Winter 2018
- FREE COPY
Winter Comfort Food
Polish Chicken Soup Recipe by Misha
Yule FEST
PLUS Fireside Dining Real Hot Chocolate Winter Cocktail Recipe Regional Delights
Blue Mountains • Nepean • Hawkesbury & Beyond www.besteats.com.au
Welcome to Best Eats
Warming up in Winter Welcome to Winter in the Blue Mountains & Surrounds! We’ve really dropped the thermostat this year so that you can rug up, get cozy and enjoy the warm local coffee, snuggle by the fire for a hearty meal, or find new adventure on the crisp frosty days through our spectacular townships. If you’ve already got your adventure planned, make sure to stop in somewhere new to discover the real
secrets to the area. And as always, make sure to compliment the chef or barista face-to-face, not just on your device, because good food is all about the people who make it. This season we’re excited to share our Winter Soup Recipe by local chef Misha Laurent, as well as our Hot Cocktail by Lamar Powell. Dig in, Enjoy! #BestEatsBlueMountains
Best Eats | Blue Mountains Winter 2018 Published by Design Heroes ABN: 61 805 228 448 6 Froma Lane Katoomba NSW 2780 Ph: 0468 477 468 Email: info@designheroes.com.au www.designheroes.com.au
On the cover
Misha Laurent from Katoomba restaurant 8 Things cooks up his Polish Chicken Soup, and shares his recipe with you! Photo by: Lona Logan
Photography
Lona Logan, Inertia Brigitte Grant Photography Mellen Burns Elissa Jamieson
Editorial
Publishers Mark & Samantha Alston Advertising Enquiries sam@besteats.com.au
Design & Layout Mark Alston Daniel Jackson
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A warm “Thank You” to the venues who stock Best Eats!
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David Stott Patrick Coomey Elissa Jamieson
Kara Cooper Misha Laurent Lamar Powell Nyla Thomas Erin Veronica Willem Hendriksen
Distribution Enquiries mark@besteats.com.au
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Features: ▶▶ Food Focus: Mid Mountains 11 ▶▶ Recipe: Polish Chicken Soup 18 ▶▶ Winter Cocktail Recipe
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▶▶ Yulefest in Katoomba
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▶▶ Freezing? Fireside Dining
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▶▶ Discover Mt Victoria
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Regulars: ▶▶ Hawkesbury & Beyond
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▶▶ Nepean Noms
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▶▶ Lower Mountains
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▶▶ Middle Mountains
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▶▶ Yumstagram - food news
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▶▶ Mountain Highs
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▶▶ Stays - the cozy cottage
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▶▶ Around the Region
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▶▶ Weddings & Events
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▶▶ Things to Do
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▶▶ Growers Markets
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besteats.com.au - Winter 2018
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Welcome to Best Eats
Discover
by Region...
Every Region has its own local food culture and specialties, discover them yourself this Winter!
Welcome to Best Eats
Middle Mountains
Hawkesbury + Bilpin
Upper Mountains
Lower Mountains
Beyond the Mtns
Nepean
Upper Mtns Hawkesbury
Mid Mtns Lower mountains
Nepean Region
3 Sisters, Katoomba
â–śâ–ś CLOSEST CAFE TO THE 3 SISTERS? The Lookout, Echo Point With a Restaurant, Bar and Milkbar, plus valley views!
Dreaming of a White Yule Fest? The Upper Mountains, as well as just over the hill in Oberon are the closest places for snow but take care, the roads can get very slippery and dangerous. Pics: Elissa Jamieson
Hawkesbury & Bilpin
Hawkesbury Heats Up No adventure is truly complete without a sumptuous stop in the Hawkesbury region for a fireside feast and a local ale or two Old Stables Pizza As the Winter weather sets in, there’s nothing better than hot food in a woodfired venue. The Hawkesbury’s Old Stables Kitchen welcomes you with barn doors wide open for a pizza, pasta, steak or one of their other specialty creations. Pictured: The Pesto Chicken pizza, hot from the oven!
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Barrels and Ashes Housed in a character-filled sandstone cottage in Richmond, Barrels and Ashes offers a Modern Australian menu with a smokehouse twist. Recommended to keep you warm in Winter is the Lamb Shank - slow cooked in smoked tomato sauce, served on a bed of mixed cous cous and spinach with kalamata olives, Spanish onion and smoked lemon, pictured here.
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Active? The Nepean River walk is where locals lap the river to keep fit, now with a pedestrian footbridge under construction for a better view during your free workout. Pic: Elissa Jamieson
Bridging the Gap The Nepean region’s population growth has seen an increased appetite for good food and wine, as well as a fondness for fitness Penrith’s city centre caters for all cultures and budgets, with everything from fast food through to fine dining, cafes and specialty food experiences. During Winter you will find some of the best burgers at venues like High Street Social, also known for its craft beer selection.
the river from either side. Emu Plains has a range of takeaway shops as well as the landmark Irish Pub O’Donoghues which is family friendly.
