Pudding from Home Made Fine Foods. 

Globetrotting Gourmet dinners are held several times a year and help raise money for a variety of charities including KOTO - A charity organisation that helps street kids and disadvantage youth in Vietnam by providing access to accommodation, English lessons and vocational skills through their training facility and restaurant in Ho Chi Min City.  Robert Carmack & Morrison Polkinghorne also host Asian Food Tours details of which can be through their website here

The Food Mentalist dined as a guest of Home Made Fine Foods.