Return to TriBeCa

Mid-October saw the Branch returning to Tribeca, the restaurant where in 2011 we had enjoyed a very pleasant al fresco lunch and an excellent degustation dinner, to rather belatedly present a certificate to Chef Hayden McMillan.

The menu offered was 4 courses, redolent of Spring, and appropriately named 1, 2, 3 and 4.  First up was beautifully poached Marlborough King Salmon served with escabeche, olive, tomato sorbet and basil and accompanied by Villa Maria Marlborough Riesling 2001.  Flavours were clean and light but in one case the Riesling was starting to show its age.

Second course was courgette flowers, Clevedon buffalo mozzarella, asparagus, parmesan and rocket.  Another light and fresh offering with first class produce simply presented and served with a well-matched Lake Chalice Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011.

HawkesBaylamb served two ways with peas, mint, yoghurt and dates followed.  Prime cuts of lamb cooked to perfection were paired very successfully with West Australian Omrah Cabernet Sauvignon 2003.

And so to 4 – caramel poached mandarins with persimmons, coconut, white chocolate, meringue and lime made a fresh and zingy ending to a memorable meal.  The simple, refreshing Alvear Moscatel helped nicely too.

It’s about time we gave Tribeca a rest and gave some of the others a chance.

Please view the menu here.