Locals Tip: Head out to Settlers at Mulgoa for a gorgeous Winter drive and delicious food and drink options
Penrith and Emu Plains hug the Nepean River from both sides, though with limited places to dine nearby. The Coffee Club, Nepean Rowing Club and Lewers Cafe are most notable for coffee and meals, with Lewers also grazing within the grounds of an Art Gallery. Picnic areas are very popular in the warmer months of the year on both sides of the river, though in Winter you might be best to grab a takeaway meal or coffee and sit in your car overlooking
Rowers Club - paddle in for food and drink!
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Lower Blue Mountains
Blax
Treading New Ground Glenbrook is a known hot-spot for cafes, delis and bakeries – but there’s more soul to the foot of the mountain than meets the eye... Freshening Up the Gateway
Discovery: Secret Food Town
Glenbrook is a landing plate for mountain bike riders seeking the National Park as well as those exploring the local landscape for lookouts, waterholes or elusive kangaroos. During the cooler months many don’t last too long in the National Park before heading to town for a hot drink or meal.
You shouldn’t tell everyone, but the town you won’t find on your GPS is Brooklands. A small centre between Glen’brook’ and Blax’land’ which is where some of the best hot food lives.
Glenbrook Park has recently seen the kid’s play park receive a major revamp to ensure this gateway to the Mountains is fresh and fun for visitors like yourself, with the Visitor Information Centre upgrade also nearing its completion. In Winter we recommend the Bakehouse where a wide selection of delicious pies – with perfectly puffy pastry – will keep you warm, as well as a coffee from one of the many cafes or delis down the main street. If you’ve got the curious kids with you, 2773 has a fun playcentre and ample room to roam, see next page for more info. 8
In this lower Mountains nom-hub you’ll find a tardis of taste including Chinese, seafood, Thai, kebabs, charcoal chicken, the newly opened cafe & tapas bar Anthony Bros & Co and pizza lovers have been known to rave relentlessly about the tiny town’s flagship restaurant Montes Pizza. Just 2 minutes away is the main town of Blaxland, home to its own hidden havens including DCH, Como, Thai, Italian, pizza and chicken shops. The Mountains’ only Macca’s harbours historical ruins and its architecture hints at the nearby landmark Lennox Bridge – the oldest surviving stone arch bridge on the Aussie mainland!
besteats.com.au - Winter 2018
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Blaxland Bistro for Burgers
Double Trouble in Springwood
Gabriel’s Bistro is the latest addition to the lower Mountains, located inside Blaxland Tavern on the Great Western Highway. A family run business, they pride themselves on good burgers, grill and pizzas, with vegetarian options. There’s a cheese pizza for $10 to keep the kids happy and plenty of warm sides for the cold Winter months.
We’re always surprised at how many people forget to stop by Springwood, considering it has more cafes than even Glenbrook can squeeze in. With specialty juice bar, funky cafes and bakeries, not to mention great pub grub, make sure you stop in on your way up the hill. Pictured is DBL Ristretto, Springwood. Pic: Lona Logan
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Burgers • Steak • Pasta • Pizza Chips • Kids Menu At Blaxland Tavern Ph 4739 3679 150 Great Western Highway, Blaxland besteats.com.au - Winter 2018
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Lower Blue Mountains
A Cafe for the People On a frosty Winter morning, Elissa Jamieson finds warmth in Glenbrook’s toastiest cafe Named after Glenbrook’s postcode, 2773 is an all-senses coffee house experience with beautiful open spaces, cosy nooks, wood features, and a roaring indoor fireplace that begs you to stay for another brew. The extensive food menu offers something for all with its all-day hot breakfasts, pastries, plentiful mains and the occasional woodfire courtyard pizzas. This well-established ‘neighbourhood’ cafe has brews and eats guaranteed to satisfy every taste bud, young and old this Winter.
