In the realm of shameless – this possibly sits in the top 10 for me.
This is not a story of how my husband proposed marriage . But this is a story of how I faked a proposal to get into one of Neil Perry’s restaurants.
A few weeks after his famed Spice Temple opened a work mate mentioned this restaurant and how difficult it was to get a booking. Apparently, all weekends were booked for the next three months.
“I bet you I can get a booking.” I said.
“Unless you know Neil Perry personally I don’t think you stand a chance.” he said.
So I called the restaurant.
“Hi, I’d like to make a booking for this Friday please.” I said.
“I’m sorry but we are fully booked.” said the receptionist.
“Yes but is there anyway you can make an exception? This is for a really important occasion.” I pleaded.
“No, I’d really like to accommodate you but we are full for Friday. If you’d like, I can put you on our wait list but there are 5 ahead of you.” she replied.
“But you don’t understand, my boyfriend asked me to make a booking at the restaurant of my choice. I think he is going to propose to me. I’m DESPERATE” I said.
“We get people asking for exceptions ALL the time.” she said, obviously unimpressed with my reasoning as to why I should get special treatment.
“No, no… you don’t understand.” I told her, “I am 35 years old. I am DESPERATE.” I repeated.
“Wait a minute.” She put me on hold. “Alright – we’ve got a table at 7 pm but we need it back by 9 pm.”
Can you imagine me trying to get my husband to agree to re-propose? Of course, there was NO WAY he’d say yes. The waitstaff of Spice Temple looked disappointed when we were being seated, I flashed my “engagement ring” and whispered that he had “surprised me by proposing” the night before.
Anyway, what was supposed to be a memorable night, then was doomed to become “just another dinner”, eventually became unforgettable because of this – fresh watermelon granita laced with a ginger syrup. It was a perfect ending to a delicious and very spicy meal (think Hot and Numbing Wagyu Beef or Stir Fried Prawns with Salted Eggs and Four Chillies).
I’ve never been able to bring myself to go back to Spice Temple after the “engagement episode” for fear they’d caught on to my shameless actions…
But I’ll always have their watermelon granita…
Watermelon Granita with Ginger Syrup
From Neil Perry’s Spice Temple
- 750 grams coarsely chopped fresh watermelon
- 60 grams white sugar
- 200 grams finely diced watermelon, to serve
- 100 grams white sugar
- 20 grams ginger, chopped
- Macerate the watermelon by combining the first lot of watermelon with the sugar and allow to stand for around 45 minutes. Process this in a food processor and then strain. Transfer to a 20 cm x 30 cm shallow metal tray and freeze, scraping occasionally with a fork until crystals form and the granita is frozen. This usually takes around 4 to 5 hours.
- For the ginger syrup, combine the sugar, ginger and 60 ml of water in a saucepan. Bring this to a boil and then remove it from the heat and allow to cool. Strain out the ginger.
- To serve, place some granita in a chilled class, add the diced watermelon and pour some ginger syrup over it.
Watermelon and Ginger Sorbet On the Thermomix
- Combine the ginger, 100 grams white sugar and 60 ml water in the thermomix. Heat at 100c for 5 minutes on speed 3. Remove from heat, strain the ginger and allow to stand until cool.
- Combine the watermelon and the sugar in the thermomix and process on speed 8 for 10 seconds. Pour the ginger syrup on to the watermelon. Pour into ice cube trays and freeze.
- When the watermelon cubes are frozen, process once more on the thermomix on speed 10 for around 20 seconds. Use the spatula to assist in the mixing of the sorbet. Top with the finely diced watermelon. Hint: If you want, use a fork to scrape on the sorbet until you get the granita like texture.
Oooh I want those little icecream cone cups! Anybody seen these anywhere?
gaaahhh! I wish I had come across this 1 week earlier! I was looking for non icecream machine sorbet recipes 😦
looks super yum tho 🙂
wow, i just love this granita, ……
Hahahah funny story! Very devious, but hey, it worked. 🙂
hahaha…I’ll try to remember that trick when I’m desperate to get into a restaurant. That granita looks refreshing!
HAHAHAHA, you shameless woman you! that’s so funny. Oh and the granita looks rocking too.
Too funny. I could never do anything like that, but really wish I could. I wouldn’t be able to keep a straight face!
Incredible photographs! Hilarious story… and I am so impressed that you are able to translate recipes to the Thermomix already, Trissa! Usually that takes new owners quite some time. I cannot wait to try this. I love watermelon and ginger. YUM…. did I say beautiful photographs? Truly!
🙂
Valerie
You scoundrel! I wonder how many fake proposals you could pull off at all the best restaurants before someone cottoned onto you?
Bring on the watermelon! 😀
LOL! You’re so brave! 🙂
Your granita sounds delicious and refreshing too.
Ha – you’re a genius!! But wait, that means now they’ll know and I won’t be able to use that story.. dammit.
Looks like a delicious, refreshing granita. Perfect for the warmer months coming up..
LOL!! What an awesome story!
Now that your secret is out, you’ll have to book under a fake name and wear a disguise 😛
Haha – you are hilarious! Love it 🙂
That’s a hilarious story!
That granita must taste quite special,..
I so much love these real & summer flavours that you have used inhere, dear Trissa!
Beautiful presented in those pale green cones!
