We’ve at all times stated we journey for meals! Driving seven hours south, nearly to the border of NSW and Victoria, we’re off to the gorgeous Sapphire Coast. In regards to the midway mark between Sydney and Melbourne, this area is dwelling to a few of the greatest oysters on this planet!
But it surely’s not simply the oysters we’re making the journey for; the area’s annual meals competition, EAT is on.
This four-day tribute to the Sapphire Coast’s providores and culminates in a meals stall avenue social gathering proper on the water.
We’re additionally trying out a neighborhood motel that’s been fastened up, plus an a glamping retreat some 45 minutes inland that guarantees a digital detox we will’t wait to get into.
There might also be a roadside pie or two alongside the best way!
Cheers – Jim & Christina xx
TL-BR: Hayden’s Pies, Ulladulla; Wild Rye’s, Pambula; Tura Seaside Bakery, Tura Seaside; Tilba Bakery, Central Tilba
We’ve made the a lot of the long-haul drive to the Sapphire Coast.
Tapping into the useful useful resource of a neighborhood Fb group—Greatest Pies NSW & ACT—we’ve completed a little bit of a pie safari. I let you know what, issues have come a good distance from the dry, month-old puck of pastry, slowly dying in a servo.
Earnest Arthur in South Nowra, Tilba Bakery in Central Tilba, Tura Seaside Bakery, Wild Rye’s in Pambula and Hayden’s Pies in Ulladulla—make a remark of all of those locations. Their pie work is excellent.
We’re staying within the lovingly restored Hillcrest Motel excessive up on the rise searching over Merimbula, its well-known lake and its lovely ocean frontage.
Giving us vibes of the Ace Resort in Palm Springs and Bannisters by the Sea in Mollymook, Hillcrest has most of the unique options mixed with intelligent trendy renovations.
A drive-up reception, kitschy lavatory tiles and the automotive spot in entrance of your door hark again to Hillcrest’s ‘70s origins, however with them come the trimmings of one thing altogether extra luxe.
Together with the beautiful rooms and spacious lounge, there’s an LA type pool, fireplace pit and even a tennis courtroom.
There’s no spa or wellness facility on-site on the motel, however on the town, Hillcrest proprietor Caspar Tressider has arrange Safir Home.
Providing infrared saunas and ice bathtub therapies, that is the place to come back to revitalise.
Tonight, we’re at Tidal Restaurant and Wine Bar proper on the waterfront in Merimbula. A part of EAT Competition’s line-up, this night Tidal has scrapped its regular a la carte menu for a Seafood Extravaganza!
This mild, ethereal restaurant with its large home windows flung open to permit the ocean air is the right spot for such a meal, and chef Gavin Swalwell and his associate and restauranteur Fiona Myers welcome us with basic Sapphire Coast heat.
In addition to the luxurious, fantastically plated dishes of scallops, tuna carpaccio, sea urchin, lobster and, after all, oysters, we hear from two fascinating company of honour.
Mick ‘Banjo’ Younger tells us his story of how he got here to be an oyster farmer in 1991 after promoting his theatre restaurant in Melbourne. He deliberate to stay within the metropolis and spend weekends right here, however then by no means left. He’s known as Banjo as a result of he performs the banjo. Fancy that!
Ryan Morris is a second-generation abalone diver for ATSSU Divers, who additionally catch sea urchin. He talks us by means of bringing urchin to market and the way it takes not less than 17 folks to course of every animal. It explains the price of sea urchin, although many see them as an intrusive pest. They’re additionally very tasty!
Lining Fishpen Highway, the slender avenue that follows the waterline spherical to Merimbula Seaside, EAT Competition is already underway after we arrive at 9.30 this morning. Food and drinks stalls proffering every kind of domestically made produce tempt us.
The one factor that strikes us about EAT—aside from it’s wonderful location—is that is the primary meals competition we’ve been to the place nobody is promoting chips.
Focus is so laser-aimed at native produce and stand-out dishes, it’s onerous to know the place to start. Whether or not it’s J-Fowl Cantina in Merimbula promoting tonkotsu ramen or artisan donuts from Eastwoods in Bermagui, beers from Frogs Hole Brewery or gins and vodka from 9 Circles Distillery in Pambula, every thing’s bought a way of craft and a way of place.