Locals Tip: If you are staying for the weekend, Murray's Glenbrook Cellars are friendly and know their wine (if not a little too well...)! 10
Photos: Elissa Jamieson
besteats.com.au - Winter 2018
Middle Mountains
Drive By Tucker The Mid Mountains villages of Lawson and Hazelbrook are home to a thriving foodie scene. David Stott is your guide If all you saw of Lawson was the view from the Great Western Highway, you’d be forgiven for cruising right on past its row of anonymous brown brick shops. So it’s a more-than-pleasant surprise to find, tucked away behind the Subways and real estate offices, a veritable village of gourmet delights. Bookended by buzzing Cortado cafe and a great Thai joint, Maprang, are two bona fide food destinations all the
sweeter for feeling like you’ve stumbled on a local secret. Mesa Barrio is the landmark here, with a sophisticated tapas bar vibe and a tight menu of Mediterranean delights including vego-friendly fare such as the signature fried haloumi with oregano, sumac and grilled lemon. Pop in for a quick weekend lunch, or settle in for the evening and work your way through the awesome cocktail menu. A few steps away, Black Cockatoo Bakery is where French baker Alex produces the most fabulously light croissants and pain au chocolat in (possibly) the southern hemisphere, plus the best sourdough west of Alexandria. Lines form before the doors open at 8.30am, and they close when the last loaf sells. Quite literally in this town – you snooze, you lose. Smugly tucking your baguette under your arm, bound up the stairs to
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Previous page: Kyle & Eun Hee at Hasty Tiger make the best Kimchi Burgers , pic by Lona Logan Above left: Relax with a Winter cocktail at Mesa Barrio, pic by Elle Wickens Above right: Cortado’s coffee is made to warm the hands and heart, pic by Lona Logan Below from top: The Parade cafe have live music once a month, and the Magpie Markets are a place locals meet for a browse on a Sunny Sunday
Rust and Timber Chocolate Bar, where you can warm up over a steaming mug of hot chocolate while pondering which artisan truffle to sample next. Five minutes’ drive east, humble Hazelbrook has its own nascent food scene, headlined by the cool cafe and fermentation station Hasty Tiger. Sample their home-made kimchi on a burger, washed down with a draft of locally-brewed Bulla Booch kombucha. Or for a truly authentic Hazo good time, head here on a Friday night, when locals pile in to feast on wings and sample an ever-changing selection of craft beers. Grab a chair, make a new friend, and gaze upon the wondrous spectacle that is Hazelbrook car park – a Bolshoi Ballet of the parking arts.
Don’t leave the Mid Mountains without checking some of the area’s wealth of hidden riches. Whether you trawl the antique shops or head out on a worldclass waterfall bushwalk, this little corner of the Blue Mountains is much more than a quick game of I-Spy.
Locals Tip: Time your visit for the third Sunday of the month when the Magpie Markets take over Lawson Public School. A funky mixture of foodie, flowers, fashion and flea, it’s one of the best markets in the Mountains. besteats.com.au - Winter 2018
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Something Sweet
Chocolate Trail Heats Up Melting Moments in Katoomba After enjoying the fresh Winter air on any of the nearby bushwalks in Katoomba, treat yourself to something sweet at The Blue Mountains Chocolate Company.
They have created the most delightful way to enjoy chocolate, a chocolate fondue. You control the chocolaty goodness by choosing white, milk or dark chocolate buttons. Along with hot milk you will receive a personal fondue tall cup with a tealight candle to slowly melt the buttons. The stainless steel spoon is also a straw and the end result is a thick chocolate drink which warms you all the way to your toes. The Blue Mountains Chocolate Company is located a short walk from the Echo Point Tourist Precinct.
LocalsTip: TCP Day Tours operates a ‘Good Food & Wine Tour’ which finishes up at the Blue Mountains Chocolate Company during Winter!
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Something Sweet
Sweets & Treats You’ve been dragging the kids around all day and all they want is a reward that’s filled with sugar, so here are our top 4 spots for sweets that will leave the young – and young at heart - buzzing!
The Gingerbread House
Local Fruit, Warm Apple Pie
Situated in Katoomba, posing sweetly inside an old church, those with a taste for treats will enjoy the hot chocolate and lollies on offer at the Gingerbread House. Pic: Lona Logan
We’ve already mentioned Mt Tomah’s cool climate garden and glorious views, but aside from the wide open spaces and kids activities to let out some energy, you’ll all be excited by The Potager’s signature dessert - Apple Pie made from local Bilpin apples.
Locals Tip: They have the best kids outdoor play space in the area!
Big Kid
Catch the Lolly Bug
Aunty Jacks Restaurant & Bar
Situated just at the bottom of the Mountains on the road toward Lithgow, you’ll see the yellow VW – the Lolly Bug. A popular destination for kids as it sells lollies, chocolates, treats, eats and gifts.
When there’s a drink on the menu called the Rainbow Unicorn you know the sugar levels will be just right for kids of all ages. Locals tip: take some coins for the arcade machines.
