Michael Doig, Gill Bockman, Brett Daniels and Abigail Ricica at Nel, Sydney

A Disney Degustation Dream at Nel Sydney

Weโ€™ve just stepped out of a fairy tale.

At Nel Restaurant in Sydney, Nelly Robinsonโ€™s newest themed degustation whisks us into the magical world of Disneyโ€”an 11-course culinary adventure full of nostalgia, playfulness, and downright brilliant food.

Weโ€™re joined by our great friends Brett and Abigail, and from the moment we walk through the door, the night is already special. Nel is known for its theatrical tasting menus, and this one is no exception. Each dish is inspired by a beloved Disney film or character, crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a dash of whimsy.

One of the early courses, โ€œPoisoned Apple,โ€ is both beautiful and sinisterโ€”exactly what youโ€™d expect from a Snow White-inspired dish. Then comes โ€œMr Potato Head,โ€ full of clever textures and cheeky presentation. Weโ€™re already laughing, reminiscing, and pointing at each otherโ€™s plates like kids again.

It gets even better.

โ€œBe Our Guestโ€ channels the grand, over-the-top hospitality of Beauty and the Beast, while โ€œUn Poco Locoโ€ explodes with vibrant flavors straight out of Coco. โ€œThe Atlanticaโ€ brings in the oceanic essence of The Little Mermaid, delicate and fresh, while โ€œThe Pumpkin Coachโ€ is a Cinderella-worthy showstopper.

The cocktails are another level of fun. Weโ€™re sipping one from a Genie lamp and another from a rose-glass inspired by Belleโ€”both outrageous and expertly crafted. Each drink ties into the story unfolding at the table.

As we reach the final courses, dessert does not disappoint. โ€œThe Great Honey Pot Robberyโ€ is a tribute to Winnie the Poohโ€”rich, sticky, and comforting. And then thereโ€™s โ€œKnock Knockโ€ฆโ€โ€”a playful, mysterious finish that has us all grinning.

This isnโ€™t just dinner. Itโ€™s performance, memory, storytelling. Weโ€™re swept into a world where fine dining meets fantasy, and the company of Brett and Abigail makes it all the more memorable. The laughter is real, the nostalgia is strong, and the foodโ€”well, itโ€™s world-class.

If youโ€™re looking for an experience that mixes gourmet brilliance with childhood wonder, Nelโ€™s Disney degustation is it. Itโ€™s one of those nights you wish could go on forever.

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