Even our pals from Tidal are right here providing Narooma lobster and sea urchin, and the bar space by Longstocking Brewery can also be stocking North of Eden gin—one among our absolute favourites.
This night—our final in Merimbula—we’re heading again to the gorgeous Wheeler’s Seafood Restaurant and Oysters Bar simply outdoors Pambula.
After we had been right here final, it was in the midst of winter and all of the home windows had been closed. Though it gave the restaurant a comfortable really feel, being right here in summer time with all of the home windows up and the solar setting, we get to see this place at its greatest.
The meals right here is superb, particularly its oysters. Wheeler’s can also be an oyster farm and has a seafood takeaway store not far away, which has been right here endlessly.
We get began with some oysters (the mignonette is unparalleled by the best way) and bruschetta with a twist that turns this normally humble entree in to one thing up there on the Richter.
Home-made ciabatta is charred to the purpose the place it’s nearly caramelised, tempered with creamy house-made ricotta. It’s then topped with juicy cherry tomatoes and skinny slices of pickled zucchini and tiny cubes of zucchini too.
Completed with recent mint and pungent basil, and umami-laden chisels of garlic crisp, this can be a dish to die for!
Humbled by the standard, we’re nonetheless speaking concerning the bruschetta when our mains arrive. We’ve each gone for fish and chips, although Christina has chosen grilled kingfish in comparison with my beer battered flathead.
Each are gorgeous dishes and simply sufficient to fill us to the brim. There’s not even sufficient room for dessert, although our pal Dani right here recommends the trio of sorbet.
If—not like us—you’ll be able to match extra in, learn our full evaluate of our first time at Wheeler’s Restaurant right here.
This morning, we’ve take a look at of Hillcrest, however relatively than leaving instantly, we act on a remaining tip-off from Caspar. Proper on the shores of Merimbula Lake is Sunny’s Kiosk, the place Caspar swears is the most effective espresso on the town.
The espresso is certainly wonderful, however in comparison with the views from the little timber deck jutting out over the lake, the espresso may as effectively be water. We sit for a flat white and keep for a second, taking within the views earlier than we hit the street.
However that’s not the tip of the journey for us. Somewhat southwest of Merimbula—hidden amongst the valleys and hills of the Sapphire Coast hinterland—is Currajong Retreat.
Seated up from the banks of the Towamba River, this exceptional nation escape gives glamping on an entire new scale.
There are presently three ‘tents’ right here, although calling them tents appears a bit unusual. There’s a full lavatory suite in every retreat together with an unlimited balcony large enough to carry a barbecue, desk and chairs, loungers and an enormous deep-fill bathtub with room to spare.
There’s additionally a full queen-size mattress, a settee, a eating desk, kitchen and even a slow-combustion wood-heater fire inside. Tent? Or canvas-walled luxurious cabin?
Both approach, it comes with extraordinary views out over the valley and a pair of highly effective binoculars that will help you spot wildlife.
The most effective half is every thing’s included right here. You’ll be able to pack snacks when you like, however you’re unlikely to want them. Even booze, when you want to drink, is on the home. The one factor not included is wifi or telephone protection. That’s proper, this can be a digital retreat in as a lot as a bodily one.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner all come delivered to your door so there’s nothing else so that you can do aside from loosen up. It’s fantastic.
You’ll be able to go for a stroll across the 100-acre property when you like or head all the way down to the river for a dip, however there’s no stress.
One factor we’d extremely advocate and that Jenny, who’s answerable for this ingredient of your go to, will nearly insist on, is a go to to the goats.
Currajong has round 450 Angora goats, all of whom are splendid and most of whom are so pleasant, you’ll need your personal by the tip of your keep.
We depart Currajong feeling so refreshed, it’s onerous to choose up our telephones once more and enter again into actual life.
However quickly, we’re again on the street, heading north for the town. It’s been a beautiful getaway, and when you haven’t been to the Sapphire Coast but, take this as discover!
