Best of the Best 2011

By Franz Scheurer

During the year 2011 I have found the following the Best of the Best:

Best Australian red wine: Grant Burge Balthasar Barossa Shiraz 2008

Best Australian white wine: Bindi Quartz Chardonnay 2005

Best non-Australian red wine: Clos de Cortons Faiveley, Grand Cru 2008

Best non-Australian white wine: Ferentano Lazio 2007 Falesco

Best Sparkling Red: Ashton Hill’s Galah 2005

Best Champagne: Krug, Clos du Mesnil 1996

Best Ale: Endeavour Vintage Amber Ale 2010

Best Christmas Brew: Red Hill Christmas Brew 8.3% a/v

Best Whisky: Glenfarclas Family Cask 1962 First Edition

Best Whiskey: George T. Stagg Bourbon 2009 Edition

Best Rum: Ron Zacapa 23

Best Cognac: Hennessy Private Reserve

Best Gin: Cadenhead’s Old Raj 55%

Best Vodka: Belvedere ‘Red’ Limited Edition

Best Flavoured Vodka: Żubrówka Bison Grass Vodka

Best Mixer: St~Germain Elderflower Liqueur

Best Bitters: Bittermens Hopped Grapefruit

Best amuse bouche in a restaurant: Crab Sandwiches at Guillaume at Bennelong, Sydney

Best meal in a restaurant: Degustation at Attica, Melbourne

Best entrée in a restaurant: Rag pasta with broad been pesto, prawns and Pilu bottarga, Pilu at Freshwater, Sydney

Best main course in a restaurant: Braised Oxtail with Sea-cucumber & Yuzu, Tetsuya’s, Sydney

Best pre-dessert in a restaurant: Sauternes Custard, Marque, Sydney

Best dessert in a restaurant: Coconut Meringue & Peanut Brittle Ice Cream Sandwich, Rockpool Bar & Grill

Best pizza: Profumata with Smoked Lardo at Cavallino, Terrey Hills

Best pie: Beef Burgundy, Ganache, Castlecrag

Best sausage roll: Pork & Fennel, Bourke Street Bakery

Best bacon roll: Wholey Mackerel, Belrose

Best burger: Spice Temple (bar menu), Sydney

Best event: Darren J. Robertson’s Table Sessions pop-up dinners

Biggest gripe: Momofuku’s booking system (an on-line booking system that is CLOSED between midnight and 10am? Get real!)