The Venue

For a change of pace, the Annual Dinner for 2010 took the form of a luncheon.

Chez Olivier L'Epicerie, the Elsternwick baby to the Prahran parent Chez Olivier Le Bistro, is a charming European-style wine bar and eatery which fizzes with French finesse rolled up in a distinctly Melbourne style.  In fact, chef Jacky Frenot dubs the cuisine "Frozzie" (Frog-Ozzie), and it's easy to see why in dishes like the kangaroo fillet grillade, and the Frozzie double-roasted duck.  Like any formidable French spot, the desserts and wines are key attractions, and here is no exception.  With two classy dining rooms and a sunny terrace, Chez Olivier L'Epicerie brings something different to Glen Eira Road.
 

Menu

In keeping with custom, guests were welcomed with a glass of bubbly, followed by luncheon consisting of choices from the following menu.

Entrées

   Pissaladière – Caramelised onion, anchovy & olive tart
   Seafood Bisque – Thick, rich traditional seafood soup from Normandie
   Huitres chaudes au Champagne – Oysters served in a Champagne & leek reduction and gratinée
   Escargots – Snails in garlic butter sauce.

Main Course

   Pavé à la Béarnaise – Thick eye fillet with pommes Sarladaises, Béarnaise sauce and green salad
   Cassoulet – Traditional dish from the Toulouse region with duck confit
   Poisson du Jour – Fish of the Day John Dory
   Goat Cheese and Pesto Ravioli.

Cheese Platter

Desserts

   Tarte Tatin  or  Orange & Cointreau Crème Brulée  or  Clafoutis aux Cerises.

Wines

   Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon – Taltarni 2009
   Shiraz – Taltarni 2007.