Pic: Sharon Tofler
Pic: Brigitte Grant Photography
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Winter Recipe
Polish Chicken Soup Chef Misha Laurent is the owner of 8 Things in Katoomba, his well-travelled life and love of music inspire his craved ‘streetfood’ menu. Enjoy his signature Polish Chicken Soup recipe
Method
Ingredients Polish Chicken Soup 1 whole chicken Number 13 200g beef bones 1 carrot 1 brown onion 1 celery stalk 1 turnip 2 bayleaves 2 garlic cloves 1 bunch dill 5 parsley stalks 10 whole black pepper corns 30g table salt
Potato dumpling 2 large washed potatoes 1 whole egg 1 pinch white pepper 1 pinch salt 3 dill stalks 1 cup potato starch
Place beef bones into a pot of hot boiling water and boil for 5 min Drain and wash them in cold water Place whole chicken in a large pot and cover with cold water peel the onion and carrot then cut them and celery, turnip into large cubes Add vegetables, salt, pepper, bayleaves, garlic, washed bones, bunch of dill less 3 stalks and parsley Bring to a boil with a lid on Turn the flame down and simmer for 1.5 hours Remove the chicken and let it cool down on a plate. Pull the meat off the bones when warm Strain the broth through a cloth or filter, discarding Place potatoes in a pot with salted luke warm water Bring to a boil and simmer until very tender Drain and rest Peel once it isn’t to hot to handle Whisk the egg Mash the potatoes and add the beaten egg, chopped dill, salt, pepper and potato starch Mix well and rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours Once rested, form the dumplings with a table spoon and drop them one by one in boiling salt water. They will be ready when floating for 3 min Lift them out of the boiling water and drop them into ice water
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Photography by Lona Logan
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Winter Drinks
Winter Cocktail Recipe
Lamar Powell is the captain of cocktails at Katoomba’s Palette Diner and brand ambassador for Ironbark Distillery in North Richmond. Pic by Aidan Jaros-Grilli
Pineapple Hot Gin Punch
Ingredients • 40ml ironbark wattle seed gin • 30ml pineapple juice • 15ml apple juice • 15ml grapefruit juice • 10ml pineapple syrup • 1 star anise
Method Start by only adding the gin to the glass. Add all other ingredients to a pot on the stove and bring to a boil, then turn the heat off.
"I would be happy to make the drink for anyone asking at Palette Diner." - Lamar.
Pour hot juice punch over Wattle Seed Gin in the glass. Garnish with star anise and caramelised pineapple wedge.
WINTER COCKTAIL TRAIL:
TIP: I recommend you should make this for a group to share so add an extra zero to the juice measurements & use five star anise pods. 20
• Palette Diner (Katoomba) • Champagne Charlies (Katoomba) • The Avalon (Katoomba) • Polar Bear (Leura)
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Out & About
Yumstagram
Take a Load Off Guy from Urban Caves was very comfortable at the recent Springwood Business Expo demonstrating his new seating system for cafes - Pa11et. Pic snapped by Roslyn Elms
Midday Breakfast in Lawson
High Tea at the Hydro Majestic Fancy some High Tea? The iconic Hydro Majestic is the place to go according to photographer Brigitte Grant. “They cater for all dietary needs and offer the best ‘Gluten free’ high tea as well with the finest desserts! Highly recommendable!”
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Ben Roberts Cafe in Lawson is now operating as a social enterprise to help those with a disability.
Katoomba Icon Closes Doors A sad day last month as the century old chocolate shop and cafe The Paragon shut its doors. Pic: Mellen Burns
Blackheath Barista Renfolk snapped this shot of coffee on the go at Anonymous in Blackheath
Midw Made
Out & About
Jolly Roger Flies Nick pours a hot chocolate at Katoomba’s newest Cafe, The Pirate Ship located at the top of the main street near the Avalon. It’s home of local roaster Disco Goat, so you can expect some good music on the stereo while you eat your Kimchi and drink soul-centred coffee.
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New Face in the Kitchen There’s someone new in the Aunty Jack’s kitchen... head chef Alf. pic by Brigitte Grant Photography
Meet at the Beet One of the best places to meet is the large tables and friendly atmosphere at Big Beet Katoomba. Pic: Mellen Burns
I’ll Drink to That! Midway through a meal at Leura’s Cafe Madeleine, pic by Lona Logan
The Mountains’ own Tom Cruise, Dwayne pours a cocktail to celebrate the new license, pic by Brigitte Gant
Winter Feature
Christmas in July
We Round Up Katoomba’s best Yulefest Feasts!
Dreaming of a White Yulefest
1930s Charm & Character
The Carrington Hotel’s grand dining room is right at Katoomba’s warm heart, and a perfect place to celebrate the Yulefest festivities in the Blue Mountains.
In the midst of a cold Mountain Winter, warm yourself with a feast of food and music at the historic Metropole Guesthouse. Built in 1933 this iconic guesthouse retains its period character.
Escape the cold and join in the fun of a sumptuous feast every Saturday night or for lunch midweek. Enjoy great food, wonderful entertainment and Yuletide cheer at the Gala Yulefest Dinners running from June 7 to August 4.
