Orange Eat-a-thon, NEW SOUTH WALES
Airing Date: Oct 27th, 2003
The inland town of Orange calls itself the food basket of the state, and with good reason. Orange is New South Wales' largest supplier of apples and pears, a major producer of stone fruit and vegetables, and a big supplier of beef and lamb. What's more, the Orange region counts more than 50 wine-growers.
If you're looking to sample the food in Orange's basket you're in luck, because there are 36 restaurants to choose from.
The first stop is the Old Convent Cafe for a hearty breakfast of fresh local produce. If you stay in the cosy cottage next door to the caf, just follow your nose. The smell of a full cooked breakfast will have the tastebuds tingling in no time.
The cottage has recently been renovated, but it didn't always look so inviting. The original convent was built during the 1870s to accommodate nuns. Despite the renovations you still get a great sense of history.
Lakeside Cafe and Cellar at Lake Canobolas can arrange picnic baskets for lunch. A food basket costs $50 and includes an antipasto platter for two and a bottle of Burke and Hills wine. The cafe is open from Friday to Monday between 10am and 5pm. And if you fancy a more of the local wine, head to Highland Heritage Estate for a free wine-tasting.
When it comes to dinner, you can forget about a burger and fries at the country pub. Orange is home to the award-winning restaurant Lolli Redini. This family owned and operated restaurant opened in September 2001 and since then has grown and flourished. The menu changes daily and has a slight leaning towards Italian, offerings dishes like creppinette of local venison, wild mushroom ragout, boulongere potato and sweet onions. To top off both the meal and the day, try the delicious passionfruit bavarois for dessert.
Want to take a piece of Orange home with you? Head to Hawkes General Store, right next door to Lolli Redini. It's packed just like granny's pantry, selling all sorts of fabulous food items and homewares.
The facts:
The Old Convent two bedroom cottage costs $150 per couple per night midweek, including breakfast.
Old Convent
Tel: 02 6365 2420
Dinner for two at Lolli Redini starts at $100 for two courses to $140 for three. It is a BYO venue.
Lolli Redini Restaurant
Tel: 02 6361 7748
For those looking for a winery tour of Orange, Reds and Whites of Orange can take you on a five hour tour discovering a selection of distinct cool climate wines and fine local produce from the Orange region. Tours are available on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm and cost $49.90 until December 2003.
Red and Whites of Orange
Tel: 02 6362 2344
Mob: 0418 688 550
The Lakeside Caf and Cellar
Tel: 02 6365 3456
Highland Heritage Estate
Tel: 02 6361 3612
Hawkes General Store
Tel: 02 6362 5851
