"Night": Whisky Uncovered x ELe x Glenfiddich
Event description
The spectacular and superbly indulgent conclusion to our 'Day/Night' series, set at Sydney's newest experiential sensation.
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If you've chatted with us about our roots, you'll know that we've always drawn inspiration from the magic of the premium degustation experience. But equally, we like to keep things relaxed and make our experiences fun and relatable. It's proven rare to discover partners that not only share a desire for this unique brand of whimsy, but are passionate about showcasing the absolute best ingredients in a way that demonstrates remarkable precision and care.
Enter Federico Zannelato and Karl Firla, two of Australia's most celebrated and innovative chefs, who have partnered with us to create the 'Day and Night' series. The series is hosted across two spectacular venues and each afternoon experience can be enjoyed independently, or in combination.
Our first and hugely successful event: "Day", was held at LuMi Dining, a restaurant at the zenith of the Sydney dining scene. But the conclusion to the series: "Night" takes place at ELe, a unique experiential dining concept recently opened in Sydney's 'The Star' complex. When dining at ELe, Federico and Karl promise to take you on a journey of dining discovery, drawing on the elements of fire, water, earth and air and charting a menu of sensory experiences.
On the 25th of February, "Night" will celebrate everything that excites. Soft, pulsing lights; an emotive, driven musical score and bespoke visual production complement one of Sydney's most innovative menus. Relish and regale once again in intimate, face-to-face connections; sit back and relax and be wow'd by the skilful gastronomy and seemingly effortless service of the ELe team; enjoy premium Scotch whiskies - some never-before-seen - all perfectly paired with a 6-course gastronomic extravaganza.
Moment by moment, space by space.
Do not expect passive dining. You’ll move and be moved: setting off on a course of courses and settings. And this is quite different from anything you've been to before; all within a restaurant unlike any other.
It wouldn't be a Whisky Uncovered experience without incredible spirits; our whisky partner is once again the world-famous Glenfiddich Distillery from Speyside in Scotland. Sitting at the top of the Scotch whisky tree, Glenfiddich is steeped in almost 150 years of history. Represented at these events by our good friend and whisky stalwart Ross Blainey, you know it's going to be good... really good.
What are you waiting for? Select your preferred session - 12pm or 1:30pm - and purchase tickets now. For more info, read on below.
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What can I expect from the experience?
We're glad you asked, because we value every dollar of your hard-earned that you invest in our experiences.
- Guests will be treated to a cutting edge, magnificently-indulgent 6-course Michelin Star-quality whisky and food-pairing degustation. Each dish will be expertly paired with premium single malts from Glenfiddich, for the ultimate synergies of flavour on the palate.
- The dining experience itself is completely unique, and sees guests moving through two different areas during their time with us. To ensure everyone has our complete attention, we will be hosting two smaller groups of 20 each time, rather than one larger group of 40 as we have done in the past. In short, expect the unexpected!
- The Whisky Uncovered crew will be throwing a few surprises in the mix, all wrapped up in our signature afternoon experience with the opportunity to win some fantastic take-home prizes.
All this combines into an experience that - simply put - you can't replicate anywhere else in the world.
About Glenfiddich
In the summer of 1886, with his seven sons and two daughters by his side, William Grant set out to fulfil a lifelong ambition. He began building his Distillery by hand, stone by stone. After a single year of work it was ready and William named it Glenfiddich, Gaelic for Valley of the Deer.
William’s passion, determination and pioneering spirit continues to guide us today. Glenfiddich is one of the few single malt distilleries to remain entirely family owned and is now the World's Most Awarded Single Malt Scotch Whisky, a true reflection of our founder’s innovative nature, passed down through the generations.
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Just some of the stunning single malt whiskies on offer at 'Night'
About our Chefs
Born in Padua, Italy, Federico Zanellato spent the early years of his career in kitchens across Europe. His love of cooking and passion for discovery took him around the world before landing in Sydney and opening three restaurants of his own: LuMi, Leo (with Karl Firla) and LODE.
Karl Firla began his career as an apprentice at Adelaide’s famed Cibo Ristorante. After moving to Sydney to work with culinary icons - Mark Best at Marques and Peter Doyle at Merivale’s est. Firla became head chef then owner of Newtown’s Oscillate Wildly in 2009. Oscillate Wildly earned two hats in the Sydney Morning Herald’s Good Food Guide with Firla winning several other awards.
Karl Firla (left - formerly Est, Marque, Oscillate Wildly; currently Restaurant Leo, ELe) and Federico Zannelato (right - LuMi Dining, Restaurant Leo, Lode Pies, ELe),
About our venue - ELe
Inspired by the elements - earth, fire, air, water - ELE reimagines dining into an entirely new, immersive experience that engages each of the senses. From the arrival in the ELE bar, guests will be transported into three distinct drinking and dining spaces - the bar, the dining room and the chefs table - with each experience carefully choreographed by chefs Zanellato and Firla to create an atmosphere that feels akin to the season outside, and of which the menu celebrates.
The progressive menu heroes Australian ingredients and producers in technique-driven dishes, and is paired with compelling visual and sound experiences that tantalise the senses - encouraging diners to switch off from the world, and immerse themselves in the moment. Offering a moving feast, guests will be taken on a culinary and sensory journey as the meal progresses, with a mix of curtains, projections and art installations separating each space that will seat 15 - 20 diners.
ELE marks the second restaurant partnership for Zanellato and Firla, having successfully run Italian eatery Leo and its cafe and bar space Picco Leo together for two years. Looking to partner once again, the chefs wanted to pay respect to the legacy Momofuku Seiobo left to the space before them, while bringing something completely new to the venue.
About Ross Blainey - William Grant & Sons
Ross grew up near Glasgow, Scotland and has always had a passion not only for whisky but for the culture behind his beloved national spirit. Ross has more than a decade of experience in the liquor industry and believes the most important thing to remember about whisky is to enjoy it.
Ross was awarded the 2019 Brand Ambassador of the year at the Bartender Magazine Bar Awards and has also been recognised in the annual Icons of Whisky awards. Ross has become one of the most well-known and engaging whisky storytellers working today. Ross was also voted 13th most influential lists by Australian Bartender magazine in their most recent release.
Beyond spreading the unique story, craft and knowledge behind both distilleries, his role encompasses brand cultural marketing, creating and growing partnerships and collaborations, and leading brand creative. Recent works include Glenfiddich x Chase Shiel Grand Cru XXIII custom sneakers, Glenfiddich x Jordan Dalah Limited Edition Grand Cru, Glenfiddich x Jordan Gogos Collaborations, and The Balvenie Makers campaign across a group of creatives.
Ross is also the co-founder and owner of Luxury Boutique Resort, Blackbird Byron. With his Business partners James Hudson they have created a beautiful hideaway boutique resort which has been named in Tatler magazines top 101 hotels of the world as well as making the top 10 of Channel 10s “Hotels by Design” series.
Ross began in luxury hospitality whilst studying history, philosophy and Spanish at Glasgow University, working in top venues such as One Devonshire Gardens, Glasgow and Icebergs dining room and bar, Sydney. Always having an eye for luxury his father did advise him at an early age the he “better get a good job, you’re always pointing out the expensive things!”. Working with such luxury brands as Glenfiddich, The Balvenie and Blackbird was always on the cards.
If you've followed us down to this point, thank you! We know you'll agree this is going to be something special, and we can't wait to welcome you to the table.
Photos courtesy Good Food AU, Glenfiddich, ELe Restaurant, Whisky Uncovered