Orpheus Island, Queensland - Great Barrier Reef Island Resort Holidays - http://www.orpheus.com.au
Gourmet Weekends
http://www.orpheus.com.au/articles/18/1/Gourmet-Weekends/Page1.html
By Web Manager
Published on 3 August 2008
 
Exclusive Gourmet Weekends

These exclusive weekends are hosted by our General Managers and Executive Chef and are tailored to the ultimate gourmet lover.

2 nights from $1,685 per person twin share

Valid every Friday and Saturday night from 1 April 10 to 31 March 11. 

Indulgent style
           

Degustation Menu side 1

Degustation Menu side 2

Degustation Menu side 3

Degustation Menu side 4

   

Gorumet Weekends

Commencing the weekend in style, enjoy a scenic seaplane transfer over the Great Barrier Reef to arrive at private beachfront accommodation. With a maximum of 42 guests, no day-trippers, children under the age of fifteen, televisions or telephones, Orpheus provides the perfect setting for a weekend of indulgence and luxury – hosted by General Managers Bridget and Aaron Murphy and Executive Chef Lance Canning.

Take time to settle in and relax, before joining Chef Canning for an insight into the history of the Canapé, dating back to 18th Century France. In an interactive experience, Chef Canning reveals “The key is to limit each canapé to three ingredients – contrasting in colours, textures and taste”. During the Canapé Class, Chef demonstrates 3 to 4 examples, and then encourages guests to create their own culinary delights, resulting in some tantalizing tastes and skills to impress at home!

That evening, prepare to indulge in Orpheus’s famous Seven Course Degustation evening menu – tailor made to dietary requirements. This menu has a strong emphasis on tropical fruits, local seafoods and exotic delicacies. From Seared Moreton bay bugs with a tian of lime and avocado drizzled with a toasted lemongrass and chilli dressing to Creamy honey roasted butternut pumpkin risotto with prosciutto to the signature desert – Baileys Irish cream Brulee with homemade vanilla bean ice cream.  Each course is partnered with a glass of wine carefully chosen to enhance and compliment the flavours of the dish.

Awake to the thought of spending your second day relaxing on your own private beach, with an indulgent gourmet seafood picnic hamper. Orpheus Island is 11kms long – so having your own beach for the day is a reality. Motorised dinghies are provided or private beach drop-offs can also be arranged.

The second night is a stylish interactive dining experience like no other. The executive chef, Lance Canning opens the evening with an intimate wine & cheese tasting. This consists of a selection of 6-8 Australian cheeses, of which guests will sample and discover, guided by Chef. The General Manager, Aaron Murphy then introduces a selection of boutique wines, discussing their region and blend. “A vast majority of our wines have been carefully selected from some of Australia’s most premium boutique wineries. These exquisite wines can only be bought directly from the cellar door thus giving our guests the opportunity to discover and enhance their personal wine collections” Murphy revealed. Some of these best-kept secrets are: Bloodwood Chardonnay – Orange NSW, Cavalier Crest Cabernet Sauvignon – Margaret River. W.A. and Paradigm Hill Pinot Noir – Mornington Peninsula.

The wine & cheese tasting is followed by an indulgent “Orpheus Wok Night”. Here, each guest selects their blend of fresh ingredients and watches the chef prepare a personalised meal that is guaranteed to tantalise the taste buds. Queensland has some of the best produce in Australia and Orpheus is proof of this having created their own innovative island cuisine, which capitalises on the beauty of the region.

These tailored “Gourmet Weekends” include:

• 2 nights in private beachfront accommodation in Orpheus Retreat room

• Meet & greet with fresh fruit cocktail

• All meals

Breakfast:
o A la carte breakfasts

Lunch:
o Alfresco style lunch or;
o Seafood picnic hamper lunch

Dinner:
o Seven Course Degustation evening menu with partnering wines (first night)
o Wine & Cheese Tasting & Exquisite Wok Night (second night) #

• Canapé Class with Executive Chef

• Unlimited use of motorised dinghies, paddle skis, catamarans, canoes, snorkeling equipment, local snorkel trips, light fishing gear, tennis, bushwalking and selected interpretive activities.

Validity             Nights       Room Type              Price             3rd Night      Extra Night
01 April 10 to
31 March 11     2 Nights     Orpheus Retreat      $1,685           $800            $680

Prices shown in Australian dollars on a per person double/twin occupancy basis and include GST, but exclude any other government fees or charges including the Great Barrier Reef Tourist Visitor charge. All credit card payments incur a transaction fee of 1%. Payment can be made by direct bank deposit, cash or cheque which does not attract a transaction fee. NB: Scenic Flight Transfer costs not included in the above cost - please click on access page for further details.

# Wine costs for the Wine & Cheese tasting aer payable direct during stay. 

Valid every Friday and Saturday night.