On a stunning summer Saturday afternoon with clear blue skies and a gentle cooling breeze, the Bailli of Perth, members and invited guests boarded the True North for a relaxing afternoon of friendship, food, and wine.

 

True North is a 50 Metre monohull adventure yacht that takes its guests on voyages of discovery in lavish style exploring the coastline of Australia and beyond.

As guests boarded the boat greeted with a chilled glass of sparkling from Wise Wines, one of Margaret River’s finest, we immediately sensed this afternoon was going to be something special.

 

Friendly smiling crew guided an inspection of the spacious cabins and amenities before guests mingled in the luxuriously appointed main lounge, bar area and expansive back deck. Much to the delight of all aboard, Tony Isle was preparing to shuck the freshest Albany oysters against the backdrop of the West Australian coastline.

 

Albany Rock Oysters are grown across farms from Albany to Carnarvon and are naturally perfect from the unspoilt waters of the Southern Ocean.  At this time of year, the oysters are plump and deliciously creamy with a hint of sea salt and a lingering savoury taste on the palate.

 

We left Fremantle harbour and headed north towards Cottesloe.  As we set sail, the attentive crew commenced our relaxed lunch service.

Cold canapes; the first being bruschetta served 2 ways; Crab and Fennel with sweet local crab and a delicate mayonnaise sprinkled with fennel on a crispy toasted base, or the fresh and bright taste of cherry tomatoes and grape.  Add the boldly flavoured Kingfish Ceviche with coconut, turmeric and lime and this afternoon is off to a fabulous start. 

 

We really are privileged to have passionate chefs, Amanda Ivankovic and Luke Pursell preparing and serving quality food from locally sourced produce.

 

As the afternoon meanders by the hot canapes are offered.  Perfectly seared shark bay scallops with smoked corn puree, and a crispy prosciutto crumb; a wonderful blend of flavour and texture. Tempura prawns with a  Ponzu Kewpie Mayonnaise that perfectly compliment the delicate shellfish. Beef cheek croquettes rich and deep in flavour with olive aioli and pickled chilies,  and finally the corn and jalapeno arancini, a delightful twist on this staple of Sicilian cuisine, served with lemon Aioli.

 

As if we had not been spoiled enough, we were then treated to a choice of box meals.  The first was Panko crumbed King George Whiting, hand cut potato wedges, with tartare sauce and lemon.  If there was ever a place to enjoy this heavenly twist on this iconic meal, it has to be here !   The second was Chicken Teriyaki, sticky rice with sesame slaw.  Succulent slices of chicken accompanied by the tastes of Asia.

 

Throughout the day, guests were lavished with a choice of beverages, with a selection of wines and artisanal gin being provided by our wonderful friends at Wise Wines.   Guests could pair the food offering of the afternoon with plentiful wine choices. 

Sparkling Bead Chardonnay Pinot Noir is a delicate and balanced Sparkling Wine. Fresh lifted lemon zest characters from Chardonnay are balanced by softly textured and perfumed Pinot Noir. Sparkling Black Bead 2018 Shiraz, a wonderful balance of complexity with plum and spice flavours and a velvety chocolate finish.  

 

2 stunning whites including 2021 Porongorup Riesling which was intensely aromatic with citrus blossom, and the palate fresh and lively with an abundance of lemon and lime, some mineral characters, and a long dry finish.  The 2020 Eagle Bay Chardonnay, which was a firm favourite, a Gingin clone from the Karridale vineyard in the southern end of the cape. The fruit was handpicked and whole bunch pressed then the juice transferred to a selection of new and one year old French oak Barriques for a slow cool fermentation with wild yeasts.  Delicious!

 

The 2 reds consisted of 2020 Great Southern Pinot Noir exhibiting a fruit driven palate layered with cedar and spice as a result of the French Oak. The wine has a spicy core and a soft savoury finish and very easy drinking. 2020 Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon; a great example of a classic Margaret River Cabernet, displaying aromas of black cherry and cassis with a deep mocha influence from the oak.

 

Also, a selection of artisan gins all using Chardonnay grapes as the base liquor including Signature Gin, Ginger Gin, Pink Gin and a superbly rich Shiraz Gin topped with soda or tonic and garnished with fruits and herbs. Lovely and thirst quenching on such a warm day!

 

Our food journey ended with a selection of desserts.   Silky dark chocolate tart with fresh berries, and sweet sticky mini pavlovas with Chantilly cream, Yuzu curd and fresh strawberries.

 

Another wonderful culinary journey for la Chaine des Rotisseurs Perth. The perfect occasion to catch up with our friends and to make new ones. Special thanks again to the wonderful chefs and the fabulous crew of the True North.

 

Vive La Chaine !

 

Fran Andrews - Dame de la Chaine

Sande Saulsman - Vice-Chancelier