World Rum Day took on a whole new meaning at Morena restaurant this year. An intimate group of 12 gathered for a truly special evening, indulging in “The Diplomático: A taste of Venezuela” sharing set menu.
The night unfolded like a warm family gathering, fueled by delicious Venezuelan cuisine, expertly crafted rum cocktails, and captivating stories. We were treated to the insights of Diplomático’s Maestro Ronero, Nelson Hernandez, who shared his passion for Venezuelan rum throughout the evening. Morena’s Head Chef, Samuel Rivas, masterfully orchestrated a delectable feast that took us on a journey through Venezuela.
The meal began with a delightful textural contrast: the cassava flatbread, likely light and slightly sweet, served with the Copper Tree Farm’s cultured criolla butter, offering a savoury and tangy counterpoint. This was followed by a refreshing selection of raw dishes – Lau Lau crudo promised melt-in-your-mouth fish with pops of sweet and tart from the tamarillo (a citrusy fruit) and palm heart (offering a subtle artichoke-like flavour). The king prawn ceviche likely had a bright and acidic profile thanks to the citrus marinade, complemented by the sweetness of the green plantain and the rich, earthy flavours of the sofrito (a base of sauteed vegetables). Each bite was a burst of flavour, perfectly paired with the Joropo Encantado cocktail. Imagine the Diplomatico Planas Rum providing a smooth base with hints of vanilla and caramel, accented by the tang of the fermented pineapple guarapo (a non-alcoholic beverage made from fermented pineapple juice), the warmth of cumin, the sweetness of demerara sugar, and the nutty richness of the sherry.
The “Snack” course introduced us to La cantara queso de mana arepa, a small, deep-fried cornmeal pocket likely filled with a mild and creamy queso de mano cheese. The guasacaca, a Venezuelan avocado sauce, would have added a vibrant green colour, a creamy texture, and a hint of acidity. This was followed by a unique and decadent indulgence: a Berkshire suckling pig corn dumpling. Imagine the delicate sweetness of the corn dough encasing the tender and flavorful pork, all accented by the earthy luxury of Manjimup truffles.
The main course offered a choice between two tempting options: MBS 5+ Black Opal wagyu girello. This melt-in-your-mouth cut of wagyu beef would have been incredibly flavourful, and the jus infused with Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Rum promised an extra layer of complexity, with hints of oak, vanilla, and caramel from the rum. The other option, is a succulent half free-range chicken, served with hallaquitas (small cornmeal pockets filled with various ingredients) and a jus infused with Diplomatico Planas Rum, likely offering a lighter rum character. Both dishes were accompanied by a gratin of ripe plantain (offering a natural sweetness) and potato, along with a refreshing salad featuring radicchio (a slightly bitter lettuce), endives (offering a touch of peppery flavour), radish (adding a sharp, refreshing bite), and a Brazil nut vinaigrette, which would have brought a nutty richness and a touch of sweetness to the mix.
No Venezuelan feast is complete without dessert, and Morena did not disappoint. We concluded our dinner with a delightful coconut quesillo. Imagine a rich and creamy coconut custard infused with burnt caramel and a touch of sweetness from the Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Rum. This sweet luxury was perfectly complemented by the Aurora Express cocktail, a blend of Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Rum, offering notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel, balanced by the espresso for a kick, the sweetness of coffee liqueur, the bright citrus notes of mandarin, and the warmth of cardamom.
Overall, the evening at Morena was left with a belt unbuckled, licking my lips at all the flavours tasted. The combination of exceptional food, expertly crafted rum cocktails, and captivating stories by Diplomático’s Maestro Ronero created a warm and inviting atmosphere that transported us to the heart of Venezuela.
Whether you’re a rum aficionado or simply seeking a delicious and unique dining experience, Morena’s “The Diplomático: A Taste of Venezuela” is an evening not to be missed.
Moreno
Sydney GPO, 1 Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
T: +61 2 6305 6820 | E: info@morenasydney.com.au | Book Online
