HUNTER VALLEY
R
Hermitag
e Rd
803 Old North Rd, Rothbury NSW | P (02)49383484
The Team at The Farm
See you soon!
A quirky, old farmhouse in the middle of our private vineyard offers a truly special location to share a meal amongst friends.
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New England Highway
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Black Creek Farm offers good food, simply cooked, in a relaxed atmosphere.
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All food tastes better shared!
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www.blackcreekfarm.com.au
HUNTER VALLEY
Divvy Dishes
(To Share Amongst Friends)
Warm Ciabatta w/ Grilled Chorizo & Olives Salted Baby Squid w/ Fresh Lemon Smoked Salmon & Crab Rolls Sizzling Garlic & Chilli Prawns Pan Seared Scallops w/ Pea Puree & Crisp Pancetta Gnocchi Gorgonzola Grilled King Brown Mushrooms w/ Balsamic Reduction Fried Goats Cheese w/ Caramelised Onions & Honey Wagyu Beef & Vintage Cheddar Sliders Spicy Lamb Cutlets w/ Cous Cous & Hummus Mini Fillet Mignon w/ Mustard & Red Wine Jus Five Spiced Duck Breast w/ Green Tea Noodle Salad Mixed Green Salad w/ Honey Mustard Dressing Rocket, Pear, Parmesan & Walnut Salad ~Seasonal Menu ~
Cnr Wilderness & Lovedale Rds ~ Lovedale NSW 2320 Lunch 7 Days & Dinner Thursday to Saturday Bookings Recommended ~ 02 4930 9888
www.wandinhuntervalley.com.au James Halliday Wine Companion 2013
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hunter hunter valley’s valley’s best best
*Map is not to scale
Getting around... Taxi...............................02 4990 1111 Bus...............................02 4935 7200 Car Hire and Limousine....................02 4984 7766
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Black Creek Farm - Spiced baby chicken, preserved lemons, farm olives & harissa Twine Restaurant - Twine style chilli mud crab
www.diningout.com.au
contents Restaurant A la carte
Amanda’s On The Edge Black Creek Farm Charades Restaurant Chez Pok Harvest Restaurant Restaurant Cuvee Shakey Tables The Cellar Restaurant The Mill Restaurant Twine Restaurant
Alfresco Dining
Amanda’s On The Edge Bistro Molines Blaxlands Inn Restaurant Botanica The Olive Tree Restaurant The Verandah Restaurant Twine Restaurant
Hotel/ Bars/ Lounge/ Wine Bar
Bodega Restaurant & Bar Blaxlands Inn Brokenback Bar Wandin Wine Bar & Diner
Bistro
Bistro Molines Bistro Vinden
Casual Cuisine/ Dining Black Creek Farm Leaves & Fishes SSS BBQ Barns
Contemporary Dining
Bistro Vinden Charades Restaurant Emerson’s At Pokolbin Muse Restaurant & Café Shakey Tables The Cellar Restaurant
Dessert
Sabor In The Hunter
European
Bistro Molines Muse Kitchen
Fine Dining
Muse Restaurant & Cafe Margan Restaurant
Food Sharing
Black Creek Farm Leaves & Fishes The Verandah Restaurant Wandin Wine Bar & Diner
Food/ Wine Matching
Bistro Vinden Charades Restaurant Harvest Restaurant RidgeView Sabor In The Hunter
Page 15 2 35 42 20 21 11 7 18 8 15 25 6 9 17 31 8
Gourmet Pies Blaxlands Inn
Page
June 2013 - November 2013
High Tea Chez Pok
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Japanese Oishii
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Modern Australian
Amanda’s On The Edge Bodega Restaurant & Bar Charades Restaurant Restaurant Botanica Restaurant Cuvee Shakey Tables The Cellar Restaurant Twine Restaurant
15 16 35 9 21 11 7 8
Organic
Bistro Vinden Restaurant Botanica
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Pasta/ Pizza
Brokenback Bar 16 6 18 3 25 33 2 19 22 & 23 33 35 44 43 11 7 24 25 14 43 10 2 19 31 3 33 35 20 26 & 27 24
French/ Mediterranean/ Rustic
Bistro Molines Chez Pok Margan Restaurant The Olive Tree Restaurant
Restaurant
25 42 10 17 6
Ribs
SSS BBQ Barns
18 22 & 23
Seafood
Bistro Vinden Leaves & Fishes Twine Restaurant
Steak
Blaxlands Inn SSS BBQ Barns
Tapas
Brokenback Bar Emerson’s At Pokolbin Harvest Restaurant RidgeView The Mill Restaurant The Verandah Restaurant Wandin Wine Bar & Diner
33 19 8 6 22 & 23 18 44 20 26 & 27 18 31 3
Thai
Blue Thai Oishii
Themed Restaurant Shakey Tables SSS BBQ Barns
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Winery/Vineyard/Restaurant/ Café/ Coffee
Amanda’s On The Edge Bistro Vinden Black Creek Farm Harvest Restaurant - Hope Estate Margan Restaurant Muse Kitchen - Keith Tulloch Winery Muse Restaurant & Café Restaurant Botanica 26 & RidgeView The Olive Tree Restaurant The Verandah Restaurant
Features
