Hunter Valley x 2
Often when you go to a food establishment, you just want one simple thing - not three courses, not for your world to be rocked into another solar system, and not for a high-commitment, five star extravaganza. Often, you just want simple things done well.
And sometimes you just get distracted by things that look nice.
Here are two places in the Australian wine region Hunter Valley, NSW, that looked pretty and did simple things well…
Bistro Molines
Margan Wines shows its wares at Bistro Molines, and what better way to kick off your time in Wine Country than with a tasting?
Of course, sipping a barbara at 11am was like battery acid, but the lunch to come would reverse any damage done.
Sitting on the sun-flecked deck among white umbrellas, I noticed the tables of people who are very obviously in the habit of enjoying the finer things in life and thought it was a habit I could quite happily adopt myself.
Stuffed tempura zucchini flowers at Molines
I had tempura zucchini flowers stuffed with goats cheese with a very smooth glass of Margan Cab Sav. It was grand - the crunch of the tempura was complimented by the creamy goats cheese centre.
The olive aioli and fresh cherry tomatoes added tang. It also looked pretty…
I will say, though, that this was one of only two veggie options available (I think the other was a mushroom risotto), and it was actually an entree they made a main size. Plus, it was on the specials menu, so who knows how much choice an unsuspecting vego would have on another occasion. Pity!
Still, fortunately for me, this time I was in luck.
Peppers Guesthouse
Chez Pok Restaurant, Peppers Guest House
I had breakfast at Peppers Guest House’s Chez Pok. It was hard not to be impressed with the fruit platters and other breakfast goodies spread out on the wide, white table in the centre of the room.
Chez Pok
But I opted for something from the menu. I ordered French toast with strawberries and maple syrup. It hit the spot – light, fruity and not too thick or sickly. And the strawberries - ah the strawberries! - were so fresh.
But I forgot to photograph it because Peppers itself was so lovely. The Chez Pok was cosy – like a livingroom converted into a restaurant because your mum’s cooking is so good.
Chez Pok's lovely patio
There was yet another Hunter fireplace to admire, rustic old fashioned decor, simple white starched tablecloths, wooden chairs, and a beautiful patio.
The way light just floated in on a gentle angle through the old fashioned windows was glorious. And the grounds are gorgeous too - no wonder people get married there!