| From tableland to tide |
From tableland to tide – a taste of Coffs CoastThe World Heritage rainforests of Dorrigo National Park plummet down steeply to the coastal plain. Creeks tumble over sheer rockfaces, joining the Bellinger River as it flows on to slip quietly between willowed backs thorough the hinterland of Bellingen. Here, in a tree- shaded byway off the main road, is a restaurant that just keeps on collecting national awards – the National Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide in 2003/04, the Sydney Morning Heralds Good Food Guide for 2000 to 2004, and the Restaurant and Catering Fine Dining Awards from 1999 to 2004. This is No 2 Oak Street, where Ray and Toni Urquhart offer a winning combination of creative mod-Oz cuisine and peerless professional service. The Urquhart’s source many of their fresh ingredients from local producers – including a grower who raises her crop in what must be one of the regions smallest productive plots. Kath McPhail grows superb small – fruits – raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries – from a house-block sides patch of fertile alluvial ground on the banks of Spicketts Creek, A tributary stream of the Bellinger River. Kath’s valley is cool and enclosed enough to suit crops that generally thrive further south – the microclimate of Spicketts creek enables her harvest blackberries until the end of February, with raspberries ripening through until May. Every single hand–picked glossy black and rosy-pink berry finds its way to the kitchen at No 2 Oak Street, where Ray use the fruit to create memorable desserts – a raspberry glaze drizzled over a silky-smooth panna cotta; blackberries win a warm baked savarin with apple ice cream; or simply as fresh berries scattered with fresh dates beside a chunk of Tilba Tilba vintage cheddar. On Ray and Toni’s seasonally-changing menu, splendid fare like this may follow earlier delights such a twice–braised duck with red cabbage, crisp prosciutto, hazel nuts a star anise essence; or charred rabbit loin with caramelised onion, potato beetroot cake and parsley oil – just a could a of examples form No 2 Oak Street of what happened when top–quality produce meets outstanding culinary flair. Weekends for Two (34) The Best Romantic Escapes & Short Breaks NSW / VIC / QLD / TAS / NZ Summer/Autumn By Chris Viney |
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