Map & Contents Hunter Valley - Wine Country Hunter Valley Wine Society Balloon Aloft Special Events Live Theatre & Music Dining Out App Advertise With Us www.diningout.com.au
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4&5 12 & 13 32 40 36 & 37 38 & 39 34 30 28
Dining Out Hunter Valley is produced by Dining Out ABN: 97 283 081 944 PO Box 3878 Robina Town Centre QLD 4230 P: (07) 5575 1940 F: (07) 5580 9044 E: info@diningout.com.au W: www.diningout.com.au Publisher Jason Barns P: 0414 252 170 E: jason@diningout.com.au Advertising Enquires (07) 5575 1940 Distribution Enquires 0432 500 689 Graphic Design TMR Designs Printed by Inprint - Brisbane
All artwork used in this publication remain the property of the publishers and it is an infringement of copyright to reproduce any material without written authority of the publisher. All care is taken to ensure that the information in the publication is accurate. The publisher cannot be held liable for human error & omissions that may occur. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any ‘misleading or deceptive’ material published and indemnifies itself against any methods or practises which may be placed in this publication.
Dining Out & Entertainment Guide are members of Publishers Australia and Hunter Valley Tourism.
“We would appreciate you mentioning Dining Out when visiting Hunter Valley restaurants featured in this guide” www.diningout.com.au 5
R E S T A U R A N T Rustic Mediterranean inspired cuisine in a relaxed, friendly environment.
Hunter Valley Gardens Village, Broke Road, Pokolbin P 02 4998 7584 W www.the-cellar-restaurant.com.au Open lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday
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Your invitation to dine at Restaurant Botanica...
The Hunter Valley’s freshest regional dining experience Dinner Wednesday to Sunday from 6pm Relaxed Weekend Lunches Saturday and Sunday 12-3pm Private Dining room also available A passionate hospitality team led by owner/operators Mark and Belinda Stapleton. Multi award winning wine list. Stunning rural vineyard and mountain views. Relaxed and comfortable dining ambience. Abundant kitchen garden with rare and organic heirloom vegetables, fruits and herbs picked daily for our menu. p. 02 6574 7229 a. Located at Spicers Vineyards Estate 555 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin 2320
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RESTAURANT
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WINERY
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CELLAR
DOOR
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WEDDINGS
E S TAT E G R O W N . E S TAT E M A D E
M A R G A N R E S TAU R A N T
Top Ten Regional NSW Restaurants- Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide 2012
Best Restaurant Winner - Australian Tourism Awards 2012
Best Restaurant - Winner & Hall of Fame - NSW Tourism Awards 2010, 2011, 2012 Best Restaurant - Winner & Hall of Fame - Hunter Tourism Awards 2010, 2011, 2012 Sustainable Restaurant of the Year SMH Good Food Guide 2011 Regional Wine List of the Year SMH Good Food Guide 2011 1238 Milbrodale Road, Broke Hunter Valley
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Open Friday to Sunday, reservations highly recommended www.margan.com.au/restaurant/ or Tel: 02 6579 1372
hunter valley
Today, the Hunter Valley is certainly one of Australia’s most well-known wine regions, which, since its foundation, has produced many fine, world recognised wines. There are over 120 wineries producing a wide array of exceptional wines reflective of their origin. Whilst Hunter Valley Wine Country is famous for its great wines, there are also a number of other activities to discover and enjoy. From beautiful art galleries, gardens, bicycle tours & hot air ballooning, there are a myriad of things to do. When visiting the Hunter Valley, most people don’t want to leave, and why would you? With amazing wines, fabulous local produce & quality restaurants, cosy accommodation properties, quaint galleries showcasing talented local artists & gorgeous scenery. Whilst it is the Hunter Valley as a whole that is recognised and remembered as a world-class wine region and tourism destination, the region is made up of a number of small communities, townships and localities. Each of them has their own secrets to reveal and can be discovered on their own or as part of a Hunter Valley trail. Broke Fordwich is home to boutique wineries and quality country accommodation with splendid vistas. Exceptional wines, fine restaurants and a gourmet selection