"You may not remember us but we dined with you on the 18th January 2008 on the verandah near the entrance. We both wanted to thank you very much for a wonderful night enjoying your great food and company. The crispy skin duck and Oak street potted bread were especially delectable.

As fellow hospitality industry types, we found it refreshing to see how passionate and involved you are with your guests, your food, impeccable wine knowledge and selection, and your setting in Bellingen.

This is so hard to find in Sydney restaurants, and also when hiring staff for our families' hotels as most people can't be trained to be passionate.

As parents we especially loved seeing you (Toni) run up the alley, with another couples baby and pram, trying to stop her crying so they could enjoy themselves.  Now that's something you don't see written in the SMH Good Food Guide. "