Renate and Toby Wedding Reception: MCA, The Rocks, Sydney (6 Nov 2009)

Wedding: Illoura Reserve, Peacock Point, Balmain East NSW 2041
Reception: 140 George Street, The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000
http://www.mca.com.au

Fantastic views of the Harbour

Cloudy skies thankfully held tight for the wedding ceremony located at the beautiful Illoura Reserve in Balmain East. As guests waited for the arrival of the bride, the Peterson House Pinot Noir Chardonnay 2005 remained on standby chilling on ice awaiting the ensuing celebration. Guests were then provided available ferry transport from Balmain Wharf to Circular Quay where upon they made their way to the spectacular harbour views of the Level 6 Circular Quay Terrace at the MCA. A great spot to appreciate two of Sydney's most notable landmarks of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House as the sunset came to night.

Drinks and canapés were on offer as guests arrived which included a very refreshing Lychee, Ginger and Vodka Cocktail. The tasty Mini Taco filled with lime and chilli marinated scallops and guacamole was very yummy. Freshly barbecued skewers followed of chicken, kingfish and beef with my favourite being the grilled king prawns marinated in lime and lemongrass with nam jim dressing — I love my seafood! For those still hungry later in the night came individual servings of Lamb Tagine with Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables and Grilled Fish with Shallot Dumplings. Although I was making sure to keep enough stomach space available for the amazing and delicious looking Baby Tiramisu Wedding Cake for dessert which hit the sugar spot.

While dining and photographing the BBQ food on the terrace I bumped into the same chef who was working the previous week at the John Boston Premium Lager Launch in the Royal Botanic Gardens — I soon learnt Belinda Franks Catering looks after the catering for both of these venues amongst many others.

The wedding

The reception

The cake

The food

Lychee, ginger and vodka cocktail

SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Mini taco filled with lime and chilli marinated scallops and guacamole

SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Brioche with roast tomato and red wine butter

Peking duck in mandarin pancakes with cucumber, shallot and hoi sin sauce

Truffled mushroom pithiviers

Organic chicken with garlic and pepper with roast chilli dressing

Kingfish fillet with fresh lemon and olive oil

Grilled king prawns marinated in lime and lemongrass with nam jim dressing

SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Angus beef medallion wrapped in prosciutto with caramelised onions

Lamb tagine with roasted mediterranean vegetables and fragrant cous cous

Steamed reef fish with ginger and shallot dumplings in a mushroom broth

Italian meringue lemon curd tarts with honey glaze and gold leaf

Baby tiramisu

SIMON FAVOURITE :-)

Terrace BBQ

In the kitchen

Wedding location

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Reception location

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