FOOD WORTH THE ROAD TRIP Narenna Bloomfield
OK, so I need to preface these claims. These places have not necessarily been awarded as the 'best' (although some have…). I have formed these opinions from over 20 years of visiting and discovering places around here. I also work for Daylesford Macedon Tourism so consider myself an expert on these things. They are the best in their speciality, and I've found that they do not disappoint and should be an excellent motivator for a tasty road trip. BEST PARMA –
BEST COFFEE –
BEST BLOODY MARY -
DAYLESFORD HOTEL
COFFEE BASICS / DAS KAFFEEHAUS, CASTLEMAINE
CLIFFY'S EMPORIUM, DAYLESFORD
There has been a surge in 'parma and a pint' popularity since lock-down. It's a standard classic but can go very wrong. Daylesford Hotel serves it just right - crispy freerange chicken schnitzel, topped with mozzarella cheese, free-range ham and Napoli sauce. They pair it with tangy coleslaw, chunky chips and the best sunset views. 2 Burke Square, Daylesford
There is something deliciously comforting about visiting Coffee Basics and Das Kaffeehaus. You will smell the intoxicating smoke from the roasters, rising from the iconic brick chimney of the repurposed Woollen Mill in Castlemaine, before you enter. The Schaerf family has been a leading name in the European coffee industry for decades. Come for the beans, stay for their generous, heart-warming food and service. 9 Walker Street, Castlemaine
The ultimate breakfast of champions, a Bloody Mary can come in many different forms. In my opinion, Cliffy's Emporium makes an exceptionally good one. The best part is you can have it within their Boozy Brunch package… 1 ½ hour of free-flowing bottomless cocktails. 30 Raglan Street, Daylesford
BEST VANILLA SLICE – BOURKIES BAKEHOUSE, WOODEND
If you have ever been to Woodend, you are no doubt familiar with the iconic Bourkies Bakehouse. People line up around the block to get inside and devour their finest pies and bakery treats. They have been serving up their famous vanilla slice for 30 years, and if you have had one, you would understand that no road trip is complete without it. 115 High Street, Woodend
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BEST BURGER – SUPER LEKKER, WOODEND
In German, Dutch and South African 'Super Lekker' means 'Super Delicious', and as soon as you try one of their burgers, you will understand why these guys chose the name. Super Lekker serves up delicious, juicy burgers made from natural, pasture-fed beef and free-range chicken. 2/99 High Street, Woodend
BEST ALL-DAY BREAKFAST – LARDER, DAYLESFORD
Some days you want to eat breakfast all day, and when it's from Larder, you might want to eat it all week. They take their offerings very seriously with traditional favourites like big breakfast, eggs benedict, brioche French toast, and mix it up with some surprising delights like Spanish baked eggs, vanilla bean rice pudding and Mexican farm-style beans. Taste and service will have you coming back as soon as you can. 57A Vincent Street, Daylesford
