BY NERRIN WARR
Vincent Street Kitchen and Bar, celebrated for transforming club dining, has further showcased its innovative spirit through a collaboration with The Little Wine Company.
This union emerged as the ‘perfect pairing’, blending Head Chef Shaun Simon’s dedication to authentic Italian cuisine, refined during his time working in Sydney’s Italian restaurants, with The Little Wine Company’s forefront introduction and perfection of alternative wine varieties like Albarino, Barbera, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Vermentino, and the newest kid on the block, Pecorino, to the Hunter Valley.
More than mere dining, this experience was an immersive voyage, with each course and wine pairing opening a window to Italy’s varied terrain— from the rugged landscapes of Sardinia to the hills of Abruzzo. Where the flavours and stories behind each wine transported us, if only for an evening, to these distant, enchanting regions.
Suzanne and Ian Little, as the most gracious of guides, shared their winemaking experiences with a warmth and humility that only deepened the connection to the lands their wines hailed from.
The evening commenced with a vibrant Caprese featuring heirloom tomatoes, bresaola, burrata, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze and olive oil, perfectly complemented by a crisp Vermentino, which boasted aromas of jasmine, white nectarine, and a touch of warm spice.
This was followed by the indulgent flavours of Beef Carpaccio, adorned with rocket, balsamic glaze, citrus, and pecorino cheese crisps, accompanied by Pecorino, celebrating its crisp palate with delicate pear and pink lady apple flavours.
The third course was the Chicken Puttanesca, paired with a robust Sangiovese, known for its red fruit flavours and savoury finish.
The Lamb Fillet, tenderly cooked and served with grilled pumpkin and asparagus was elevated by the bold character of Llamas in Pyjamas Malbec, showcasing Malbec’s signature variety from Argentina.
The final course was Cannoli, filled with dark chocolate crème patisserie, topped with macerated strawberries, and dusted with icing sugar, perfectly paired with the Classic Tawny, matured for 7 years in French oak.
Vincent Street Kitchen and Bar’s dedication to fostering relationships with local winemakers highlights their deep-rooted commitment to the community of Cessnock.
By exclusively featuring wines from local wineries, they not only promote the rich tapestry of the region’s viticulture but also support the local businesses that are the backbone of our community. Their innovative approach to club dining, combined with contemporary meals and thoughtfully curated degustation experiences, brings a taste of the world to Cessnock while celebrating the essence of local produce and craftsmanship.
Exciting News from The Little Wine Company: Suzanne and Ian are thrilled to announce the opening of their new Cellar Door in Broke on March 8, right next to Magoony’s Coffee House. This new venture sits alongside their established Wine House Cellar Door in Pokolbin.
