Dear Stormer ,

I am very sorry to hear that you have not been well . I hope things are better for you now .

Apropos of our GTG I have booked a work related dinner at the new Movida Aqui next week for a work related function .It is convenient to work so a good option .

My assistant did all the ground work for me but they do a $65 pp fixed price dinner , no dessert and drinks extra , for groups over 6 persons . So just in case we need it we can always use it if good.I expect it will be good .

They required a credit card as security for the booking and if it is canceled there is a fee of $20 per person but maybe more if it is done at the last minute . So worth knowing .

Keep well and happy .

John

Hi All,

I have had confirmation from Trunk for our dinner on the 22nd May. We would love to hear your report John re Movida Aqui - you just never know - so thanks for that.

Health issues are taking their time getting sorted - I'm sure I'll get there but can't get into a specialist until early May! Doh!!! I'm sure it will sort itself out! Doctors have to start at the obvious and work their way back - it seems I'm a complete mystery - well, nothing new there!

Will post again soon.
Regards
Stormbird

Fantastic .

I will pick a bar for pre dinner drinks asap .

And I will report on MoVida Aqui after dinner next Thursday night .

And as for your health my only ( gratuitous and I hope not impertinent ) advice is to get second opinions if serious things are being discussed .Most importantly be well for 22 May !

Cheers ,

John

I went to MoVida Aqui a couple of weeks ago when I was down in Melbourne for the Cubism show at Heide. It was absolutely fantastic food, can't recommend it too highly. Cafe Vue at Heide was fabulous also.

Pleased to read that Susan.Looking forward to it as I certainly always enjoy the food at the original in Hosier Lane.

Susan, I hadn't realised that the new Cafe Vue at Heide was already opened. I've been looking forward to it. What did you think of the cubism show? Is it worth going to?

Hi Shandy, the cubism show is fantastic. Incredibly well researched and installed, one of the best Australian art shows I've seen in well over a decade. It's on until April, I'm tempted to make another trip down to see it.

Book a table if you go to the cafe, it's very busy.

Well MoVida Aqui was excellent . We had a fixed price 7 course menu , which is coimpulsory for groups of 6+ , at $65 per head plus drinks.The chef selects whatever is good but they ask if you dislike certain things or are allergic etc to certain foods when you are first seated .The wine list is no bargain and the cheapest seemed around $50 to $60 but what we got at that price was excellent - a Heathcote Marsanne / Viognier and a Spanish red that was a Pinot / Shiraz blend .

The food included slow beef cheek on soft polenta , paella , jamon , roast quail on chick peas and black pudding . There was more food than we could eat . But I still shared the trifle and another had creme catalan which looked wonderful . So dinner for 9 with about 5 bottles of wine and some coffees and 3 desserts was about $950 plus tip .

Topping this as it took me a while to find it!

I'm just looking for cheap flights ....

Funny, I was going to bring this back up yesterday but ran out of time. I'm currently on hold with Telstra so I know I will have a lot of time to talk here now.

I was going to see if we're all finalised and happy with Trunk - I have booked it, as you know. We still haven't finalised a bar to meet at. Honestly, John I'd be happy and I'm sure everyone else would also, for you to make that decision.

And ..numbers - who is definitely in ...or is it too early to ask yet?

was about to book flights - and now house sitter problem...

Hoping.

Stormbird, John et al, you've done such an amazing job organising this! I do hope you all have a great time!

Although I would dearly have loved to meet you all - Neil (hope he is well enough to make it),and Bokhara especially -I've decided to become a "rarely sighted Fodorite".

I'll drop in sometimes but I've decided that personal circumstances at the moment that have led to my supposedly somewhat fragile feelings might not be entirely suited to Fodors just now....wishing you all the best, though, it should be wonderful!

Libretto

stormbird -

Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend, but I hope everyone has a wonderful time! Please report back afterwards.

Well I am disappointed that a number of our favourite members cannot make it but I well understand .

Funny that this came up because I was " up the Trunk " end of town today walking back from the dentist( my mouth represents many,many,many equivalents of return First Class airfares )and was thinking about bars for the GTG and the need to do as I said and nominate a good one .

I am happy to select the bar venue that I think we will all like .

It would be helpful Stormbird , and everyone ,to know how many we will be at drinks and dinner in case the numbers are different as that affects the choice of bar .

Otherwise Stormbird what else is needed ? Deposits for dinner cost ? or ?? Just let me know .

John

I'm in - looking forward to it.

Okay sorry for the size of this post BUT WE HAVE TO CHOOSE A MENU OPTION!!! Please read and let me know your thoughts. We also need to decide if we want a beverage package, details continue after the menu options.

