No2 Oak Street Bellingen NSW Australia 02 6655 9000
No2 Oak Street Bellingen
The A-list: 50 great Australian restaurants
The Weekend Australian Magazine
September 5-6, 2009


You know those quiet achievers in the bush, beloved of politicians and corporate advertisers keen to hint as a human face? Well, the Urquharts are the real deal, softly plying their trade for more than a decade on a century old timber cottage in a small hippie town. Toni is the exuberant host who soon become a lifelong friend, while husband Ray cooks with an earthy, heart warming knack that’s part English comfort, part French paysanne.

Why?
Like Rocky Balboa, these two are true champions who get up time and again after a knock-down. Running a smart and stylish regional restaurant is brave enough, but when floods cut off the customers – as happened four times this year – that resilience is worthy of a medal. No 2 Oak Street reminds you that old-fashioned values – great service and decent food - are not only never out of style, they’re food for the soul too.

The dish: Lamb neck pie with root vegetables and braising stock.

The Cost: Typical entrée $18; main $38; dessert $16
 
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