Wharf Restaurant, Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay

Wharf Restaurant, Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay

Friday 14 September, 2007

Tonight Inala - a Rudolf Steiner organisation supporting individuals with disabilities - had their annual fundraising dinner. Hosted by their Patron Blanche d'Alpuget and her husband Bob Hawke with entertainment provided by Mirian Margolyes it was bound to be an entertaining evening.

The Wharf Restaurant is located at the end of Pier 4 on Hickson Road which is shared by the Sydney Theatre Company (STC). To get to the restaurant you walk down a long corridor with framed STC posters on either side. As we neared the end we were met with long sheer white curtains hanging from ceiling to floor. Looking through the curtains you could see 100's of tea lights - it was very special.

As the guests were ushered into the restaurant the impact of the tea lights against the backdrop of the Harbour was breathtaking. Already placed on each setting were our entrees:

- Lightly smoked trout with pickled beetroot and shiso (this was a standout - the fresh, light trout was a perfect match for the beetroot - this will be a regular dish over Summer)

Miriam Margolyes is an award winning British actor and is currently in Australia performing her one person show, Dickens' Women. Many people may know her as Professor Sprout from the Harry Potter films or from her roles in The Age of Innocence, Ladies in Lavender, Being Julia or her voice from Babe, Mulan or Happy Feet. Miriam entertained us in 2 parts - before the main course and after the main course. Before the main course she shared stories of her life in British theatre, meeting the Queen, coming to Australia etc. She was warm, engaging and highly entertaining.

There was a choice for the main course:

- Braised lamb with polenta and baby vegetables (the lamb was tender however I'm not a fan of polenta)

- Five spice chicken with white kumera and green onion

After the main course Miriam performed a snippet from her one person show, Dickens' Women. This was really sensational and judging from the reaction from the crowd I'm quite certain her show will be sold out shortly. This was followed by an auction and raffle draw then dessert:

- Raspberry pavlova roulade with raspberries (this was fluffy, light and the raspberries were sweet and delicious)

The staff at the Wharf Restaurant were excellent - they anticipated everyone's needs, kept glassed filled, cleared plates promptly and were very polite.

This was a fantastic night for a good cause and the venue was stunning.

Wharf Restaurant - Pier 4 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay - (02) 9250 1761

http://www.thewharfrestaurant.com.au/