Anne's Birthday -at Beltree

Alfresco dining under a canopy of sails with a view of the surrounding bushlands; a perfect setting for a relaxed gathering of family and friends. A gathering to celebrate a very special Birthday. Some had travelled great distances to be there to partake of the festivities. Large tables had been set for an Italian style 'long lunch.' Wait staff greeted each guest and sought their drink orders as platters of antipasto were offered. The menu board suggested that diners were to be tempted by a wide selection of traditional Italian home made recipes. Lawn bocce was provided for the more active members of the group. Tristan strummed his guitar while guests exchanged conversation and convivial banter. Younger family members delighted in the offerings of lego and toy cars to amuse themselves before making their way to the garden. From the deck most sipped wine, beers or colas as they watched the unfolding bocce game below. Yesterday was also an opportunity for family and friends to share their stories of Anne, some from her early teens. A few inciting laughter and even a giggle or two. I plan to investigate further the one recalling an event with a blanket, for I feel the truth is out there.  Much fun and a notion of genteel celebration made for a spectacular afternoon.

St Clements Estate Dining

On a Friday night when you need to pamper yourself after a long working week one should consider making the short trip to St Clements. Who wants to cook after an 11 hour day at work? Not me and no one else did either. No resistance and a quick call to St Clements and we were on our way to dinner. New menu options plus a treat courtesy of the new chef, Frederico. Toasty warm inside in this cooler weather so greatly appreciated. Usual glass of 2005, Shiraz for me and beer for Stephen and Sam. Bread, while we waited for our entrees. Prawns were my choice for the evening, Sam had a salad and Stephen the cheese, pear and honey. All three of us chose lamb but two the back strap and Sam the ragu. Luigi spoilt us with a clean skin, bottled very recently but so smooth that it tasted like my puff pastry, caramel, fingers. Not ready to sell yet. Luigi, the suspense! Already so mellow; can't imagine how well it will develop in coming months. A blend that will intrigue the most discerning wine buff. I remind myself, be patient.

Muse Dining

Last weekend Stephen and I wanted to have a quiet lunch in the vineyards. Somewhere different. As we made our way to Pokolbin we decided to try the Muse Cafe at 1 Broke Road. What a great choice. We had recently dined at the restaurant but it had been several years since we dined at the cafe.The cellar door tasting area had changed considerably from previous visits. The open area was now more definite in its function and purpose. The cellar's bar suggested simple elegance. I had not remembered the views from the tables in the cafe. The inside - outside seating allowed diners to feel at one with the vista and garden sculptures. Service at the Muse cafe was exceptional as was the menu. Before leaving home I had expressed a desire to locate a restaurant or cafe offering duck as one of its menu options. I was pleased to discover that duck was indeed available. However, I rush, as Stephen and I first shared a plate of Turkish bread and a selection of dips. A most generous serving. For entree I savoured scallops and thence, my duck for mains. A Tulloch's red,wine our preferred drink on that occasion.  The Kester has become one of our favourites so our lunch event was a relaxed and particularly agreeable moment in our day.

Croquet On The Lawn

Last Sunday we shared a Titanic Style afternoon of croquet on the lawn at Jeni and Alain's. The lawn had been carefully mown to ensure quality performances from all players. Tension was sharp as the rules were posted on a pole. Glasses charged and hats were donned. Colours were selected and play commenced with a number of brilliant shots and not so brilliant shots being made throughout the match. On a few occasions the balls crushed chances for a swift kill by several opponents. Date palm fronds injected interest in the form of some sharp advice for contenders hitting wide of the lawn. The Titanic match was well supported by additional props such as life jackets and even a boat should it have been required. However, no one abandoned ship with all surviving to make their way to the dinner table. Over dinner all guests were invited to complete a trivia quiz relating to the Titanic. I know that I openly cheated from Stephen as he had been watching a documentary relating to the history of the Titanic earlier in the day. Unfortunately he had been watching me peak at his answers so he intentionally selected a number of incorrect responses. That taught me a lesson. Next time I'll need to be more subtle when borrowing someone else's answers. There was much deliberation about the number of Titanic movies that had been produced and the accuracies or inaccuracies presented in each. What were the band members doing when the ship finally sank into the freezing waters that night? Hotly debated and only research will clarify that one for us all.

Easter Surprise!

At Easter some may expect or hope that the little white bunny surprises them with chocolate eggs or similar. This Easter was extra special; in that Kirstie made an unplanned visit from Queensland and Alysia was home from Tamworth for the weekend. It was to be a very short overnight stay for Kirstie and a little longer for Alysia but we packed many things into those few hours. Helen and John hosted a barbecue for us all. An exceptionally pleasant afternoon was shared where we sat for many hours chatting and discussing plans for a new venture; John and Helen's B&B, Bella Wind. The journalist and the conference/wedding coordinator had much to say over several champagnes and a number of fine wines. Bella Wind, the topic of conversation, promises to be a sought after B&B with its perfect location and rural setting. A visit to St Clements for lunch on Monday was an opportunity to sample Luigi's whites and even his beer. The special Easter menu was delicious as we sat on the lawn basking in the sun, eating and soaking in the views to the ranges beyond Cessnock. The rooftop viewing area above the cellar door and restaurant was an additional treat allowing us to appreciate the vines and olives planted either side of the main drive. As we arrived we had seen a small kangaroo that had been grazing on the sweet pick beneath the vines. It is not uncommon to see many roos in the paddocks surrounding the vineyard.