Category Archives: Australia

Potager, Carool NSW

Potager is a delightful surprise hidden beyond the country suburb of Bilambil south of the Gold Coast.

Established in 2006 by Pete and Gareth with a grand vision to grow and source local food – served with exuberant intent. They nailed it!

Fast track to now and the vision lives on and is evident in every dish made and served. It’s a special part of the dream and the intent is certainly evident in the attention to detail, amazing menu and a relaxing venue.

Unfortunately one of the partners passed away in 2019 but everyone is happy and committed in his spirit.

On our visit we are met by a beautiful rustic home set amongst an enlivened field with a seductive edible garden.

The staff are all very competent and eager to say hello. The ethos of the restaurant/community is to support local including the staff.

The views over the valley are delightful and the wine list substantial.

We are with a few friends and cocktails are ordered.

For entree we share the fair game, wild venison carpaccio, pickled plum, mushroom, tarragon pesto, lemon myrtle cracker.

Wild venison carpaccio with pickled plum

My main course didn’t sound that much on the menu but was delicious with lots of subtle and Peruvian sudado de pescado(fish stew). Whilst the menu changes depending on what is in season and available the stew is always available. I will be going back for the fish stew for sure. Warming, nourishing and flavours full of the depth of the sea.

The fish stew is to die for

It is one of the dishes designed and kept as a tribute. I really rate the fish stew but would go so far as to recommend everything on the menu. My friends have the duck which melts in your mouth whilst my partner has local caught fish which was so well cooked.

Succulent duck

What I love most about Potager is the local grown vegetables used with every dish. It is like a blessing from the planet to your plate.

Thank you so much guys, we will be back again soon,

xx

The Hairy Arm – Shiraz

At first I wasn’t too sure about The Hairy Arm Shiraz outside of Sunbury, north west of Melbourne.

It is in the heavier Australian red style of wine but during the day I actually like this wine.

The aroma gets the thumbs up with its complex layers.

The wine is like a jam sandwhich that grandma used to make, comforting for the soul, reminiscent of childhook memories and delightful palate.

4.2/5

Watergate, Port Douglas

Situated right in town but feeling like an oasis set under the rainforest canopy is Watergate.

My friend had recommended it as one of her favourite restaurants in Port Douglas and it didn’t disappoint. The staff are awesome – David met us and was very amiable and informative then handed over to Jill.

The Watergate menu is great – not too much but enough to have a wide selection without boggling you down and making you go around in circles.

Offering an interesting selection of Australian fare with Asian influences we settle on the Crocodile Karaage, Lamb Ribs in Korean sauce, Tuna Tataki and Watergate salad.

We paired ours with a Tasmanian Freycinet Chardonnay. It is perfect for the climate and perfect with the food.

Crocodile Karaage

It was very quiet today and we were spoilt by the staff but try to book ahead for lunch or dinner.

I am sure you will be happy with the food and the bill at the end as it is not over the top expensive. Rating 4.2/5

Jericho Fume Blanc

This wine is interesting! Jericho Fume Blanc is a fun experiment for people to try. 

We sourced ours from Emmanuel’s Wine Shop in Kingscliffe.

This family owned winery have taken the Sauvignon Blanc grape into a French oak barrel and left it for a few months to infuse with the  flavours and essence of the Adelaide Hills.

I found the initial nose quite confronting and not that pleasant at all. Maybe a little like cat’s urine.

It is sweet tasting.

The floral aromas swing around on your tongue and coat the tip of your tongue with an interesting experience. I found the wine grew on me with further consumption but what wine doesn’t.

Overall, after sharing a bottle with my partner, we are giving this a 3.2/5. Vivino (click the link below) rate it as 3.9/5. 

If you like trying different wines give it a go but maybe hold back on the case until you decide definitively whether you like it or not. 

You can orders your below. Click on the shop now.

Hartvest Newrybar, NSW

The paddock to plate, garden to plate philosophy of Harvest, saw it booked out for Oprah and her entourage in 2010 when she visited. 