Boasting a unique Yulefest experience which includes a three-course meal with oven baked turkey thigh, sweet potato galette, garlic & rosemary roasted root vegetables, finishing with a desert of plum pudding with a honey & rosemary crème anglaise topped with vanilla ice cream. Experience Winter in the Mountains with an authentic Christmas feast at the historic Metropole Guesthouse Katoomba which are on every Tuesday and Saturday night during July.
Bookings for the Carrington Hotel Gala dinner and accommodation packages are now open, though evenings sell out fast, don’t miss your chance to join in on one of the most popular events this Winter in Katoomba.
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Winter Feature
Winter Feature
A Very Kitschy Yulefest
Solstice Celebrations
Aunty Jack’s is an authentically styled retro Australiana diner, and are throwing their own Yule party in July.
While the Winter Magic Festival was started 25 years ago as a way to revitalise Katoomba for Yulefest, 2018 marks the first year that the festival will not be held, as organisers plan for a bigger and better 2019 festival.
“We’ll be serving up a scrumptious traditional Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings, with music and entertainment provided by Brittanie Shipway and Mathew Dennett,” says owner Sian Young.
This year on the Solstice weekend there will not be a street parade and markets, though local hotels and venues are still hosting live music and fireworks, with The Carrington hosting the main events in their various pubs and clubs. Traditionally it’s the weekend of the year when the town is filled with locals and tourists enjoying the culture and rugged up in beanies, as well as costumes! Pic: Brigitte Grant Photography
Heritage Hosts Pat Drummond Every Saturday in July you can join the home of Yulefest in the Mountains, The Mountain Heritage Katoomba for a time-honoured tradition. “We’re celebrating our 38th year of white Christmases, so take a well-earned break and relax in a uniquely cosy atmosphere. We’ve got a jolly Santa, a gourmet menu, hot Christmas puddings, and much more, all just waiting for you!” This year multi award-winning singer/songwriter Pat Drummond joins the regular in-house entertainment. 26
Comedy Goons at Palais Royal This will be the 6th year of ‘The Goon Show Live’ performance at the Palais Royale, Katoomba. This Yule dinner and comedy show is hosted by Entertainment Blue Mountains.
besteats.com.au - Winter 2018
Winter Feature
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A Friendly Family Pub In The Heart Of The Blue Mountains Bistro 7 Days • Heated Beer Garden Live Entertainment Pool Room • Accommodation The Katoomba Family Hotel is a fully restored, historic pub in the heart of Katoomba, known for its warm hospitality, great family atmosphere and weekly entertainment. Centrally heated throughout all areas, open fires in the main bars and restaurant the Katoomba Hotel offers real food, real people, real beer and real hospitality. A place to relax with new and old friends, come and stay.
Phone: 02 4782 1106 Email: info@katoombahotel.com.au besteats.com.au - Winter 2018
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Travel
Food Tourism Goes Off the Rails Rail riders can experience a great fat look at The Three Sisters and Katoomba when the Indian Pacific pulls into the Blue Mountains each week The optional off-train excursion for passengers travelling from Perth is the result of a new partnership between Fantastic Aussie Tours (FAT), Great Southern Rail which owns the iconic Indian Pacific touring train, Scenic World, Blue Mountains Guides and the Trippas White Group which owns The Lookout Restaurant at Echo Point. FAT managing director Jason Cronshaw says the Blue Mountains excursion would be an option each Wednesday, with passengers alighting the train at Mt Victoria after breakfast. A FAT bus would then transport them to Scenic World to experience the range of thrilling rides or a trek through awe-inspiring landscapes along Prince Henry Walk with Blue Mountains Guides. All passengers would then assemble for lunch at The Lookout Restaurant near the Three Sisters rock formation overlooking the Jamison Valley before being returned to the Indian Pacific in a FAT bus and continuing their rail journey to Sydney. “For many years, Indian Pacific passengers caught glimpses of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area as they hurtled through the bush and the villages,’’ Jason says. 28
Lookout, More Tourists: Fantastic Aussie Tours managing director Jason Cronshaw and Indian Pacific manager Penelope Milne invite tourists to alight.
“Now, whatever activity they choose to do here they will experience what we are blessed with every day.’’ The package had taken five years to finalise, with the main challenge reserving a rail pathway in the increasingly busy Blue Mountains rail line timetable. “This is a fantastic coup for the businesses directly involved in this package including us of course, but it has the potential to bring hundreds of visitors to the region who will hopefully return to stay at least one night in a hotel or B&B, eat out in our cafes and restaurants and visit the attractions and retail outlets throughout the area,’’ Jason says.
besteats.com.au - Winter 2018
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Chalet Caters for Swiss Tastes If the smell of gourmet Swiss and French food has your mouth watering in Winter, you’ll be happy the hills are alive with the sound of sizzling sausage! Le Petit Chalet is a unique food van run by Monique and Roland, former owners of the Swiss Cottage in Katoomba. The Chalet is a regular at local events like the Leura Harvest and Music festivals. They also host ‘Dinner at the Farm’, every last weekend of each month in Katoomba, with the “freshest produce straight from our garden and farmers markets to your plate!” “After 22 years of running our Swiss Cottage, our intention was to sell and
retire... however, our love for food was too overwhelming so we started a new adventure,” Monique happily admits!
