AFF Gathering #6 at OOL on 26 - 28 October

[jetlagger]

Re: Schedule

Oh Dear Sam... What have you done... I was so looking forward to the Sizzler buffet.. With the roped off area between the kids parties... But you have exceeded & impressed everyones expectations.. Especially mine..

So, I for one, will applaud your wonderful versatility & negotiation skills to suggest & secure the Videre - Wise choice especially for the cuisine & divine views..

The menu looks great... & the venue provides ample parking, ambience & spaciousness for the challenged - (not sure if planking is permitted though..)

Great ongoing work Sam... Your hard efforts are due respected & will be appreciated...

+ that note of This will change disclaimer is an important citation!

Count me in: still Platinum for event + leaning towards the 5 course (liberated to the amended spring offerings & updated menu) :shock:

 

[oz_mark]

Re: Schedule

BAsed on the menu's presented, I would lean toward the 5 course meal.

 

[anchew]

Re: Schedule

Yep, count me in for Saturday night dinner. Can't wait! Happy with either options.

 

[Bundy Bear]

Re: Schedule

I would go with the 5 course option, because it was cheaper.

Sam, what have you verbally said to the restaurant re-numbers, as it would be good to add to that to the thread, I know when organizing group dinners it is always handy to know what the restaurant is expecting or what minimum or maximum numbers will the restaurant cater for.

I have made 2 separate hotel bookings for Friday and Saturday night, so add me as platinum.

Has the Friday night meal location been confirmed.

 

[samh004]

Sam, what have you verbally said to the restaurant re-numbers, as it would be good to add to that to the thread, I know when organizing group dinners it is always handy to know what the restaurant is expecting or what minimum or maximum numbers will the restaurant cater for.

The maximum is 35, and based on platinum and gold and other guests I've told them 20 - 30.




 

[penegal]

I think Videre is the best option for dinner, given the limited fine dining options on the Gold Coast (especially for a large group). There are a few restaurants on the Gold Coast I would love to try, but they wouldn't work for such a large group.

I am happy with either 5 or 7 courses. Those who know me personally will know that I will jump to the 7 course, however I am happy to fit in with a group consensus.


Also, might I suggest that we set drinks/dinner for an early-ish start so we can admire the skyline from Videre in day, then dusk, then night lights (if the restaurant can accommodate this).

 

[penegal]

Re: Schedule

Platinum for Q1 climb (if it's still on the cards)...

Yes, AFAIK the current plan is to have the Q1 climb as the Saturday activity. Sam will make a formal announcement of the whole schedule once we confirm the 2 meals with the 2 restaurants.

... but no golf for me (my handicap is me).

I will be playing golf, so believe me, you don't need to be very good.

Anyone who attended the golf day at AFF #4 can attest to my extreme lack of golfing ability. I didn't even win the best dressed award, which was taken out by drron.

 

[samh004]

Re: Schedule

I’ve got some updates on the Saturday dinner choice.

I’ve been given the Winter menu, which should encompass the date of the dinner, even though we might be closer to the Spring menu by that stage. I will check if there’s likely to be a change towards the end of October, but it seems pretty certain that what I present below will be the menu:

Five course degustation: $78.5

Winter Salad:
Charred leeks, sautéed apple, roast sunchoke, smoked pecorino, cepe and hazelnut dressing

Jacobs Well Tiger Prawns:
Gribiche and quinoa, curried cone, scallop and sweet corn custard

Palate Cleanser

Saddle of Mandagery Creek Venison:
Cos heart tempura, choux farci, smoked butter risotto, house cured duck ham, sauce hypocras, beetroot relish

Black Savarin:
Shallot tarte tatin, thyme leaves, olive oil

Tartlet of Sautéed Winter Fruits:
Rosemary honey, yoghurt sorbet *prepared at table*

Seven course degustation: $99.5

Seared Sea Scallop:
Black pudding beignet, scallop and sweet corn custard, spiced tomato barigoule