of local produce make a visit to this area a must. East of Pokolbin you will discover Lovedale. Known for its community of boutique wineries, cellar doors, quality accommodation, restaurants and unique galleries, Lovedale is also were the now famous Lovedale Long Lunch takes place every year in May. Pokolbin/Rothbury forms the epi-centre of Wine Country. It is where most of the Hunter Valley’s first vineyards were planted and were you will find the largest collection of wineries, accommodation houses, restaurants and activities. And, of course, you will also find many of the original families here. Mount View is one of the most idyllic and scenic parts of the Hunter Valley. Enjoy Mount View Road, from the south-eastern end of Pokolbin south to Millfield Village. The road winds its way around the breathtakingly beautiful Brokenback Range and reveals vistas you’ll just have to capture. 12
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wine country
The picturesque Wollombi Valley and its historic village are home to many old convict structures and ancient Aboriginal sites. Wollombi Village is famed for its heritage colonial architecture and is the gateway to the convict trail, National Parks, boutique wineries and museums. Dalwood is located off the New England Highway. You will find these small village centres displaying historic architecture, arts & crafts stores and friendly locals. Dalwood is also the site of the Hunter Valley’s first grapevines and you will find links to the area’s history at Wyndham Estate. Cessnock is just of the F3 Freeway and is Wine Country’s hub for business and shopping. Here you will find everything you need from groceries, gifts, fashion and the Performing Arts Centre as well as the essential services including post office and banks. There are also several accommodation options, restaurants, cafés and pubs.
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Singleton/Upper Hunter via the New England Highway, the Golden Hwy, Putty Road or Hermitage Road, this sub-region offers boutique wineries, rolling pasture, horse studs and natural wonders – including Lake St Clair – and an intriguing mix of heritage, country charm and modern sophistication. Around Hermitage at the northern end of Pokolbin this friendly rural destination offers a wide range of accommodation styles, restaurants, cafes and galleries. It is also where some of the region’s most acclaimed vignerons and winemakers both work and live. Another world awaits within Maitland, your opportunities and experiences are limited only by your imagination. On arrival to the area, adventure, exploration, indulgence and relaxation await you. This is your chance to start a new chapter and unearth another world. Step into the historic town of Morpeth, the Hunter Valley’s premier boutique shopping and dining venue. Wander down the gorgeous sandstone streets to find colonial buildings occupied by modern and inviting cafés, pubs, galleries, boutiques, antique shops and local businesses. Morpeth is situated on the banks for the Hunter River, just two hours drive north from Sydney. Come and explore……….. 13
Eat i Drink i Relax i Love
The Brokenback Tapas & BBQ Bar ideal for a casual bite to eat, open daily from 12 noon serving light meals available all day; wood fired pizza, cook your own BBQ and tapas. Enjoy from the display
cabinet something sweet or our Movenpick Ice cream selection. Takeaway is available until 9pm daily and our homemade pies & sausage rolls until 5pm for something quick and easy.
The Mill Restaurant
is open for breakfast; 8 until 10am and dinner from 6.30pm daily,
The Mill
Restaurant
7 days a week, lunch on Saturday and Sunday; 12.30 until 4.00pm. Bookings are essential. Offering a fine dining menu, with influences from around the world.
Best views in Wine Country
This truly Hunter Valley restaurant and bar over look 300 acres of vines and the Brokenback range, we believe a dining experience should be about good food, good wine and good times and this is what our team serves.
Christmas Parties i Hen’s Celebrations i Cooking School Weddings i Takeaway i Accommodation i Conference Tuscany Wine Estate Resort Cr Hermitage Rd & Mistletoe Lane Pokolbin NSW 2320 reservations@tuscanywineestate.com.aui tuscanywineestate.com.au P+61 2 4998 7288 i F +61 2 4998 7277
P (02) 49307400
737 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale
www.leavesandfishes.com.au
and Dinner Friday & Saturday
Lunches from Wednesday - Sunday
Fresh. Smart. Simple.
