To kickstart the ‘Exclusive Experiences’ series this winter, Pullman partnered up with Glenfiddich Whisky to give us a fine dining evening that we will never forget.
The experience starts right out the elevator with hosts welcoming you with glasses of Whisky Sours, followed up with mini salted herb bread rolls with a side of a butter infused with olives, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and garlic.
Heading into the dining space, the dim lighting and centred seating makes for an immersive and intimate social setting as the curated menu becomes underway.
To be paired with the curated menu, we are introduced to Glenfiddich’s timeously aged whisky range to be enjoyed by even the pickiest of liquor enthusiasts: The Glenfiddich 12, 15, and 18.
The first dish of the night was one of unassuming appearance- Seared Scallops drizzled in Citrus Beurre Blanc sauce on a bed of Cauliflower Purée and topped with Crispy Pancetta. Paired with the Glenfiddich 12, the neutrality of the scallops and the saltiness of the pancetta begin to dissolve within the notes of the pear and oak present in the whisky.
In between budding conversations, a citrus and mint sorbet is swiftly brought out to ensure the tastebuds get a gentle reset before the main course- which proved to be every bit worth of its position in the night.
On the plate presented was medium rare Herb-Crusted Lamb Loin, creamy Dauphinoise Potatoes, a side of Glazed Baby Carrots and Rosemary Jus. As you take a sip of the spicy Glenfiddich 15, the fat from the loin immediately melts into a herb butter across your mouth, eliciting several happy dances and face scrunches of goodness.
To top it all off, dessert came in the form of 70% Dark Chocolate Fondant accompanied with Salted Caramel Brittle and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. A spoon of this and Glenfiddich 18’s baked apple, cinnamon and sherry flavour profiles will make you forget that you were ever full before.
Ashley Blankenberg, the Hotel Duty Manager and host of the night, says the whisky pairing and curated menu was always intended to feel approachable rather than overly complex. “The whisky chosen for the pairing this evening is from Glenfiddich’s entry range,” says Blankenberg. “Which is crafted to encourage beginners or just casual drinkers to find their signature through a curated experience that highlights all the key notes in each whisky.”
He also adds that he often finds a crowd favourite is the Glenfiddich 18. “It’s fruity and elegant oak taste often deliver a smooth and distinct texture in comparison to the other that I think a lot of people prefer in a whisky.”
Ultimately, this Pullman x Glenfiddich pairing experience offered a blend of great music, excellent whisky, exceptional dining, and striking city night views that will leave you coming back for more ‘Exclusive Experiences’ to come.
For more on their upcoming exclusive dining experiences
Visit: https://www.pullmancapetown.com/events/
Instagram: @pullmancapetown | Facebook: @pullmancapetown
Also See: Small groups, big impact: Elevating group dining at Steenberg Farm
Small groups, big impact: Elevating group dining at Steenberg Farm
Words by Fezeka Mpanza and images provided.
