Masterchef Food Tour of Sydney Part 3: ARIA

Day 3

ARIA

The meal

SCALLOPS

Roasted, shaved Brussel sprout salad, pumpkin puree and a raisin and caper dressing

PORK BELLY

Kurobuta pork belly with pickled watermelon and crackling

BEEF

Roasted fillet and cheek of beef with celeriac puree, roasted onions and Bordelaise sauce

Steamed broccolini with anchovy and chilli vinaigrette

MURRAY COD

Seared fillet of Murray Cod, sauteed razor clams with sweet corn, parsley and grilled pancetta

TART

Custard tart with poached pears, nutmeg and ginger bread ice cream

VALRHONA CHOCOLATE

Tempered Manjari chocolate with raspberries, brownie and cacao ice cream

SOUFFLE

Orange and Grand Marnier with chocolate ice cream

MANGO

Mango pavlova with passionfruit, saffron cream, and lime and basil sorbet

The verdict

The Masterchefs with special guest Gumph aka the suspended AB's hooker

Masterchef Braz: "Pre-dinner highlight: Trip across the Harbour Bridge. The food was uncomplicated and delicious. The beef was cooked to perfection. Loved the broccolini. Waterfront views were awesome. Overall: 8/10"

Masterchef C: "Great food and service but lacked some atmosphere and table arrangement. View from window made up for this. A la carte was on the cards tonight, different from the other nights. Food was well presented. The dish of the night: Crispy skin Murray Cod. Overall: 7/10"

Masterchef Ralph: "Pricy but the food was substantial compared to the other night e.g. finally I was full!" 

Masterchef Chicken: "Food highlight: The steak...cooked perfectly. Atmosphere: Not as good as Bennelong but good lighting so we could discreetly view the hotties in the restaurant that night. Service: Best of the tour...coming from an ex pat Kiwi...who liked Central Otago Pinot! Entertainment: Watching the BP's heading to the ARIA show at the Opera House. Low point: Being late to the restaurant after an unscheduled trip across the Harbour Bridge and getting the worst seat to capture the "views"...and not meeting Matt Moran in person! Rating: A strong 7.5/10 from me...it may have been upgraded if we had got there earlier and if I had got a better seat!"