Since opening on May 14 last year, Broken Plate has enjoyed a reputation of having creative and regularly changing menus. On Tuesday, January 29, the restaurant’s co-principals, Damion Stewart and Kwasi Henry, hosted the second iteration of its Table 12 series. The experimental dinner was supported by local chefs, the restaurant’s suppliers and fans of the Canberra Crescent-located eatery.

M Style XP created an inviting environment. The company utilised gold and black fabric, lucite dining tables, candelabras and gold flatware to create an atmosphere that had panache. The menu comprised an amuse bouche, two courses of multiple dishes, an intermezzo and dessert. The evening began with copious flutes of GH Mumm Champagne and as guests settled into seats chef/co-principal Damion Stewart welcomed them and gave an overview of the evening’s meal. The meal was paired with wines from Select Brands and as Trade Development Manager Debra Taylor described her pairing choices guests were eager to start eating.

The amuse-bouche combined fresh cilantro focaccia from Christina Simonitsch (Simo’s Bread and Catering) and seared sesame-crusted ahi tuna. The second course was comprised of four dishes — classic butter escargot, seafood gazpacho, citrus octopus salad and a charcuterie board that showcased capicola from Simon Levy’s Roast Meats. This was followed by an intermezzo of watermelon sorbet that cleansed the palate and prepared guests for the main course.

Another multi-dish course, the main course saw guests partaking of lamb and goat cheese-stuffed ravioli, herb-dusted scallops; brûléed spiced Cajun duck breast and dill truffle oil poached fresh salmon. The meal was rounded out by Broken Eaton mess — the restaurant’s deconstructed take on the traditional English dessert.

At the end of the meal, it was announced that part of the evening’s proceeds would be used to assist a member of the kitchen team to complete culinary school at the University of Technology, Jamaica. Cue: a $100,000 cheque presented to Peterking Loney. As expected, Loney was touched by the gesture and is excited to complete his course and become certified. Kudos to the management team for investing in one of their own and ‘sending the elevator down’ so that Loney, too, can realise his culinary dreams.

Table 12 showcased the creative minds that are at the helm of Broken Plate, and supported the future aspirations of a young cook. Thursday Food has highlights of the event.