5 star bliss

So, I went to Darley's after all. Just me, mum, dad and Gavin. (Brett rather gratefully stayed home wth a pizza and his playstation).
I have to say, IF one had the $$, it would be worth every brass farthing.
The setting, food, service, music is a symphony of pleasure. Every note perfectly placed to enhance the other. The waiters were attentive but never obsequious, friendly but not overly familiar. The lighting made everyone look like a movie star.
Aperitif: Chilled tomato reduction with olive oil andwholmeal bread. Delicious, refreshing, cleaned the palate while waking it up for delights to come...in a word a very good beginning.
Entree: A light salad of mixed baby greens, wafter thin radish and a raspberry vinaigrette that I could have drunk by the pint. Perfectly dressed (no residue on the bottom of the plate).
Main: Roast vegetables with toasted almonds, salsify and baby nasturtium leaves. Vegetables perfectly cooked and seasoned with the sharp offset of the greens and a side of sugar snap peas. Absoutlely perfect.
Dessert (Not for me) but Dad had Tomah almond tarte with roasted pear, marscapone and maple syrup. Obviously, I didn't have any marscapone, but the balance of flavour was again, masterful. The walnuts reained their own wonderful earthy character without being overwhelmed by sugar, the roasted pear added a delightful paradox of caramelized freshness, and the maple syrup was in pefect quantity to add sweet smokiness without overwhelming any of the other flavours.
Wine: Started with a 2004 western australian pinot (can't remember the vineyard!). It was soooo smooth. No nasty hit on the palate, no obvious taste of alcohol, and a truly identifiable 'grape'. It should be mentioned that I've never in my life had wine that expensive, but I can see that, if one could afford it,-you'd never drink anything else.
Followed by a 2005 Bollinger. Again, bubbles that danced around your palate and a mellow golden fruitiness that finished the meal and led to warm-hearted, contented conversation.
All in all, I could handle this (on special occasions)! Of course, the joys in life are generally due to contrast, The day after such an experience on should have toast & tea, a sandwich and a barbecue.
The grand total of this marvellous excursion into decadence? Over $500. The family handled that possible 'nasty' beautifully. Where we should have turned white and offered to do the dishes,-mum dad and little Bro organized cash neatly, efficiently and with no fuss.
I know it was decadent, I know what other great good could have come from that money, but at very least, I think we hadan experience here that will last a lifetime. I'm certainly not going to forget the experience in a hurry. Hugh Whitehouse,-you and your team are true masters of your art,-what a pleasure and an honour to be able to experience it.