Are you a self-confessed foodie? Someone who enjoys a night of fine wine and dining? Want to be part of a unique culinary experience led by two of South Australia’s key industry players, who promise to take you on a journey through time and taste?
If you ticked ‘yes’ to any of the above, you’re in luck!
On Saturday, June 1st, Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide’s Executive Chef Nick Filsell and winemaker Nick Knappstein of Riposte Wines are co-hosting ‘A Riposte Retro Perspective’—an evening of classic and contemporary cuisine paired with the finest museum and current vino vintages of the winery, creating a combination of flavours unlike any other.
Nick Filsell, a renowned chef in SA and Australia, is looking forward to being on this creative journey together with Knappstein and sharing this carefully curated event with those who love good food and wine.
‘Nick Knappstein and I know each other through the industry—I hosted a dinner with him previously and have always enjoyed Riposte Wines’, says Filsell. ‘We bumped into each other at a tasting a month or so ago, entertaining the idea of working together again, and from there, we decided to collaborate on this event where we’d go back in time, combining a “museum wine” with a “museum dish”.’
The night, which kicks off at 6:30 pm, will feature intriguing flavour pairings that defy convention and are sure to elevate the dining experience.
‘Nick and I did a great tasting, and together, we worked out what food we wanted to serve and pair with the wines,’ says Filsell. ‘I’m sure there’ll be a few raised eyebrows, which we welcome—we’re breaking the boundaries of expectation when it comes to flavour pairings.’
Changing things up from the moment guests arrive, the team will be offering a glass of Riposte’s Sauvignon Blanc as opposed to the standard bubbly usually served as a welcome drink. The appetiser course will start with one paired wine, to be followed by the entree, main, dessert and cheese courses all paired with two wines.
With ten wines in total, showcasing the last 15 years of Riposte vintages, Filsell is delving deep into the catalogue of dishes he’s seen and loved over the years to serve up both a classic and modern style dish featuring the same ingredient for each course.
‘I am currently in discussions with suppliers and growers to ensure key ingredients are available for the dishes I want to create” says Filsell. ‘Because of my diverse experience, I’ve had the opportunity to explore various cuisines without specializing in any one. Consequently, our menu will feature a delightful mix of flavours that will surely impress.’
Filsell, a passionate chef with over thirty years of experience, has worked in some of the world’s finest kitchens both in Australia and internationally.
Among many career highlights, Filsell has also been the Head Chef of Treasury 1860 and opened the fan favourite Lost in a Forest with business partners Charlie Lawrence and Taras Ochota of Ochota Barrels fame, which was featured in Vogue US and enjoyed by celebrity chef Marco Pierre White before it closed this year.
Collaborating with winemaker Nick Knappstein of the Knappstein wine family legacy, who now heads Riposte wines with his father, Tim, Filsell is looking forward to sharing the unique pairings of the wines with guests on the night—wines that are all named after swords, in a nod to the French fencing term ‘riposte.’
‘We’ve got some interesting matches planned,’ says Filsell. We’re not following any rules as far as what we’re serving, we’ve focused more on what we feel works well and the flavours we want to pair together.’
Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or simply someone who enjoys good company combined with great flavours, the event, priced at $135 per head or $1200 for a table of ten, is an opportunity not to be missed.
To secure your seat at this exclusive dining experience, book your tickets now via the link below and get ready to indulge in ‘A Riposte Retro Perspective’. As Chef Nick Filsell aptly puts it, ‘Everyone is welcome—anyone who likes wine and food is going to have a good time!’
What: A Riposte Retro Perspective.
Where: Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide, 65 Hindley St, Adelaide, SA 5000.
When: Saturday, 1st June, 6:00 pm.
For tickets and further info, click here.