The Australian Black Pearl: The Mystery Revealed
Yesterday we asked you for information about "The Australian Black Pearl," the cryptically named dessert that was served at the recent White House dinner in honor of Australian Prime Minister John Howard.
Thank you for all your tips. We now know more than we ever cared to know about this culinary creation with the sexy-sounding name. Apparently it has nothing to do with Pirates of the Caribbean .
This was the most helpful response we received, informed by firsthand knowledge of said dessert:
I have a detailed description of the dessert this morning from an attendee to last night's dinner. The "pearl" was a round ball of chocolate ganache covered nougat ice cream, about the size of a duck pin bowling ball. It sat in a white chocolate giant clam set among dark chocolate stag coral and small white chocolate fish. The dessert also included fresh raspberries and oranges. One was created for each table. The guest thought the desert was the highlight of a wonderful dinner.
After the jump, additional tidbits about "The Australian Black Pearl."
Here are some additional comments on "The Australian Black Pearl." This information also appears to be correct (for the most part):
I'm not sure -- but it may be an "Australian" version of the "Polynesian Black Pearl"served at Mama's Fish House on Maui.
"It's a chocolate sponge cake, topped with chocolate mousse, wrapped in chocolate ganache, dipped in fresh toasted coconut in a specially baked 'shell' cookie with chocolate, with a dollop of whip cream, on a bed of passion fruit and chocolate sauce."
Here's a picture .
As I understand it, the "Australian Black Pearl" is identical to the "Polynesian Black Pearl" -- except that after eating it you are required to shout "Aussi, Aussi Aussi" -- to which all the other diners must respond by shouting "Oy! Oy! Oy!". At this point -- everyone has to drink up and slam the empty glass back down onto the table top. Beer glasses are refilled and the process is repeated until everyone has finished dessert.
This is why Australia is such a happy place.
This appears to be incorrect (but it's too bad, really):
Did Bush eat "The Australian Black Pearl", do we know? Because I'm fairly sure it's the polite name for kangaroo testicles.
Finally, one of you was decidedly unimpressed by the John Howard dinner menu:
What kind of crappy menu are they serving John Howard????
I lived in Sydney for a few years (same neighborhood as old John Howard (saw him on his morning constitution once as well!)) anyway, I've never heard of The Australian Black Pearl. It could exist, but in my experience, everyone was crazy for sticky date pudding.
And, no aussie in their right mind would ever drink a Greg Norman wine. They hate that guy.
I do wonder if Mr. Howard knew what "squash soup" was since every type of squash (acorn, butternut, spaghetti, etc) is known as "pumpkin."
Gee, and they serve pinot noir... he isn't the prime minister of new zealand (helen clark). Where's the shiraz?
I will say that those aussies are crazy for duck and barramundi is the best!
Joz holds a Polynesian Black Pearl in her hands! [flickr]
Earlier: Sexiest Sounding Dessert Ever