I’ve had Tomislav (2/13 Kirketon Rd, Darlinghurst) on my Noms wishlist for a while now and when I got the opportunity to have a masterclass at the hatted restaurant, I jumped at the chance!
When we arrive we are greeted by the very charming and enthusiastic Ann-Maree who seems to be Tomislav’s 2IC and takes us through the evening’s schedule before taking our drinks order and directing us to the open plan kitchen in the small restaurant.
Our small group is here to listen to the masterful chef Tomislav Martinovic and his inspirations and influences behind some of his delicous creations.
He tells us how some of the simplest things like McDonalds soft serves, Sara-Lee cheesecake and the childhood Milkyway chocolate influence him when he is looking to create a new dish.
Inspiration – the original Sara-Lee cheesecake
CHEESECAKE
Starting with the cheesecake, he shows us from start to finish how he has created his dish. He wants to recreate those memories, he says, but with high quality ingredients and techniques not different from those found in a science lab.
Tomislav in action
With experience in the Heston Blumenthal’s three-Michelin-starred Fat Duck in London and other well known restaurants, Tomislav is well equipped to take on these meals with a twist.
I think these were ricotta cubes..
Cheesecake filling taste test
RICE CRISPS
Next we see the infamous rice crisps that start out as small thin discs and turn into ginormous crisps, light and crunchy, when dropped into the burning hot oil.
Yum!
3-course menu
After watching the chefs do their thing, we take our seats and get ready for the 3-course meal ahead. The lovely Ann-Maree brings us a taster to begin the meal and WOW. The unexpected little bite was light and fluffy and melted in the mouth, all cheesy and delish.
Three cheese marshmallow
Next up was the rice crisps we watched earlier which come in two flavours. We choose the salt and vinegar for the sheer fun of playing with the vinegar atomiser which you spray onto the crisps.
I may or may not have drenched mine with the vinegar spray as the vinegar wasn’t as tart as I thought (or am used to) but it was fun way to start the meal.
First course
BUTTERNUT PUMPKIN SOUP
I love a good pumpkin soup and this was just the right amount with pea shoots and cured bacon fat (ZOMG!). Those onion rings are delish
POACHED SALMON
With sour potato, rainforest lime and grilled chinese cabbage, the salmon is poached perfectly and melts in your mouth.
BUTTERMILK CHICKEN
I’m also a HUGE fan of fried chicken so loved this course, the meat was sooooo good but I wasn’t so crash hot on the sides.. with chocolate cubes in a cauliflower puree style thing.. not sure.
DESSERT~!
And so we reach the last course of the evening and we’re back at square one with the Sara-Lee inspired lemon cheesecake creation. Served with mint crumbs, strawberry frozen yoghurt and grilled pineapple it closes the meal really well with smokey flavours of the sweet grilled pineapple mixing well with the creamy cheese mousse filling.
The chocolate caramel cake is also delish and I can’t say no to the coconut ice and chocolate crumbs. The apple ice cream set it off well too.
Tomislav – tick!
The Blonde Tourist 