In March 2015, I travelled on a weekend getaway to a region of New South Wales called the Hunter Valley. This gorgeous part of Australia is chock-full of wonderful restaurants, wineries, cheese and chocolate shops, breweries and an organic vodka distillery. While it is a foodie's dream, “The Hunter” also draws internationally-renowned musicians for music festivals throughout the year. A Day on the Green runs during the summer and autumn months from October — March in all the major wine-growing regions in Australia (including Hunter Valley).
There are heaps of great restaurants, cafés and wineries to sample from in the area. I had a great meal at Goldfish Bar and Kitchen, which included scallops, oysters and a caprese salad (featured in the photo above). The cocktails are something to write home about. The El Diablo, a delicious Tequila cocktail made with fresh lime juice, crème de cassis and house-made ginger beer, paired nicely with my dinner.
I capped off my evening with an Old Fashioned: drinker’s choice of Whisky, Bourbon or Rum. Poured over muddled sugar and Peychaud’s bitters, served over ice with fresh orange zest and a cherry.
I recommend stopping in for a meal, but if you are pressed for time…at least pop in for quick cocktail. You won’t regret it.
Location: Broke & McDonalds RD, Pokolbin, NSW 2320