Since then, this once bakery, cafe has become a destination. 

Now days the main highway bypasses the town and it’s probably best to put the address into your maps and understand you’ll be weaving a little bit through the country side before arriving. 

You won’t be disappointed. 

The township of Nearby is quiticential of most Australian towns in the northern rivers of New South Wales; a pub, a garage and a milk bar. Harvest has certainly put the town on the map and now the town boasts an art and homeware collective, an antique shop and a few other places to drift in and out of.

We didn’t make a booking (I strongly recommend you do) so we sat on the balcony. It was a rainy cold winter’s day but fortunately the heater on the deck and the food distracted from the cool.

We weren’t necessarily after a big long lunch, so settled on the carrots (grown on site) roasted in the oven with …

Totally delicious.

For main, I chose a burger which was OK. The produce was locally sourced but not abundant. I get it, it’s a fine dining restaruant. 

My partner had the eye fillet which was also wonderful but served as it. You really need to order sides.

I was a little bit disappointed with the menu on this day but apparently it changes regularly depending on the seasonal foods and produce available. 

To be fair we didn’t have a booking, the place was pumping with people streaming in regularly and was clearly very popular. 

The gardens are uplifting and worth strolling through, as much of the product served inside is from their own garden. A fully functioning bakery is out the back and you can see the guys in action as well as having their own bee hives.

The importance of bees and pollination of crops a very topical conversation piece in the Northern Rivers. On this ocassion food was 4/5, service 5/5. WE will be back to see if we can give them the 10/10.

Bookings a must. 

Balboa Italian, Palm Beach

You know when you hear mixed revues about a restaurant, rather than inspire it tends to make you pause to race there? This was my response to Balboa. A silly trap that I have fallen into before  which only has lead to denial of a wonderful Italian restaurant boasting very good food.

The purpose built Balboa Italian situated on the Gold Coast Highway in Palm Beach opened only a few years ago.  

Sporting a healthy clientele and return customers because of their pizzas, (they look amazing), the pasta (apparently the gnocchi is to die for) and the al la carte.

I was super impressed by the table service which in a country like Australia is often lacking. 

We order an Italian chardonnay – I’m not sure that is was a true chardonnay but a delicate light white, more like a chablis from France. Perfect for our meal.

Scallops for entree which were delicious, light and tasty.

The calamari salad also delicious and could be a meal in its own right. Light, tasty healthy. 

For mains we share the lamb shoulder which is delicately served on a bed of puree, beans and tomatoes.

We accompany this with the house made potato chips and aolii and broccolini.

The cocktails are wonderful and my partner orders an old fashion which is served with the smoke trapped inside the glass.

I can highly recommend it. Service 5/5, food 5/5 overall 10/10.

Bookings are a must. 

Holroyd House Toowoomba

Shelly & Jonathon are wonderful hosts at the Holroyd House.

Set in the very pretty northern suburbs of Toowoomba but still walking distance to town (albeit a long walk) is their cottage and loft.

The cottage is anything but a cottage and is a large family home with wonderful living spaces, but on this occasion we stay in the self contained loft.

It is a beautiful loft with self contained kitchen, separate bathroom and walk in waldrobe.

The furnishings are delightful with little gestures such as fresh water and chocolates.

The bed is firm and comfy with electric blankets so the room is cosy and the bed toasty.

A big surprise is the breakfast which is included. We are gluten and dairy free so didn’t want to inconvenience Shelly but she made the most amazing hamper with coconut yogurt, granola, fresh berries, dairy free cheese, GF bread, GF banana cake, ham and home made relief.

I am happy to recommend this place and we will be making this our stay-place when we come to Toowoomba. Thank you Shelly and Jonathon.

Rudd’s Pub, Nobby QLD

When you receive an invite to have dinner at a pub in the middle of nowhere (well for city folks), you have to say yes, but later go “why?”

