The Chocolate Irish Dinner Banquet, @On the Rocks, Crowne plaza, Chennai.

On The Rocks, Crowne plaza is hosting a  six-course meal infused with the lusciousness of Earth Loaf chocolates curated by Chef Prakash of OTR in association with David Belo the founder of 'Earth Loaf' is association with  Jameson Whiskey.

We were treated to some exquisite cocktails created by David and the team at 'On the Rocks' along with some excellent food as usual by Chef Prakash.

On entering 'On the Rocks' we were treated to some Appertivo called 'Jamie in Brooklyn' (Which was a spicy homemade Vermouth with a touch of bitter orange, orange flower water, Ladhaki Apricot Kernel syrup and Jameson Whisky). This drink really set the tone for the rest of the evening,
Note : “Aperitivo” comes from the Latin word meaning “to open” and in Italian, little something to encourage you to feel hungry, to get the juices flowing for the upcoming meal which ought to be enjoyed to the fullest .

---

'Jamie in Brooklyn' being prepared by one of the the resident Barmen of OTR

This was followed by the Soup which consisted of  Roasted Squash and infused with Chilli Chocolate. 

The soup was followed by another Cocktail fashioned by David, 'The Mango and Capsicum Toddy' This cocktail consisted of Red Capsicum, lemon juice, mango pulp, with a touch of Vanilla and Jameson Whisky.

Roasted Squash and infused with Chilli Chocolate soup

'The Mango and Capsicum Toddy

This was followed by a choice of 4 Appetizers, 

• Soft Polenta with wild mushrooms and Creamy Chocolate Sauce 
• Pickled Kholrabi, Crab and Chocolate Jelly with Chilli Olive Oil 
• Grilled Asparagus, Peas, Blue Cheese with White Chocolate Hollandaise 
• Melange of Root vegetables with Goat cheese cream, Honey Comb And Balsamic Chocolate Vinaigrette

Since four of us were dining , we ordered one of each of thr appetizers to get a taste of each one. For me the Pickled Kholrabi with Crab was the winner, though every one of the appetizers was excellent.
Note: Kholrabi is also called the German Turnip, known locally as Noolkol in Tamil

Pickled Kholrabi, Crab and Chocolate Jelly with Chilli Olive Oil

Soft Polenta with wild mushrooms and Creamy Chocolate Sauce

Grilled Asparagus, Peas, Blue Cheese with White Chocolate Hollandaise

Melange of Root vegetables with Goat cheese cream, Honey Comb And Balsamic Chocolate Vinaigrette

This was followed by a Bitter Chocolate and Mint Sorbet, which was a palate cleanser
Followed by a Sage and Berry Fizz, which consisted of Sage , berry marmalade, mint, lemon juice and nutmeg garnished with black pepper.

Bitter Chocolate and Mint Sorbet,

Sage and Berry Fizz,

This was followed by the Main Course which had 4 options. We of course ordered one of each,

• Single Origin Dark Chocolate Ravioli with Mint and Green Pea Puree with Sage Beurre Noisette
• Roasted Salmon with Creamed Spinach and Corn with Saffron Potato And Dill White Chocolate Butter Mussolini Sauce
• Chocolate and Creole Spiced Chicken breast with Char-grilled Artichoke, Confit tomatoes and Bitter Chocolate Pepper Sauce
• Belgium Cocoa Rubbed Lamb Chops with Cauliflower puree, Parmesan Potato with Chocolate and Whiskey Soaked Raisin Sauce

The Lamb Chops and the Ravioli were my favourites :)

Single Origin Dark Chocolate Ravioli with Mint and Green Pea Puree with Sage Beurre Noisette

Chocolate and Creole Spiced Chicken breast with Char-grilled Artichoke, Confit tomatoes and Bitter Chocolate Pepper Sauce

Belgium Cocoa Rubbed Lamb Chops with Cauliflower puree, Parmesan Potato with Chocolate and Whiskey Soaked Raisin Sauce

Roasted Salmon with Creamed Spinach and Corn with Saffron Potato And Dill White Chocolate Butter Mussolini Sauce

We were served another Cocktail 'Smoke & Mirrors' which consisted of Charred Pineapple, raisins, apricot kernel syrup, lemon juice, touch of paprika and Jameson Irish Whisky, garnished with smoked Lapsang Souchong

Smoke & Mirrors

The Glasses being 'Smoked' at the bar

This was followed by the Pre Dessert, which was a Jameson and Chocolate Granitaand Dessert which was a Swiss Chocolate and Jameson Brule
Both of them were exquisite and had us requesting another helping

The Desserts were followed by 'Jameson Blue Blazer' a cocktail invented in the 1860's where the Flamed Irish Whisky is seasoned with Aromatic lemon and orange zests, cassia, pepper, nutmeg and apple and served with a side of Earth Loaf Artisan 'Himalayan Fruit and Nut Chocolate'.

​Just watching the cocktail being prepare was a sight to behold. 

This was followed by 'Petit Fours' and 'Irish Coffee'

Petit Fours

Verdict

This is definitely in the 'Do not Miss' category of Culinary and Spirit events, if you are based in Chennai. This fusion between some excellent culinary artists is a feast to all your senses.

The dinner is available at 'On the Rocks' at 'Crowne Plaza Chennai' from 19th June- 26th June7.00 pm onward. (Prior Reservation recommended)

David Belo is the founder of Earth Loaf , an artisan Chocolate manufacturer based out of Mysore. Do visit their Site here,