A taste of Venezuela

Have you ever tried Venezuelan food? I had my first taste last night and it was delicious.

The occasion was World Rum Day, which falls on 13 July, and I was lucky enough to belatedly celebrate the event in style.

World Rum Day is held annually on the second Saturday in July and honours the rich history and diverse flavours of rum. It has morphed into a whole month of rum appreciation in countries including Australia.

Diplomático Rum – which is produced in Venezuela and is the No. 1 super- and ultra-premium rum in the world – has collaborated with Sydney’s newest Latin American dining experience, Morena, to launch an exclusive ‘A Taste of Venezuela’ menu from 15 July to 12 August.

Maestro Ronero (Rum Master) Nelson Hernandez (above) even made an inaugural visit down under to join the festivities.

Nelson has spent more than three decades working in the spirits industry and was such a lovely host. He’s so passionate about his rums and he should be – they are superb.

I thought I wasn’t a rum fan until last night – sampling Diplomatico has changed my mind.

I was particularly dazzled by the rum Negroni that kicked off the evening. Game changer.

The four-course menu featured nine dishes, including an indulgent MBS 5+ Black Opal wagyu girello drizzled with a jus enhanced with the sweet, fruity vanilla notes of Diplomático rum’s signature Reserva Exclusiva blend.

My favourite dishes were the rum-doused free-range roast chicken and, to end, a tropical twist on a classic Latin American flan that paired coconut flavours with a rum-infused burnt caramel sauce. Plus the Diplomatico Ambassador – which had been aged for 12 years – that accompanied them … mmmmmm …

So much deliciousness on a Monday night! And about as close as I will get to Venezuela as I’ve decided the Caribbean is off my travel bucket list until I retire and go on a world cruise. DD is having trouble keeping up because I change my mind every five seconds about next year’s holiday destination.

Although Nelson did pique my interest with his tales of Venezuela, which is the country with the most coastline edging the Caribbean and is home to the world’s tallest waterfall – Angel Falls – which is 807 metres high. Blimey!

(Let’s gloss over the Smart Traveller advice not to travel to Venezuela due to the high levels of violent crime.)

Oh, and I think I need to buy shares in Mylanta because I’m out doing boozy news things tonight and tomorrow night as well.

Bear with me.

Song of the day: Prince “1999” (back when I was 31 and had the energy for this pace)