Overview
Good Food Month is nearly upon us and it's time to get those stomachs ready. A few weeks ago, we narrowed down the (frankly intimidating) list of events to our top ten favourites. But that wasn't the whole story. Good Food Month is also a chance for our lesser-known regional chefs, winemakers and producers to shine. From sustainable dining, farm and microbrewery tours to local farmers' markets, our regional foodie cousins are providing a host of events across NSW that are worth the day trip (or weekender).
We've narrowed down the out-of-town events to five of the best. Pump up those gas tanks and ready yourself for a road trip.
A Lunch in the Hothouse at Biota
Voted by Good Food Guide as this year's Regional Restaurant of the Year and with two chef's hats under its belt, Biota Dining is gunning. Everything at Biota is done locally in Bowral — they have their own kitchen garden and source 60 percent of their produce from the surrounding area. For Good Food Month, they're hosting a languid 3.5hr lunch. For that little extra Biota twist, the chefs are employing primitive cooking techniques such as air-drying, charcoal-pit cooking and curing.
October 25 from 11.30am-3pm, $160 ($45 extra with drinks). Reservations info@biotadining.com or phone (02) 4862 2005.
Farm + Kitchen + Chef at Darling Mills Farm
They've been behind some of Sydney's finest restaurants for the last 20 years. Darling Mills Farm supply produce — from salad leaves to microherbs — to top restaurants and have been a long-time staple at Growers' Markets. Now, owner Steve Adley is opening its doors for a chance to tour the greenhouses and walk along the farm's paddocks in Berrilee (near Berowra Waters). If the thought of all that exercise is making you hungry, well rejoice, because the tour is followed shortly by a three-course seasonal lunch. If this sounds totally up your alley, you might also want to check out Roberts Circa 1876's Spring Garden Party in Pokolbin, for a chance to tour the market garden and feast on three-courses of 'soul food' for just $75pp.
October 3 & 5 from 11.30am-3.30pm, $125. Reservations (02) 9655 1339 or dmfarm@bigpond.com
Orange Wine Festival Night Market
If Sydney's Night Noodle Markets is anything to go by, Orange's Wine Festival Night Market is sure to be a triumph. Over 50 stalls will feature in Orange's biggest night market, in a collaborative effort from the area's winemakers, producers and chefs. Bask under the fairy lights and chill with some of the region's cool-climate wines, food and live music.
October 24 from 5.30-9pm. Gold coin entry. Dishes and wine range from $6-10.
Cider Sampler Lunch in Megalong
It's hard to beat cider and pork when it comes to concocting a perfect marriage of flavours. Well, Blue Mountains' Cider Barn certainly got it right. As part of its launch, they're offering a chance to sample over 20 varieties of cider plus two courses of woodfired slow-cooked pork and pears poached in cider. Oh, and on top of that, there's also a cheese tasting.
October 18 from 11.30am-2pm, $85 (including beverages and four cider samples). Reservations (02) 4787 8188, marketing@megalongcc.com.au or through the website.
Dinner in the Brewery at Hopdog
Touring a microbrewery isn't something you have the chance to do every week. Let alone dining while you're there. South Nowra's HopDog Beer — an ale-only producing brewery — is joining forces with chef Dave Campbell for a unique experience where you can do just that. Campbell, of Wharf Rd Restaurant, perhaps more known to the local crowd as the founder of Surry Hills' The Book Kitchen, has previously worked with Australian gastronomical trailblazers such as Neil Perry and Tetsuya Wakuda, while HopDog's Tim Thomas has over 13 years of professional brewing experience under his belt.
October 10 from 6-9.30pm, $95. Reservations (02) 4422 6651 or enquiries@wharfrd.com.au.
Top image: Roberts Circa 1876