The Victoria chapter (also known as Baillage) of La Chaine des Rotisseurs hosted a fabulous event this week at KOKO located in the folds of the Crown, Melbourne.
All the courses were paired with the best of: from Sake to Hakutsuru “Puru Puru” Umeshu, a sparkling plum wine with jelly in it (tastes flavourful and interesting). The dinner followed the Chaine Victoria’s AGM – chaired by the illustrious leader Ian Halliday, Balli Victoria. Ian’s wife Anne-Louise – Vice Chargee de Presse – played a huge role in organising the evening. Without further ado the Sake started flowing and the sounds of Kampai could be heard.
KOKO is a restaurant that has sparked my interest for a long time, hidden away in the higher levels of Crown where it can be found only by those in the know with a discerning taste for Japanese delicacies. The chefs were very accommodating to those with dietary requirements – always good to know.
My highlights were being treated royally by the Maître d’ Caroline (many wanted to sing the tune ‘Sweet Caroline’ as indeed she was not only sweet but accomodating and very knowledgable in conveying the menu to all).
The stand outs were the Zensai – Assorted Japanese sushi, sashimi with branded items reminding us of where we are 🙂 The prawn tempura was salty and generous. The Penfolds Bin 51 Reisling paired beautifully. The Pork Kakuni was paired with a refreshing Maison Saint Aix Rose. The fish was a light John Sorry in a ginger sake soy and paired with Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay. Nearing the end we switched up to a deep rich Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon which was paired with Mayura Wagyu ‘Gold series’ with roll seaweed butter soy sauce and some of the best rice I have ever had which was steamed ‘Akitakomachi’ short grain rice – a must try! To conclude we had a pillow of white chocolate parfait mocha and black sesame ice cream.
We had a host of international members at the table from dignitaries in their own right as well as long standing Chaine members and ex committee members.
At the end of the meal the brigade were gifted World Chaine Day 2025 pins as a beautiful keepsake to commemorate the special day.
Note: If you are interested in experiencing an evening with La Chaine des Rotisseurs and learn more about this historic gastronomic club please contact: info@chainedesrotisseurs.com.au
Petra Harmer-Shrowder, Commandeur Honoraire, Chaine des Rotisseurs
Hold the Prosecco 
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