So could we have a vote for MENU/BEVERAGE OPTIONS AND NUMBERS PLEASE OF WHO IS COMING!! Many thanks in advance.

TRUNK
SET MENU OPTIONS
2 course $55 per person (Option A)
Set Entree and Main
Choose from the following mains only:
Entree
Trunk’s antipasti for the table
Main
Aged sirloin, pearl barley, mustard onions & Nebbiolo sauce
Fish of the Day with cauliflower puree, fennel & celery salad
Potato gnocchi, heirloom tomato, basil & parmesan (v)
Includes coffee/tea

2 course $60 per person (Option B)

Main and Dessert

Choose from the following:

MAIN

Aged sirloin, pearl barley, mustard onions & Nebbiolo sauce
Fish of the day with cauliflower puree, fennel & celery salad
Potato gnocchi, heirloom tomato, basil & parmesan (v)

Dessert

Mascarpone panna cotta & berries
Chocolate & hazelnut semi freddo
Italian cheese selection

Includes coffee/tea









TRUNK
SET MENU OPTIONS
2 Course $65 per person (Option C)
Entree and Main
Choose from the following:
Entree
Tuna Carpaccio, pickled vegetables & micro herbs
Wagyu breasola, goat’s curd & grilled artichoke
Crostini of roasted cherry tomatoes, pine nuts & fried basil (v)

Main

Aged sirloin, pearl barley, mustard onions & nebbiolo sauce
Fish of the day with cauliflower puree, fennel & celery salad
Potato gnocchi, heirloom tomato, basil & parmesan (v)

Includes coffe/tea

3 course $75 per person (Option D)

Entree, Main and Dessert

Choose from the following:

Entree

Tuna carpaccio, pickled vegetables & micro herbs
Wagyu breasola, goat’s curd & grilled artichoke
Crostini of roasted cherry tomatoes, pine nuts & fried basil (v)

Main

Aged sirloin, pearl barley, mustard onions & nebbiolo sauce
Fish of the day with cauliflower puree, fennel & celery salad
Potato gnocchi, heirloom tomato, basil & parmesan (v)

Dessert

Mascarpone panna cotta & berries
Chocolate & hazelnut semi freddo
Italian cheese selection

Includes coffee/tea

TRUNK
BEVERAGE PACKAGES
UPTOWN
Baumard Carte Turquoise NV Anjou, France
Craggy Range ‘Old Renwick’ Sauvignon Blanc 2008 NZ
Springvale Pino Gris 2008 TAS
Gembrook Hill Chardonnay 2005 VIC
Morilla ‘Praxis’ Pinot Noir 2008TAS
Wanted Man Shiraz 2008VIC
Stoney Vineyard Cabernet Suavignon 2004TAS

Please choose two whites and two reds in addition to your Champagne which is included.

Duration: Cost per head:

2 hours $75
3 hours $90
4 hours $125
5 hours $135

All wines are poured in the package. Includes all tap beer, soft drinks and mineral water. Wines are subject to availability and change.


MIDTOWN

Jansz Brut NV TAS
Catalina Sounds Sauvignon Bloanc 2008NZ
Gabbiano Pinot Grigio 2007ITALY
Red Claw Chardonnay 2008VIC
Yering Station Pinot Noir 2008VIC
Mount Langhi Cliff Edge Shiraz 2005VIC
Penley Pheonix Cabernet Sauvignon 2007SA

Please choose two white and two reds in addition to your Sparkling which is included.

Duration: Cost per head:

2 hours $42
3 hours $52
4 hours $65
5 hours $75

All wines are poured in the package. Includes all local tap beer, soft drinks and mineral water. Wines are subject to availability and change.






TRUNK
BEVERAGE PACKAGES
DOWNTOWN

Ville de Tronc Fizz NV McLaren Vale, SA
Wine No. 5 Cabernet Shiraz 2006VIC
Wine No. 5 Semillon Sauvignon 2007VIC

Duration: Cost per head:

2 hours $35
3 hours $40
4 hours $50
5 hours $60

All wines are poured in the package. Includes all local tap beer and soft drinks.

I should clarify that we do not have to take the beverage package. We can pay individually or have a tab!

I was a 'maybe' but have just found out that I double-booked! Hope it goes well!

I'm a definite starter and Mrs Rob will be there too, if that is ok. She is not sure what to expect from a bunch of Fodorites (I think she considers us all to be a bit odd), but I have assured her that most of us are normal people.

I like the look of the 3 course option, but would be happy with either of the other two choices.

Having the beverage package may be a bit of an imposition on someone who is a very light drinker (I believe that there are some) and I wouldn't want anyone to be subsidising my consumption. I'm happy to do a package if that is the preferred option, but would be content to pay as I go or operate a tab, whatever is the easiest.

Rob.