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Stays
Wooly Warmers at Leura Air BnB Bronwyn Tipping combines her love of knitting with hosting an AirBnb to keep guests toasty Greendale is a cozy AirBnb nestled in the backstreets of the leafy Leura township. Owner Bronwyn always goes the extra mile, now offering guests a range of knitted winter hats and gloves. “I enjoy meeting the guests during their stay,” she says. “I usually know where they have come from and what they are interested in seeing and we talk about that. There have been quite a few overseas travelers.” One friendly fellow who loved her pup Roxy even drew a picture of her in the guest book, which is full of glowing comments. During Winter, Bronwyn likes to give guests a few dining ideas. “In Leura I would point them to The Alex, Silk’s, Flemish Flavours, and Leura Garage, or if they are headed to Katoomba it’s Basil Nut, Old City Bank and Station Bar Woodfired Pizza.”
Leafy views: the cute cottage in a quiet Leura street
Branded knitwear: available to guests at Greendale
Helping Hound: Bronwyn & Roxy knitting a beanie
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Brekkie Burger a Hit at Markets Whilst BBQ in Australia is traditionally a summer past time, low and slow BBQ really shines during the colder months. The use of wood and coals, rather than gas, and the smell of a crackling fire is a great way to warm up on the chilly Winter afternoons. Also, the hearty meats cooked over fire make a beautiful Winter dinner to share with the whole family. Pit’s Perfect BBQ are a Winmalee based catering and BBQ competition team, competing since 2016 they have won
many awards for their 12-hour slow smoked brisket, pulled lamb and pulled pork. Owner Linda Zammit got hooked on the slow cook after reading Jamie Oliver’s Comfort Food. The smoker trailer – named ‘Fat Amy’ – can be seen at local markets, events and pop-ups over Winter at Winmalee Artisan Markets and Leura Markets.
Locals Tip: Make sure you try the brisket breakfast burger while you wander the markets to keep you super warm on those cold Winter mornings!
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Winter Feature
Fireside
Dining
With forecasts suggesting one of the coldest Winters on record, you’ll happy to shed the coat & beanie as you duck in and dine beside a roaring fireplace in the Blue Mountains region Living the Lounge Life The Carrington Hotel (pictured left) will keep you snug in Winter, with open fire and either a full Yule feast or just some snacks, even high tea, or simply a drink to melt the frosty fingers at Champage Charlie’s cocktail & coffee bar.
Spark Up at Embers Embers at Fairmont Resort in Leura (image top of page) has a beautiful large stone fireplace backdropped by some of the best views in Leura.
Get Mellow at Yellow The Yellow Deli Katoomba’s woodlaiden interior with fireplace is like stepping into another world, where comfort and warmth go hand in hand. 32
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Winter Feature
Hawkesbury Hearth Relax in warm wooden surrounds by the fireplace at Richmond’s Barrels & Ashes (left), beside a bar with plenty of Whisky for a Winter’s day. The Hawkesbury is home to some grand old pubs well worth exploring in Winter.
Lithgow Comes Alight The Tin Shed (left) is always welcoming and especially so as Lithgow’s temperature drops and the fire comes on. Whether for a coffee or meal, find an excuse to drop in this season.
2773 Ways to Get Warm While the lower Mountains may not see snow in Winter, the temperatures are still low enough to warrant the crackle of a good fire at 2773 (left) to take the edge off after your Winter walk.
Spring Into Winter The Oriental Hotel’s cafe in the main street of Springwood is home to a good hot meal in Winter when the fire is on.
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Road Trip
More to Explore If you’ve never ventured beyond the Mountains you’ll be secretly surprised at the adventures awaiting on your taste bud tour
Cider Shed is a Tasty Pick
Food with a View
Hillbilly Cider is made locally at Bilpin where visitors can visit the Cider Shed for the freshest brew. Sit out on the deck overlooking the orchard and sample the internationally award winning Hillbilly cider range while you decide what to do next on your adventure!
The Potager is a newly renovated restaurant at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah, where you can take in the view from the restaurant across the Garden and Blue Mountains. The Apple Pie (made from local Bilpin apples) and The Potager Pie are the signature Winter dishes.