Aaaaaaaah,….MMMMMMMMM!
Kisses from Brussels to you!
Woo! gorgeous colour on your watermelon granita! I love it!
Hahaha! That’s some story, Trissa. as for the granita – it looks delightfully refreshing, I’d love to try making this. Looking at this I can feel the warm weather coming on 🙂
I never made granita…would love to try it…watermelon and ginger sure sound and look very good. Love the color…so pretty 🙂
thats such a funny story trissa 🙂
You crack me up! Only you could get away with something like that! Love he pictures Trissa…and I have to say you have whetted my appetite for a summery granita!
Ooo Trissa….! You’re just shameless! lol… The things you have to do to get into a restaurant!! Haha… But you’re right that watermelon granita does look incredibly good!
That picture on top is simply stunning, and the granita sounds fab. Watermelon is my favorite fruit.
*kisses* HH
Trissa, you are one ballsy lady and I LOVE it! Glad you got your way in and took away such a lovely dessert.
Don’t know which I love more — the beautiful granita or those super cool ice cream “bowls.” 😉
hahaha, I love ur way of booking !
LOL what a great story! Something to tell the grandkids someday;-) At first I thought ginger and watermelon and ginger sounded like an odd pairing so I went and poured myself a glass of watermelon juice and added in some ginger. It is in fact brilliant. Will have to try making the frozen version someday!
Love the first picture! Clever use of space and the dramatic dark background 🙂
Lovely presentation, like the clicks. Kids are going to love this. Good to be here. Best wishes.
Aha!! the first thermomix recipe!! WOW!! can’t wait to see what else you make with this toy!!!
Don’t be ashamed! At least, you’ve been there and get to know this lovely recipe 🙂
How refreshing! I can’t wait for the watermelons to arrive!
Haha you are so good into talking yourself into reservations! I love anything with watermelon in it, and anything with giner, so this sounds amazing. So great for summer!
see, now some crazy wackadoodle people would put feta or some such cheese on this. talk about ruining a delightful treat!
Great story… and even better photos…. they are gorgeous. I’d love to try that but I’m afraid that by the time a watermelon makes it all the way here it’s not really worth bothering with. Next time I’m in Australia and have access to a kitchen I’ll have a go!
You are a gutsy girl Trissa! and I love it! I don’t think you should curb yourself from going into Neil Perry’s restaurant, unless you simply do not want to.
This looks like such a refreshing wonderful treat just in time for the peak of watermelon season here. I like that the summer flavors are contrasted by the spicy hot ginger.
LOL Funny story! I don’t think my bf would agree to do a “fake” proposal either! This sorbet looks delicious, unfortunately because of the time limit on the tables I didn’t have time for dessert at the Spice Temple! 😦
Funny story and delicious, simple recipe.
I use the “anniversary” card every time when goimg for holidays. I mail the hotel abt. a week before our arrival telling it’s “anniversary and special occasion” and modestly just asking for a room on upper floors with a view. Because of this little trick we have been upgraded several times.
As my husband says every day is anniversary of something and all holidays are special occasions…
Trissa, thanks for the smile first thing in the morning. Hey, I like your spunk and creativity!
I’m currently in Hawaii and this watermelon granita would be the perfect mid-day treat–it would definitely beat the shave ice we’ve been indulging in (although that’s not bad either!). My husband, especially, would be all over this. He LOVES watermelon! 🙂
Trissa, when I saw the photos, i knew you were tinkling away at your thermomix again!
Looks like you are really putting your new toy to good use ! 🙂
Hi Trissa, You are shameless! But now I know how big a foodie you really are. Sorry I missed you when you were in town. I’ve been overwhelmed with selling and buying houses and moving, but I’m glad to be back and seeing what you’ve been up to. I have a lot of backreading to do!
HAHAHAH! You are so funny, Trissa! But now that you’re a famous food blogger, they will shamelessly want you back. 😉 Love the cute little ‘cones’. They complement the sorbet so well.
I recently made watermelon sorbet. Can’t still get it out of my head. But, the ginger here would take it to another level. Also great as a base for champagne or vodka cocktail.
LOL, Trissa, you are desperate…ly FUNNY! You’ve got chutzpah that’s for sure 🙂 Love the photo with the little green cups.
HAHA You cheeky girl. This sorbet looks amazing, definately knocking some when summer comes around
Oh, LOTS of roflmao at your ‘engagement’! I wonder how many times one could try that excuse and get away with it… By the way, love the granita; you’re making the Thermomix look *very* tempting.
You needol to write a book Trissa. You make me laugh and I think all your stories should be in a memoir. Ahahha I love granita and this watermelon one looks divine.
I love your watermelon ginger sorbet! The apple-green cups look beautiful too.
A delightful combination – I love frozen fruit desserts with a bit of spice. Gorgeous Trissa
Hahaha oh my goodness Trissa trust you to come up with an excuse like that!! All your tactics into getting into restaurants is really creative and absolutely crazy they actually work! I love it! 🙂 And if this granita made you rather uneventful night, well, eventful… then this must be good!
Thermomix again…. heheee
Watermelon? Summer must be round the corner.
You really are shameless, my friend! Squeezing your way in for table reservations and asking for recipes. Oh my, your husband must have a high embarrassment tolerance =p
But, having said this, that is one fine looking granita!