CATHERINE IN KATHERINE

We have always loved going to degustation dinners with matching wine added,  truth is we love any dinner and wine, but the specially organised ones can really open your eyes to a whole new adventure, like a new fly fishing ground.

For that reason when I saw an advert for a special degustation weekend with specially picked wines at the Nitmiluk (Cicada) Lodge in Katherine (aptly titled "Journey of the Palate" - The Spirited Traveller) I just had to go.  What an absoutley marvelous adventure it was too, best ever.  Magnificent food from Seona Moss a Six star chef (over and above the five star rating), matched with specialy selected wines by one of Australia's foremost wine writers and presenters, Jeremy Oliver.  To top all that off, sharing tables with like minded sparkling people and staying at a magnificent lodge with the lovable and adorable staff.

...Sounds like an incredible weekend?  Well, it certainly was. This was our room for the weekend, which included a welcoming foodie gift pack from the legendary Parap Fine Foods here in Darwin.                             

The first evening started with some amazing and delicious canapes served at sunset by the fabulous staff on the deck.  We were also welcomed by Nitmiluk Tours Chief Executive officer, Jane Runyu.

In 40 degree heat, cool watermelon canapes...just perfect!

The deck....with pool

The beautiful Seona Moss 

The amazing Jeremy Oliver

Photos of Seona and Jeremy courtesy of Cicada Lodge

Just some of the fabulous staff.  As you can see, multi award winning lodge.  They just added the 2018 NT Hospitality Award for best restaurant, hotel.  Congratulations to you all.

As you can see the tables were decorated just beautifully

Photo thanks to Fay Miller

Our divine dinner menu the first night.....

Here are photos of the entree, main and dessert...are you salivating yet?

Hervey Bay scallops in shell, sea urchin butter, lavender, lemon with Rochford Premium chardonnay 2017 Yarra Valley Vic

Black angus eye fillet, geranium scented beetroot, buttered kale, black garlic with Anrew Thomas Kiss shiraz Hunter Valley NSW

Gingernut trifle, fresh figs, brandy syrup, smoked almonds, jersey cream with Felsino Vin Santo 2006, Tuscany Italy

Saturday morning started with more beautiful food.....my continental breakfast...what more can I say.

We were then treated to a 2 hour Nitmiluk Gorge cruise...simply amazing and beautiful...you never tire of this magnificent ancient place.

Back to the lodge for, guess what...thats absolutely correct...more beautiful food.  This time a spectacular lunch of steamed barra.....

After lunch some people decided to "rest" I opted for more food.  A masterclass with Seona Moss, chef extraordinaire.  This talented young chef demonstrated three, simply stunning canapes....and we got to taste all three of them.

Gorgonzola tartlets with truffle honey (Photo Fay Miller)

Cucumber ribbons, toasted almonds, dill cashew cheese (Photo Fay Miller)

Scallops in shell with bacon butter and rye crisps (Photo Fay Miller)

Okay .........now it was time for a rest......

Saturday evening once again started with sunset drinks and canapes on the deck.

The piece de resistance...our 6 course degustation dinner with matching wines travelling through 6 countries......what can I say..... enjoy the photos.  I can still taste all of these spectacular dishes... 

Bintjie potatoe gnocchi, wild stinging nettle, truffle parmesan, lemon with Tyrrells Vat 1 Semillion 2007 (Photo Fay Miller)

Petite pickled vegetables foraged andgrown herbs with Edenflo Old Vine Riesling Gewurztraminer 2018 (Photo Fay Miller)

Almond gazpacho, crispy Iberian ham, black gzrlic with Descendients de J Palacios Moncerbal single vineyard Mencia 2015 Spain and Corymbia Tempranillo Malbec Cabernet 2017 Aust

Peringa farm lamb, baby leeks,yoghurt, sunflower shoots, rosemary flowers with Te Mata Bullnose syrah 2016 Hawkes Bay New Zealand and Yeringberg shiraz 2015, Yarra Valley Vic

Aerated chocolate mousse, hazelnut snow, milk tuilles with Joh Jos Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr riesling Auslese 2014, Weheln, Mosel Germany

Petite fours, kaju katli, coconut ladoo, rose lassi ice cream, indian style coffee with Chambers Rosewood Grane Muscadelle NV, Rutherglen Vic

Sunday morning started with another beautiful breakfast....

Simply stunning coddled eggs,  cured salmon

Then to top it all off a truly magnificent helicopter ride with Nitmiluk Heli Touring

Cicada Lodge from the air (Photo Fay Miller)

The magnificent Nitmiluk Gorge (Photo Fay Miller)

On driving back home to Darwin, Roger and I reflected on our weekend.  Amazing food, unbelievable wine, fantastic people and it certainly was one hell of a "Journey of the Palate".  Many many thanks to you all.