A Wine to Unwind
Tiny Chapel, Mega View
Megalong Creek Estate Cellar Door is open weekends all year round and weekdays by appointment. Their wines are single vineyard – made wholly from fruit grown on the family vineyard in the Megalong Valley. With upcoming seasonal events and promotions throughout the year
Little Hartley is a secretly quiet small town that looks back up to the escarpment of Blackheath. As you drive through the windy road hills appear and those who dare to drive through have stumbled upon The Tiny Chapel. It’s a place for anyone to visit, “a place to meditate, it’s a place of peace and love, it’s a place of reflection and mindfulness.”
Locals Tip: Megalong Valley has a couple of wineries and a great cafe! 34
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Upper Mountains Feature
Mount Victoria & Me Local designer Kara Cooper of Mount Vic and Me works from her studio shop high up in the clouds of Mt Victoria, and takes us on a tasty tour of the town Our little village is a hidden gem at the top of the mountains. Start up on the highway with Mount Vic and Me for a range of greeting cards, tea towels and new Blue Mountains Socks made here in Australia. Get your cards read next door at Jennifer Marie’s Psychic Emporium, then head up to Victorious Interiors and The Other Lady where you will find a lovely range of furniture and french interiors. Curios and collectables abound in the Pop Up Shop, Cobwebbs Collectables and The Gallery. Duck into the Baytree Nursery to see an array of cold climate 36
plants. For history buffs, head to Mount Victoria Museum to see an array of historical pieces including dioramas from The Hydro Majestic and even Ned Kelly’s sister Kate’s bed! If you are of the adventurous kind you’ll appreciate the bush walks in the area, you can head out to Mount York where Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth famously realised they’d crossed the Blue Mountains. If you walk up to Mount Piddington you’ll pass One Tree Hill – which Mount Victoria was originally named after – and is the highest point in the city of the Blue Mountains.
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Upper Mountains Feature
For eats we are lucky how many we have here. Petalura Eatery is where you can get a lovely sit down lunch by the fire. I recommend their Spanokopita. Further down is Piccolo Deli, a great place to pick up coffee and yummy homemade cake. Victoria & Albert Guesthouse is recently reopened where you can enjoy a true Yulefest Christmas dinner. Mount Victoria Manor has beautiful tapas and eats available.
After all this head to old style Mount Vic Flicks where you can get yourself a cuppa tea and homemade soup while watching the film. You may even get to hear the organist play before the show! Mount Vic and Me is open 10am-4pm Thurs-Sun, 113 Great Western Hwy. Pics, from top left: Victoria and Albert, Victorious Interiors, Mount Victoria Manor, Petalura Eatery, Mount Vic and Me. Below from left: Piccolo Deli, Jennifer Marie’s Psychic Emporium
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Suggestions
Winter Suggestions With so much on offer this Winter, we’ve compiled a small local list of hot food suggestions for you to road-test for yourself! Pizza: Station Bar Woodfired Pizza, Katoomba With a buzzing atmosphere, a wide selection of wine and craft beer, plus Woodfired Pizza named after the towns of the Mountains, Station Bar’s wellwarmed seats and eats are perfect for this Winter.
Thai: Maprang, Lawson While there are many Thai restaurants in the area that are all very good, Maprang’s delicious approach to some of their dishes sets them apart.
Sushi: Sushi n’ Co, Katoomba Where the locals go for Sushi and soup, the food is fresh and hot and they are open lunch and dinner. Grab n’ go or order from the menu.
Chinese: Lawson Bowling Club This hidden home of hot n’ spicy Chinese dishes sits in the lower level of Lawson Bowling Club, an old converted Water Tower. With drinks available at the bar, and the tastiest food in town, and reasonably priced, it always tops the list.
Poet’s Corner Cassiopeia, A Poem by Erin Veronica Crema gazing, smooth caramel hues. Pause, what do you see?
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Whirling cosmotic patterns, transformed, re-formed through the caress of a sip. What do you feel? Shining black or silky white luminance reflected, transformed. What illuminates from this constellation? Caramel spheres adorn the rim, remnants of a passing moment. Stellar side lane retreat. Breathe.
