Sumac – my graduation dinner
Tenancy 15, Shed 9 Central Pier
161 Harbour Esplanade
Docklands 3008
03 8623 9600
Being in the process of organisation for many months now, it is finally here – our graduation dinner! This will mark the end of 6 years of arduous studying, and symbolise the start of a new journey – hopefully one that is very fulfilling and rewarding.
Perched at the harbour edge on Central Pier, a once dilapidated cargo shed building, sumac’s exterior function area now provides sweeping views of the harbour and cityscape whilst we sipped on our ‘pre-dinner’ drinks – what a sure way to get ‘happy’ in the early evening. After some delectable canapés, we were shuffled into our function hall inside. The internal décor is one of dark-moody ambience, with metallic latticework and Moroccan hanging lamps that cling to sky-high ceilings. The rich blushes of colour draw inspiration from the Sumac’s menus which are gently spiced with Middle Eastern and Moroccan flavours.
Note: given this isn’t a restaurant per se; this review won’t have my usual lengthy critique, rather a photo gallery with my overall impression at the end.
Entrée
Fattoush salad with sumac dusted chicken breast – tender meat with ‘subtle’ hints of spice.
Vegetarian alternative – can someone fill me in what this was? lasagna?
Main course
Seared chicken breast on herb crushed potatoes with jus gras – juicy, succulent breast of chicken.
Daube of beef with fondant potato, rich jus and crispy winter vegetable salad – well braised beef that easily fell apart on the palate.
The main were served with sides of Fresh garden sald balsamic vinaigrette, & Seasonal steamed vegetables (broccoli and pine nuts).
Dessert
Lemon tart served with orange sauce, double cream and candied lemon – refreshingly tart.
Vegetarian alternative (i think) – again can someone fill me in on this one? sorbet?
Coffee and little delights – slightly bitter, but nice creamy-smoothness.
Rating: Yummy – decent bistro-style food. Personally, the Moroccan influence is too subtle and a little questionable for me. My overall impression was quite positive with meats being cooked nicely retaining its succulence and juice, seasoning was flavoursome (although at times a tad salty) and service was fairly efficient despite the obstacles – all of us congregating in huge groups to take photos sure formed huge barricades. No doubt pretty reasonable quality control given it is a mass production line for 100+ people, and is arguably one of the better catered events I have attended.
A lot of time and effort has gone into the organisation of this lovely event, so many many thanks to the Graduation Dinner committee for all the hard work!
[A few of the ‘decor’ photos above, have been taken from the sumac website as an alternative to posting all the attendees faces all over my blog =P]
The decorations look fabulous, le bon travail!
Can’t believe ya ordered coffee at night, looks delicious anywayz.
My favourite photo is the reflection in the wine glass.
coffee – well i think i needed it to head over to the afterparty LOLz, otherwise i would’ve just fallen asleep.
Agreed about favourite photo – too bad i didn’t take anymore photos of the actual scenery… too busy taking ppl photos =).
Do your friends know this food blogger side of you?
some do + some will after i unshamefully sharing all over facebook with photo tags HAHA. Luckily I gain no monetary profit from this blogging business otherwise I’d be accused of being unscrupulous. LOLz.
Yay! Congrats again on graduating!
Congratulations! And the food looks pretty good!
Shellie & Leaf – thanks!!!
Congratulations on graduating! Such a great feeling. What a fabulous (and delicious!) way to celebrate.
Heidi xo
Congratulations on Graduating!
The food looks absolutely delicious, what better way to celebrate the end of 6 longs years of study 🙂
Heidi & Susan – thanks really appreciate it! Its FINALLY over, well sort of for a while at least.
Hi, just dropping by to say HI! And congratulations on graduating- well done! 😀
thanks!!! and love ur blog =).
Congrats on graduating! Well done – here’s to the next chapter of your life 🙂
thanks Agnes!!! indeed next chapter!!! but before that a nice indulgent summer HAHAHA.