Hading down to Rotorua can be a slightly long
drive. The looping gentle knolls are truly stunning and there are a few river
crossings and lovely sites but I would recommend a stopover in Cambridge.
A little town south of Hamilton with a BIG pride and the home of an absolute find of a restaurant, Alpha 1.
We swung into town not expecting much but eager
to find a place for lunch.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a statute
older style looking pub. Pub grub crossed my mind and certainly would have
filled the bill.
We decided to venture into town a little more. A very clean and colourful town.
Somehow the parking angels parked us directly
infront of this gem.
Walking in we are greeted by the French Maitre
D.
A warm fire size welcomes us and a very
understated menu. Not overly inspired by the menu. The Maitre d’ fills us on in
the oyster special. Well you could have blown us over with a feather.
The oyster dish was a signature dish to
celebrate Mauri Week.
We asked him to run over some of the other
dishes and by the end of two we are salivating.
We order the oysters, the pulled pork belly and fish and chips.
The parred wines are also winners – esp the
Malabec.
“ How good is the food?!” my friends chorus as we all meet up for dinner in Canggu.
My mates assure me that Poke Poke, opposite Deus carpark is the bomb when it comes to quick wholesome salads. And they are right!
The Poke Concept is a Hawaaiin way of delivering salads.
Packed with nourishment, often with seaweed, endame, avocado, tuna or salmon, and optional rice or quinoa.
The staff get in and use their hands which I always think is a wonderful way to infuse extra energy and love into the food. The happy smiles as the staff provide this nourishing cup of variety is awesome to watch.
I am happy to say the poke bowl has made it to our house and now a regular meal.
Marinade tuna caps is off magnificently with some mayo and wasabi.
Byron Bay twice in the same week seems a pure indulgence.
My favorite beach in Australia, Wategos.
Pig belly, views, Byron’s blue water and space.
Loads of space… air… you know the stuff that seems limited in cities and in massive abundance in the country. I even breathe deeper here.
I’ve slipped away for another interlude with Byron, a love affair that started many moons ago when I first used to drive here from Melbourne and Sydney. It was the Mecca of the Northern NSW coast back then and still is.
I will write many blogs on Byron no doubt. Like Bali, each time is a different journey, visit and lesson.
It is a cross roads for all walks of life, all cultures, all travelers, all religions, all ideas. It is essentially Byron.
Wave perfection at the Pass
It’s pure colour alone is incredible.
Passing Perfection Byron Bay
This time around I am staying in a TENT on my own. It’s a first.
No boyfriend, no one else, just me, my rusty hammer and my new tent.
My new tent that blew over defiantly after I erected it last time. Fortunately we seem to have a better understanding this time around and it could be a lot to do with the hammer.
I recall why I am here. I have unfinished business this week!
Funny sights of Byron- the abandoned undies!
Unfinished business with myself actually. I have had a big week in business. Not so much trade but behind the scenes, making some big decisions, business planning for the new year and the like. It’s not stressful but very masculine in energy.
While I don’t mind being a “business man” from time to time, I have found I need to mix it up with green light activities (surfing, walking, swimming, art, journally etc) as these are the things that actually keep happy, relaxed and fulfilled long term.
I need time away to refeminize, regroup and generally digest it all. And Byron is the best wet nurse for me.
I find myself at the same place as Tuesday for lunch. The Byron Cafe.
It’s special feature is it’s views.
I booked the other day because the only way to go is to sit over looking the bay. I have been coming to this cafe for years…. 1994!… when it used to be a burger bar. I used to come her with my boyfriend after a surf and grab a burger and a smoothie. FUN days. Still are.
Now days, the Byron Cafe is more up-market with its food; Pork Belly, crab meat spaghetti, snapper etc… ALL delicious selections. I really like the food. It’s the second time this week I am eating here and no surprises, I go for the pork belly again. Maybe not the healthiest on the menu but the naughtiest and yummiest.
I order the pork belly. I can’t help it. The concept of eating another animals belly fat is abhorant but I LOVE IT.
The apple sauce, the gravy, the potato remind me of Prague and pig knuckles which are some of my fondest eating moments. MMMMM
pork belly the Byron Beach Cafe
I am looking forward to venture back again real soon and until then Byron, Mi Amor.
The Tassie black pepper is still exploding on my tongue as I pass through the “hugs now” security check at the Hobart Airport. But nothing, can compare with the magic afternoon of pure taste delight I have been privvie to at Frogmore’s Creek.
The vines at Frogmores Tasmania
What an experience – what a delight – what a treat.
Ruben Kopens the head chef is a rival for World Famous chef Heston Blumenthal made famous by his TV shows and eclectic food creations.
Ruben, friends with infamous Heston, will exceed your expectations. That self limiting belief line where one’s internal chatter says “I am not worthy of such grand fan fare”, well sit down sista, you are!
Born in Holland he understands the EXPRESSION of food as an experience, a place in time … a memory.
If you have ever fantasized about how YOU can become a Heston excipient, then look no further, come to Frogmore and be treated to a world class dining experience.
Frogmore Creek Wines and it’s restaurant are located outside of Hobart between the towns of Cambridge and Richmond. The winery offers a few labels, many with awards. Personally I have always loved their Meadowbank Mardi , and their 2007 Frogmore Creek Evermore Pinot Noir is a must for any cellar.
Today, however, I am here for the degustation experience by Ruben and his staff. It is to be a special Sunday afternoon.
Between each course, one is tantilised with palate cleansers, taste experiences and art pieces.
Today’s fare was as follows:
Delicious pre-dinner apertif
Prawn crackers with miso sprinkles and wasabi mayo
Then a morsel of panna cotta cauliflower jus and noodle, and olive tapenade just because.
Entree – an art piece
To be served the best venison, followed by Whisky froth and desert.
Whisky infused meat. YUM
Desert what can I say… an experience, an adventure, a food orgasm.
Unbelievably decadent
Fruit lego sagos
What can I say. It is by far the BEST eclectic meal I have part taken in.
The wines : Frogmore Creek pinot noir, then reisling and I would highly recommend the desert.
I look forward to visiting this enclave of elegance and fine dining not surpassed anywhere else in this grand land again.
Accolades Ruben and team (noteably Tristan and Meredith) – fine star dining at its TRUE best. Merci
