Last year I had the pleasure of dining with a restaurant full of food bloggers at Restaurant Atelier in Glebe. It was a special meal and it felt like every dish had been carefully thought through. Each course was delicious, delicate and visually stunning. At the time I accepted a small portion of seafood in my diet, something I have since eliminated.
Ever since that stunning meal, I had been eager to revisit Atelier and see what clever dishes chef Darren Templeman could create for a vegetarian diner. So I rounded up 10 other food lovers who were keen to try a vegetarian degustation (or vego dego as it became known). I’m also very happy to add that most of my fellow diners weren’t vegetarian!
We weren’t given the menu beforehand or on the night and the control freak in me was initially a tad curious as to what we were having. In fact on the night I was actually glad I didn’t know what was coming next as it made every dish feel like such a surprise.
One of my dinner pals is gluten, wheat and dairy free and these dishes were given special attention, even down to the soy sauce. Both times I ate at Restaurant Atelier I had different eating requirements to the menu and it’s really humbling to see so much care is taken to ensure that each diner has a delicious experience.
There was never any doubt that this would be an amazing meal. Every one of the dishes were beautifully presented and full of interesting textures and flavours. The portion sizes were just right too. My favourite? The gorgeous crispy tofu as pictured below.
I’m so looking forward to my next vegetarian degustation at a different time of year so Darren can showcase more fantastic seasonal vegetables.
If you’re looking for somewhere to go for that next special occasion, Restaurant Atelier is the perfect place!
That menu sounds just as delicious as any other degustation menu. I’ll be happy to recommend this place to friends to have dietary requirements! Thanks for sharing
You’re welcome Tina!
This looks fabulous Tara! I had no idea they catered even for wheat and dairy free peeps. Glad to see you had such a great meal. I definitely need to check this place outtt!
You really should Christine, I think you’d love it
What an awesome dinner! I’m glad to hear that Darren was so eager to cook for your and so accommodating with peoples dietary requirements. He’s an incredible chef and it looks like a tops night.
His passion for food really shines though in all the dishes. So clever
Very nice photos Tara. Was a great night. Thanks again for organising it
My pleasure Megan, so glad you could join us!
I’m so jealous :*( I did a turkish degustation there about a year ago. It was incredible. All of those courses look perfect for me. Next time!
Oh yes Cass, you must come along next time!
Wow, that looks wonderful! Sorry if I missed it in your post, but may I ask how much you paid for the degustation?
It was $80 for 7 courses – although you can see we got more than that!
That’s a good deal for a special occasion!
This looks very good. I must take my wife here some time (she is also vegetarian). Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome Chris! I hope your wife likes it
Darren shone as he does, seriously an amazing chef. To be fronted with a multi-course vego dego would do most chef’s heads in. Yet he managed to thrill us with each dish served. So glad I came along. Josh is still upset about missing out. Thanks so much for organising this Tara xx
Thanks for coming Sara, I’m so thrilled that you enjoyed it! Josh should come along to the next one – another excuse to do it all again
i love how restaurants can cater for dietary needs and still be so creative!
It certainly makes you want to go back and see what else they can come up with!
I am gutted I missed this. If you decide to hold another later in the year please count me in!!
Don’t worry Anna, there WILL be another one!
Was so good to have my first vego dego with some vego veterans
the food was amazeballs
So good to have you there Nic, can’t wait to do it again
hungry now! yum it was soooooo good
Such a memorable meal! So glad you liked it