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special events
HUNTER VALLEY WINE & FOOD MONTH 1 - 30 June 2013 This much-anticipated annual event showcases the region’s diverse wine and food culture with a month-long series of themed activities throughout June. Various venues across the Hunter Valley www.huntervalleyuncorked.com.au SNOWTIME IN THE GARDEN 29 June - 14 July 2013 Enjoy ice skating on our 16 x 30 metre Real Ice Skating Rink. Join in other Snow Time fun including a 30 metre Ice Toboggan and play in the manmade snow! There will be lots of fun for the whole family with games, hearty food and warm beverages. www.hvg.com.au HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL 6 - 7 July 2013 This amazing event will immerse you in a chocolate experience you will never forget, while enjoying family fun and activities inspired by chocolate. There will be delicious stalls along with free entertainment, demonstrations, activities, competitions and prizes for all. Don’t miss out on this chocolaty delight! www.hvg.com.au
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THE SINGLETON ART PRIZE 19 - 24 July 2013 The Singleton Art Prize is a major annual event on the cultural calendar of Singleton with a prize pool of over AUD$14, 000.00. On average 600 works are hung and all are for sale. www.singletonartsfestival.com.au
PEEK INTO THE PAST 28 July 2013 Peek into the Past is an old fashioned family day out. A whole day of fun and nostalgia at Tocal Homestead in Paterson…! Come and see skills and crafts of yesteryear demonstrated throughout the heritage site. www.tocal.com MAITLAND AROMA - COFFEE CHOCOLATE & FINE FOOD FESTIVAL 17 - 18 August 2013 The Maitland Aroma Festival is a coffee, chocolate and fine food affair that aims toward off the winter chill with the best local coffee roasters, a delectable range of chocolates and much more. Come along to Maitland and enjoy... www.maitlandaroma.com.au SPRING FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS 1 - 30 September 2013 This year our Spring Festival of Flowers will have an Oriental Twist! See over 250,000 annuals that are planted throughout Hunter Valley Gardens in a visual and sensory experience to remember. www.hvg.com.au WUPA @ WANARUAH 2013 1 September - 31 October 2013 Aboriginal Artwork will be showcased in at least seven venues across the vineyards and other locations. This year’s exhibition will showcase over 100 pieces of art from at least 16 local talented artists from the Hunter Valley Region, some with many years of experience and some emerging artists. www.wupaatwanarauh.com.au
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HVG BIRTHDAY WEEKEND 28 - 29 September 2013 Wow! HVG is turning 10, so come along and celebrate with us! After our general entry fee you can have fun for free on the jumping castle and other amusement rides. There will also be free birthday cake, pony rides, face painting, activities and much more. www.hvg.com.au ROSE SPECTACULAR AT HVG 12 October - 17 November 2013 Take the opportunity to see Hunter Valley Gardens blooming with hundreds and thousands of rose blooms, throughout the annual Rose Spectacular. See 35,000 rose bushes in over 125 different varieties. www.hvg.com.au SPRING CRUZ-IN 20 October 2013 Share the passion with Veteran & Vintage, Classic & Commercial, Hot Rods, Street Machines & Bikes. The event begins at 9.00am from the Stockland Shopping Centre at Glendale, then travel to Hunter Valley Gardens Village. www.hvg.com.au MEET THE MAKER 2 November 2013 Come to Broke - you are invited to meet the winemakers and taste award winning wines from the Broke Fordwich wine region. www.brokefordwich.com.au
BITTER & TWISTED INTERNATIONAL BOUTIQUE BEER FESTIVAL 2 & 3 November 2013 How will you escape into Maitland Gaol over the first full weekend in November? Some people are going to serious twisted measures to attend the best damn beer festival! www.bitterandtwisted.com.au SCULPTURE IN THE VINEYARDS 2 - 30 November 2013 Celebrating 11 years in 2013, Sculpture in the Vineyards is Australia’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibition. The event features over 100 outdoor sculptures and exclusive boutique wines. www.sculptureinthevineyards.com.au CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SPECTACULAR 15 November 2013 - 26 January 2014 Open every night with over a 1.25 Million Christmas lights and brand new displays throughout designated areas of Hunter Valley Gardens. www.hvg.com.au
For more events go to….. www.diningout.com.au www.hevents.net www.hvg.com.au
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live theatre and music
MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL 6 June 2013 8pm Tickets $50 Cessnock Performing Arts Centre 198 - 202 Vincent Street Cessnock Ph: 02 4990 7134 www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpac JACK CHARLES V THE CROWN 19 June 2013 8pm Tickets $40 Pen $37 Cessnock Performing Arts Centre 198 - 202 Vincent Street Cessnock Ph: 02 4990 7134 www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpac JIMEOIN 22 June 2013 8pm Tickets from $39 Cessnock Supporters Club 1 Darwin Street, Cessnock Ph: 02 4993 2655 www.cessnocksupportersclub.com.au TJUPI BAND Desert to Saltwater Country 3 July 2013 8pm Tickets $20 Cessnock Performing Arts Centre 198 - 202 Vincent Street Cessnock Ph: 02 4990 7134 www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpac 38
BECCY COLE 26 July 2013 8pm Tickets from $33 Cessnock Supporters Club 1 Darwin Street, Cessnock Ph: 02 4993 2655 www.cessnocksupportersclub.com.au WHEN DAD MARRIED FURY 14 August 2013 8pm Tickets $40 Pen $36 Cessnock Performing Arts Centre 198 - 202 Vincent Street Cessnock Ph: 02 4990 7134 www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpac SYDNEY COMEDY FESTIVAL 16 August 2013 8pm Tickets $35 Cessnock Performing Arts Centre 198 - 202 Vincent Street Cessnock Ph: 02 4990 7134 www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpac MASQUERADE CARNIVALE 24 August 2013 7pm Tickets $99 Members $85 Wear a mask to conceal your identity Ph: 02 9993 3546 2213 Broke rd, Pokolbin www.hopeestate.com.au
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RU4ME by Annie Bryron 3 September 2013 8pm Tickets $40 Pen $38 Cessnock Performing Arts Centre 198 - 202 Vincent Street Cessnock Ph: 02 4990 7134 www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpac JOHNNY CASH THE CONCERT 6 September 2013 8pm Tickets $65 Cessnock Performing Arts Centre 198 - 202 Vincent Street Cessnock Ph: 02 4990 7134 www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpac MARINA PRIOR The Encore Tour 5 October 2013 8pm Tickets $70 Conc. $60 Cessnock Performing Arts Centre 198 - 202 Vincent Street Cessnock Ph: 02 4990 7134 www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpac THE COMEDY OF ERRORS 19 October 2013 8pm Tickets $50 Pen $48 Student $35 Cessnock Performing Arts Centre 198 - 202 Vincent Street Cessnock Ph: 02 4990 7134 www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpac
OPERA IN THE VINEYARDS 19 October 2013 Arrive early for fine local food and wines. Then, as the sun sets over the vines, take your seats in the magnificent open-air amphitheatre, glass of wine in hand, and relax into a night of musical magic beneath the stars. Wyndham Estate Winery 700 Dalwood Road, Branxton www.operainthevineyards.com.au JAZZ IN THE VINES 26 October 2013 Jazz in the Vines is much more than just the music with the festival site taking on a vibrancy of its own with various market stalls, local wine makers, restaurants and produce in the spacious, laid back setting that Jazz in the Vines has made its trademark. Tyrrells Vineyard, Broke rd, Pokolbin www.jazzinthevines.com.au
For more productions in 2013 Check Out…… www.diningout.com.au www.hopeestate.com.au www.cpac@cessnock.nsw.gov.au/cpac
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Celebrate the return of a Hunter Valley Institution In 1984 Chez Pok captured the essence of the Hunter and earned a special place in the hearts of the Pokolbin people. With its rustic welcome and love of the region, it made for a great meeting place. Today we invite all food and wine lovers to rediscover the passion, as we have done, for the heart of the Hunter. Celebrate its great people and produce at Chez Pok with a revamped wine list and delicious new menu. Enjoy the views from a nicely matured Hunter icon. Its homely feel and French inspired heritage provides the perfect setting for an exquisite meal at any time of the day. Marvel at the scenery and relax. You’re with friends. Breakfast and dinner daily and lunch Friday–Sunday
Rediscover the Hunter with Chez Pok. Call (02) 4993 8999, visit us at Ekerts Rd, Pokolbin or visit chezpok.com.au
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R E S TA U R A N T O F T H E Y E A R Regional NSW 2012 Restaurant of the Year, Hunter Region B E S T C O N T E M P O R A R Y A U S T R A L I A N R E S TA U R A N T Restaurant and Catering Industry Awards 2010, 2011, 2012 O N E C H E F S H AT Sydney Morning Herald 2011, 2012, 2013 Good Food Guide Restaurant: Dinner Wed - Sat CafĂŠ: Lunch 7 Days Hungerford Hill. Broke Road Pokolbin T: 02 4998 6777 www.musedining.com.au