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Beyond the Mountains
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From Paddock to Plate Where does our food come from? An immersive exhibition at the Orange Regional Museum brings local food & wine history to life Paddock to Plate is a celebrative journey through the history of the food & wine industry in the Orange region and how it has changed over time. Housing 350 historic objects and photographs, curated into many informative exhibits and stories about the innovators who have made the region a haven for lovers of fine food & wine. One of the highlights is multimedia dinging table that displays the changing nature of what we put on our plate over the decades, which will invoke many a gastronomical memory.
producer site visits to orchards, wineries, guided tours of historic pubs & meet the chef. For more details see www.orangemuseum.com.au. By Patrick Coomey
A series of events will be held to complement the exhibition including
Treats through time: digital table animation
Rich History: living off the land
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Weddings & Events
Weddings, Parties, Anything! The Mountains & Hawkesbury have become Sydney’s most desired Wedding and events destinations – all year round Whether a simple weekend getaway for a family and friends get-together, your Big Day, or one of those special events, your big Blue backyard has it all. Enjoy the wide open spaces, picturesque photo locations, grand old manor houses and of course some of the best food and catering in NSW. The region is so regal that there’s even
a dedicated magazine – Blue Mountains Love – that takes you on a journey of some recent ceremonies for excitement and inspiration! Whether you are hosting a traditional, formal, retro or modern wedding – you’ll find the Mountains and surrounds have it all. Mid Mountains catering company Red Pepper on average run
Stately silverware: when the occasion needs to make an impression
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Weddings & Events
Garden girl: Lilianfels garden by Brigitte Grant
Warm reception: Carrington’s Grand Dining room
three weddings per weekend, with a selection of seasonal menus available.
High Tea, Garden Parties and traditional dinner are popular in Winter and Spring, and when the dinnerware is drab What’s the Occasion are ready to assist in adding that ‘touch of elegance’ with an incredible collection of real vintage china and tableware offerings.
We’re also spoilt for local florists with many in the area including Katoomba’s Wilde Ivy, where Lisa offers beautiful choices of flowers, bouqets and event gifts for all occasions.
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Weddings & Events
Tie the Knot to This Backdrop Megalong Creek Estate winery, pictured above, is now available for wedding and event bookings in their new Marquee, backdropped by the stunning escarpment views for your perfect day.
Big Day
5 Best Wedding Photo Spots ▶▶ Wentworth Falls Lake ▶▶ Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens ▶▶ Lincoln’s Rock, Wentworth Falls ▶▶ The Lookout, Echo Point ▶▶ Yester Grange, where A Few Best Men film was shot
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Fancy feast: High tea at the Carrington Hotel
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Weddings & Events
Big Day: no need to be nervous when you say I Do in the Mountains. Pic: Brigitte Grant Photography
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Things to Do
Art, a Visual Feast Penrith Regional Gallery and the Lewers Bequest Located beside the Nepean River on the Emu Plains side, Lewers Gallery not only boasts a cafe with outdoor sunny aspects, but is in the grounds of an exciting art space. Current exhibitions include Garage Graphix, Possum-Skin Cloak and Cosmic Noise.
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Gang Gang Gallery
With exhibitions changing throughout the seasons, there’s always something fresh on the walls of this curated fine art exhibition space at the bottom of the main street of Katoomba.
On the main road into Lithgow opposite the park is the region’s newest contemporary art gallery, Gang Gang Gallery in the restored 1900s Art Deco building, as pictured above.
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Things to Do
Markets on the Grow Richmond Good Food Markets 8-1PM SATURDAYS AT RICHMOND PARK Richmond Good Food Market is a place for local farmers and quality food producers to showcase their wares and interact with the community.
The Westies Market 3RD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH 9AM - 2PM NEPEAN HIGH SCHOOL, EMU PLAINS The Westies Market Emu Plains features stallholders trading local produce, handmade, one off fashion items and homewares, freshly made ready to eat gourmet treats as well as delicious food to take home along with live music, performers and workshops.
Blackheath Growers Markets 2ND SUNDAY OF THE MONTH 8AM - 12PM AT BLACKHEATH Over 60 growers and producers to tantalise your tastebuds, rug up for the best Winter produce around. besteats.com.au - Winter 2018
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Things to Do
Feed Your Other Senses Looking for more than a meal? Here are our top 12 venues for live entertainment across the Hawkesbury and Mountains, with many filling your belly as well as your ears! Tates Hawkesbury Hotel, Windsor • Regular Blues and Roots acts The Church Bar, Windsor • Sunday Sessions weekly live music Anthony Bros & Co, Blaxland • Live music & tapas weeknights Bunker Cafe, Springwood • Live music on weekends The Roxy (Hotel Gearin), Katoomba • Weekly music nights and DJs til 3am Old City Bank, Katoomba • Live music every Fri & Sat night Station Bar, Katoomba • Live music after 9pm Weekends The Family Hotel, Katoomba • Regular Live music & open mic Hotel Blue, Katoomba • Jazz and Blues every Fri & Sat Aunty Jacks, Katoomba • Slack-off Sundays live music The Metropole, Katoomba • Regular Folk Nights Baroque Room, Katoomba • Regular Music events
Art meets music: a recent event at Gallery 188 in Katoomba featuring local music. Pics: Lona Logan
Upcoming: June 23 at The Carrington Hotel, Winter Solstice Soiree with Music, Performers & Fireworks! Local Music, Art & Culture thehazemag.com.au
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