Pulled Pork Croquette:
Piccalilli, celeriac puree, hazelnut, fennel pollen

Winter Salad:
Charred leeks, sautéed apple, roast sunchoke, smoked pecorino, cepe and hazelnut dressing

A Mysterious Assiette of an Aquatic Persuasion

Palate Cleanser

Roast White Pyrenees Lamb Rump:
Pea puree, sweet breads, potato terrine, white anchovy, rosemary, black olive oil, edamame

Testun Au Barollo:
Shaved pear, peppered olive oil, shallot compote, fennel pollen

Tartlet of Sautéed Winter Fruits:
Rosemary honey, yoghurt sorbet *prepared at table*

It does seem likely at this stage that the five-course would be the more appropriate option. I have ahold of the cellar selection (with prices) that can’t be published on their website for legal reasons (someone will know which law that is). But am happy to email it to anyone that wants a look.

As always, dietary requirements including allergies can be catered for.

Times are approximate, but looking to meet at the bar around 17:30, and sit down for dinner around 18:30, to maximise views of the Gold Coast through daylight, dusk and night. Of course, these times will be locked down in October.

Soon I’ll set up a reservation form for members to confirm attendance with a payment due in October some time, before the event.

Note: Regarding numbers, the maximum we can get in the same section in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Gold Coast is 38, however the restaurant can seat up to 85 if required… not that I expect we’ll get anywhere near that number

I’ll get back to you soon with more details on other days and activities.

Thanks for the support!

 

[jetlagger]

Re: Schedule

Thanks for the update Sam.. ..

My Palate is 'watering" with delight in viewing the menu.. Tossing up between each.. Though IMO either/or 5 or 7 is a culinary delectable satisfaction.

 

[penegal]

Re: Schedule

For those coming from Melbourne, Today's Virgin Australia happy hour covers our dates for $99 each way.

Melbourne Gold Coast AU$99*


Travel Period: 09/10/2012 - 30/10/2012
* Direct Flights Only All Fares are subject to availability, are quoted in $AUD and include Taxes and Charges. View our full Virgin Australia Terms and Conditions.

Link: Happy Hour Flight Specials | 4 - 6pm AEST | Virgin Australia

 

[Ewing]

Re: Schedule

Return flight booked.

QF865 OOL-SYD, $48.00.

 

[samh004]

Re: Schedule

Return flight booked.

QF865 OOL-SYD, $48.00.

Haha, Qantas has some good timing!

 

[penegal]

Re: Schedule

Damn, I ended up using the cheap Virgin Business Class fares to get there and back... hmmmm :s

 

[Ewing]

Re: Schedule

Haha, Qantas has some good timing!

Yep.

Just a pity they didn't launch the route a day earlier

 

[samh004]

Re: Schedule

Yep.

Just a pity they didn't launch the route a day earlier

2 days would have been spot on, but you win some you lose some…

This could mean a bigger BBQ task for me though

 

[penegal]

Re: Schedule

2 days would have been spot on, but you win some you lose some…

This could mean a bigger BBQ task for me though

Hopefully you can trigger a Wollies offer on BBQ meat

 

[moa999]

Re: Schedule

Had somehow missed the whole thread..

Can I add as a Sunday participant (many thanks samh004) as part of the SYD-OOL re-inauguration.

 

[Peabody]

Re: Schedule

Just chiming in, I have just booked on the inaugural SYD-OOL flight so will be in to OOL by 9:30am on the 28th. I am sure there is more of us who have just booked on this flight. I will probably fly home on Sunday night some time but if anyone has anything planned (Lunch perhaps??) I would love to join.

 

[JohnK]

Re: Schedule

Return flight booked.

QF865 OOL-SYD, $48.00.

Have I missed some announcement? Qantas returning to OOL?

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Re: Schedule

Return flight booked.

QF865 OOL-SYD, $48.00.

QF.......OOL????????? I'd best go check the QF threads for that news... (PS, great fare and suits my VA boycott plans )