Last night Balmain wine bar and restaurant The Cottage launched their 2014 winter menu. 150 locals, friends, media and celebrities attended including PSY impersonator Teddy Kim, regular TV fashion commentator Sarah Stavrow from The Fashion Institute, Caroline Groth and former Popstars contestant Arrnott Olssen.
Guests were greeted by laid back tunes from pop rock musician Dom Cotton and tasters and delicious cocktails from the new winter menu. Head Chef Ellen Young has created a menu full of comforting and wholesome dishes to help you warm up and beat the winter blues, and on the night dishes served included roasted cauliflower with pulled lamb shoulder, raisins and vinaigrette; maple & cider beef brisket with celeriac crisp and horseradish cream; arancini of tomato, smoked mozzarella and parmesan; mushrooms stuffed with barley, dried fruit, herbs and chevre; and Yellowfin tuna tartare with beetroot relish, apple, pickled fennel, dukkah. There was also an endless supply of freshly shucked oysters served at the oyster bar.
Cocktails included a selection of the new menu constructed by co-owner Osman Misirlizade, all of which use fresh ingredients and have impeccable presentation – there was the Speyside Sour which consists of Glenfiddich 12 year and ginger liqueur lengthened with lemon juice, honey water and finished with orange bitters; The Slow Cuban which is a twist on the mojito, including Plymouth sloe gin shaken with pressed mint and lime and charged with soda; and the Lemon & Basil Gimlet consisting of Citron vodka & limoncello shaken with fresh basil, lemon and lime.
To finish off the evening The Cottage showcased its extensive selection of the finest cheeses from the UK, France, Spain and Italy, served on beautiful platters, and which were so popular they were gone before you could say cheese!
The Cottage Bar & Kitchen is a charming venue that food and cocktail lovers relish, and locals want to make their regular hangout. With its mismatch kitsch and vintage furniture, and warm and welcoming ambience, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into grandma’s farmhouse!
