Together & Co.
Hilton Garden Inn Albany
3 Toll Place, Albany
Ph: (08) 9872 9200
www.hilton.com/en/hotels/alhgigi-hilton-garden-inn-albany
Albany gets a HILTON
Sitting in the heart of our Great Southern food region, Albany is always full of surprises with new foodie experiences to enjoy, whether it’s a new market stall, café or restaurant. Together & Co is one such place you must visit next time you are in town; a lovely new restaurant located at the Hilton Garden Inn Albany.
Located adjacent to the Albany Entertainment Centre, the Hilton Garden Inn Albany sits on the banks of Princess Royal Harbour. Conveniently located within walking distance to the shops, one can also just wander outside and stroll along the coast taking in the charm of this coastal city.
The hotel’s branded restaurant Together & Co is a light and airy space that is warm, welcoming and functional, just perfect for a casual meal with your family or friends. Executive Chef Randika Alagiyawanna brings you a new menu, influenced by his experience cooking both overseas and around Australia.
The first dish we were presented with was Deep Fried Brie Cheese served with cream cheese brittle, red wine poached pear and a chef special mixed salad, with balsamic glaze. The brie oozes as you cut through the crispy outer crumb, then acts like a canvas upon which to build your flavours. Combined with the sweet pear, bitter olives and capers, it makes for a rich and delicious meal. This dish was paired with the Ferngrove Sparkling Cuvee NV which brought a level of balance, making it a very pleasant dish.
The presentation of the Crispy Skin Duck Breast is impressive and the combination of flavours made this, the dish of the day for me. The duck was cooked perfectly, while the acidic cabbage and hit of garlic balanced the simplicity of the potatoes. The jus had the right amount of richness and the chargrilled corn added an unexpected but welcome fresh hit. We paired this dish with the 2021 Plantagenet Pinot Noir however, a merlot could also be very complimentary here.
Our third dish was the slow-cooked beef rib in red wine, with truffle mash and grilled vegetables. The beef easily pulled apart on the plate and was full of flavour. The delicate truffle mash with the jus made this a hearty and satisfying meal. We paired this wine with the one used to cook the beef. The 2017 Kalgan River Shiraz has a pepper and plum palate that brings out the flavours on the plate however, a more robust red would also perfectly accompany this dish.
For dessert we were treated to the Beetroot Brownie with cinnamon crumble, macron, salted caramel ice cream and chocolate sauce. Beetroot brings an earthiness to the chocolate flavour. When combined with the crunch of the crumble and cool smooth ice cream, this dish is delicious. It’s satisfying without being too heavy. Make sure you take a little of everything on your spoon and wash it down with the Castle Rock Muscat, whose sweetness lifts all the flavours on the plate, making them shine.
The Hilton Garden Inn Albany offers room for functions or a quiet drink in the foyer bar before enjoying a meal in the restaurant. Whether it’s with family or friends, enjoy beautiful food, a great vibe and relaxed atmosphere.
Together & Co is open seven days-a-week for a full buffet breakfast, a la carte dinner and offers live music on Sunday nights. This is a lovely place to come to socialise and just be ‘together’ with those who are important to you.
By Sarah Schmitt
