We all dream of a holiday…it’s been a long tough Winter with cost-of-living pressures and mortgage rates taking most of the fun out of everyday life.
Never fear – all it takes is to find the right destination to forget about stress for a while, whether it takes your taste buds to a different country, or the location sets the mood for fun and fine dining.
Here are six venues to set the scene for memorable meals and good times:
Rise above it all and take in stunning harbour views at Hyde Hacienda Sydney Bar + Lounge in Circular Quay. Watch the glistening water with a glass of wine in hand at this luxe, yet playful bar and lounge inside the Pullman Quay Grand Hotel, where quirky artefacts and hanging greenery set an oasis-like vibe.
Inspired by the grand plantation architecture of Cuba, mixed with modern vintage 1950s Miami hotels, Hyde Hacienda is an ideal getaway destination to meet for after-work drinks and watch the sky turn sunset red, perhaps grazing on poached prawns, tarragon, cocktail sauce and lemon.
Wide open spaces and old-fashioned fun await at Hosanna Café on Tunnel Road in Stokers Siding. Nestled in the Tweed Valley, take in the fresh air, explore nature and celebrate life with family and friends on a day visit, or stay and enjoy country camping at its best; then head to the café to refuel with wholesome fare with flair.
Visit midweek and devour Mexican grilled chicken tacos, with roasted pineapple and black bean salsa, slaw and chipotle mayo, or a BBQ pork belly burger with BBQ char siu sauce, Asian slaw, cucumber and crackling, before heading to feed the llamas, pigs or chickens.
By road, water or air, Cottage Point Inn on Anderson Place offers a magical Sydney dining experience not quickly forgotten. Set on the water in the Kur-in-gai Chase National Park, by day or night, this stylish restaurant is framed by a stunning bushland waterfront making it the ideal location for a uniquely romantic destination.
Sharp service and a quality menu complement the spectacular surrounds, whether sipping a wine alfresco, or dining indoors at intimate table settings – think five and eight-course tasting menus dishing up starters like Atlantic scallops, cauliflower, macadamia and lemon myrtle.
Located within an historic 1842 homestead, Gracie’s Restaurant on Broadford-Flowerdale Road in Strath Creek is an idyllic location for an intimate meal or family celebration. Nestled within function venue Flowerdale Estate, this restaurant boasts an outdoor deck for sipping a wine on balmy days overlooking picturesque scenery and gardens, while indoors is warm and inviting as guests enjoy everything from high teas to romantic dinners.
Stop in for lunch and delve into glazed crispy boneless spiced duck, pickled plum, pomegranate, grapefruit and red shiso Asian slaw, or glazed salmon fillet, chilli, steamed tender stem broccoli, kale and crisp shallots. Wild berry cheesecake, spiced pear, cider syllabub and fresh raspberry complete a memorable meal.
Spectacular orchard views, a drinks list to suit everyone and epic food choices from an authentic wood oven have locals and visitors returning time and again to Paracombe Premium Perry on Murphy Road in the Adelaide Hills. Sip a delicious glass of pristine and award-winning Perry, hand-picked from the finest pears at the Shed Door – the perfect location for a catch-up with friends, a lazy relaxing day or your next event.
Open Saturday and Sunday for lunch, or by appointment, linger over menu choices such as the Paracombe Special pizza – salami, red capsicum, mushroom, onion, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomato and mozzarella on a tomato base; or pear and crumbled blue cheese, with walnuts and rocket.
Low and slow barbeque fare with a Texan influence awaits hungry Sydney foodies at Brisket Boys on Castlereagh Road in Penrith, taking their tastebuds to a delicious dining destination. Whether it is your first experience or you are obsessed and will travel the globe for your barbeque fix, you’ll be welcomed with open arms at this American-style restaurant owned and operated by four mates invested in sharing their love of food.
Order your meat by the gram and chow down on burnt ends, chicken breast, pork belly or beef brisket, along with sides of coleslaw, potato salad, mac n cheese and beans; finish your meal with warm chocolate brownie and ice cream.
