An evening of inspired gastronomy with YBL and Dilmah
In 2008, ten Australian chefs travelled to Sri Lanka to meet the country’s most famous teamaker, the Dilmah founder Merrill J. Fernando. Together they embarked on a tea-inspired culinary journey that today, almost a decade later, reaches out to all corners of the world and features some of the world’s most innovative chefs who explore the delightful pairings and inclusions of Dilmah tea.
The legendary Yann Bernard Lejard (YBL) of Plums at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain was one of the most recent and together with Mr. Fernando hosted an evening of gastronomy within The Majestic Chapel at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali. Located beachside and with sublime purity of design, it’s hard to imagine a more fitting canvas for this culinary artist to demonstrate not only his flair but how using the finest ingredients, like Dilmah tea, is paramount in his philosophy.
The highlight of the pre-dinner tea-inspired cocktail reception was an extended meet and greet with the endearing Mr. Fernando himself, who spoke with passion about how he started the business and why Dilmah is special, perhaps even unique. After the ensuing tasting session, it has to be said it’s clear to see why discerning tea lovers and premium hotel brands like The Ritz-Carlton choose Dilmah.
The dinner itself was the anticipated explosion of taste and artistry featuring dishes like Creamy Risotto with truffle juice, spinach, Egg 53 and bangka Belitung served with Dilmah Silver Jubilee Earl Grey tea. Few chefs craft such intense masterpieces as YBL and the balmy Balinese evening’s collaboration with Dilmah, was simply spectacular.
Details about future Camellia Epicurean events at The Ritz-Carlton can be found on their websites.