It’s a long drive, someone has to drive, what is the food going to be like etc etc.

Let me reassure you that Rudd’s Pub is iconic and very much worth the effort from where ever you are coming from.

It has a typical Aussie bar at the front and the staff are awesome as well as swift. People say g’day and want to meet you, which isn’t always the case in cities.

The pub has massive history and was originally built in 1893.

Its big claim to fame was the writing of many of the series of the radio series called Dad & Dave which was broadcast on Australian radio from 1937 – 1953. You can read a little more about the series here.

The food is great and what Aussies would call good “pub grub.” The meals are cooked out the back by the owners so whilst yummy may take a while if you have a large group. I suggest putting your food order in early if you are hungry and having a couple of “bevvies” with the locals while it is cooked up.

Aussie Pub grub from Rudd’s pub

The menu is quite extensive and includes gluten free options and all the great pub favourites of steaks, chicken parmies and bangers + mash. I am told the rissoles are great as they are home made and home made Aussie rissoles are awesome.

There is accommodation out the back so you can stay on your travels through, a nice venue room for parties and events and lots of memorabilia on the walls to check out.

Toowoomba – What to do

This good old fashion Australia regional town is a large enough to get lost but small enough to walk around.

Situated only 90 minutes from Brisbane it is the last of the larger towns going west and is renown for it’s pretty gardens and flowers.

I have been coming here for years and have always had a pleasant stay. The town folk are friendly and it is a much different vibe to the closest Aussie cities of Brisbane and Gold Coast.

I am usually here for a work engagement, children’s sporting event or visiting family.

This visit we decide to pop up for 2 nights as Covid restrictions means no international travel, so it’s time to revisit our famous Aussie towns.

We stay in a beautiful airbnb and do a lot but also nothing.

Toowoomba, being the city of gardens, does have many beautiful outdoor spaces. Gardens, flower shows, a Japanese garden and just walking through the beautiful wide streets will leave you inspired.

In September is the famous flower show but every time of year there are delightful gardens to have picnics in or wander through.

The other places of interest are Cobb & Co museum, the beautiful architecture of the CBD and Picnic Point.

The town is perched up quite high on what is called the scenic rim. There are many walks to do along the rim but this weekend we are blessed with rain so don’t venture too far from our airbnb and friends.

For a great coffee head to Nick’s place called Wendlands Fine Foods. Although there are many awesome coffee houses around town.

Preston Peak Wineries is a ten minute drive south of town but is closed for a private function on the day we go but has beautiful commanding views over the Lockyer Valley.

The main shopping precinct is called Grand Central and is like every other big shopping centre in the world but great if you do want to catch up on some shopping or having retail withdrawals.

All in all Toowoomba is a great rural country town and very different to the sea towns in Australia. You will need wheels to get around and if you are willing to explore can pick up some mustering, polo games, dirt bike events and more.

O’Sushi Coolangatta

Synonomous with healthy eating, beach side dining and long standing awards and reputation is Coolangatta’s Japanese favourite, OSushi.

Whilst this restaurant has a sushi train it is far from just a sushi joint. The place has an extensive hot menu too offering many styles of Japanese dining, including the popular poke bowls, udon noodle bowls, sashimi and other styles.

The layout is simple and welcoming. The happy bustling staff make your experience memorable as well as high quality food. 

Position opposite the main beach at Coolangatta beside the Cooly pub it draws a diverse crowd. Lunch time vacay goers can stagger off the beach, and score a great snack. Night time diners can have a myriad of choice. Either dining at the sushi train or sitting outside with the sea breeze gently cooling the evening. 

On this night we have kingfish cerviche. The fish is fresh and the tastes infuse well on my palette.

For mains we share a sashimi platter with comes with seaweed salad. I look sashimi and the salmon is buttery and fresh. 

The best thing about this restaurant aside from the great food, friendly staff and ideal location, is that is serves a variety of alcoholic beverages at reasonable prices.

Definitely add this to your go-to when in Cooly.