Category: Eats

Australia · Eats · Restaurants

Review: Eschalot Restaurant, Berrima

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Eschalot signature Thirlmere duck: roasted breat, confit leg, heirloom carrot and blood plum

NSW is blessed with countless options for weekend breaks and the Southern Highlands, around 90 minutes south-west of Sydney, is one such contender. An assembly of quaint and characterful villages dotted among stunning rural landscapes, it offers delightful baked delights, cool climate wines, art and artisanal products around every corner. The villages are all rather small though, and you may need to commit to a fair bit of driving to pack out a two-day schedule.

Nevertheless, if you do find yourself in the area, there are some delectable offerings to be had. Savouring an eight course tasting menu at Eschalot is an absolute must and the meal alone was worth the trip methinks. Housed in a beautifully conserved heritage building in the historic village of Berrima, Eschalot impressed with its delicate flavours, extraordinarily attentive service and outstanding value. I am already running out of superlatives and we have not even gotten to the food.

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Australia · Eats · Restaurants

Review: Quay Restaurant, Sydney

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Second course: salad of slow cooked carrots, sheep milk feta, smoked almonds, sherry caramel, pepitas, agretti

Sydney and I have a bit of a love hate relationship. When I left its buzz and superficial glamour some eight years ago (!!!) I couldn’t wait to get out. Deep inside I always knew I’m more of a Melbourne girl. But now when I do go back, the sunshine, the beaches and the glorious food are all massive draw cards, especially when one is a temporary visitor and do not have to deal with traffic on motorways and exorbitant housing prices.

This time round Mr. A and I finally made it to a place I’ve been keen to try for some time. I reckon you would be hard-pressed to find a Sydney foodie who doesn’t know of Quay’s formidable reputation. This quote from its website says it all: “Quay has held the coveted 3 Hat & 3 Star rating in The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide & Australian Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide for 13 consecutive years.” Wowsers. Of course, my desire to sample Quay has not been quenched since seeing executive chef Peter Gilmore presenting his celebrated “Snow Egg” to those poor Masterchef wannabes to replicate.

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