Lillino's - Getting Better and Better - Hunter Valley

Before long I think we will have to book our table for our regular Thursday, night's dinner. Lillino's is becoming so popular that it will soon be inevitable that I shall have to queue for a seat. Frederico has introduced so many exciting new flavours to the menu that it is difficult to make selections. Others are becoming regulars too as news spreads of the traditional Sardinian fare on offer. The experimentation and innovation with local products is welcomed too. Last Thursday night's kangaroo arancini type bites were absolutely delicious. Each week Frederico recreates his chef's tempter. The colours, textures and flavours tease the palate. Spatchcock is one of my new favourites as is the chocolate fondant dessert. Fellow diners prefer the rack of lamb or the salads and pizza. So many choices; even the coffee is a work of art! If you want to see the kangaroo chef's tempters you will need to visit Lillino's for yourself.

An Afternoon In Newcastle

Newcastle, great place to spend a Saturday afternoon. First stop the Newcastle Museum. New exhibits and so many interactive science activities. The static displays of artifacts and photographs combine to document the history of Newcastle in a spectacular manner. The exhibition halls have recorded the story of Newcastle's earliest beginnings, its growth to a city and lastly, its contemporary lifestyle enjoyed by so many today. A sense of connection with my own memories of Newcastle as a child and thence, when I returned more than twenty years later as an adult with my own family. A number of the photographs allowed me to reacquaint myself with memories almost forgotten. From my childhood, the famous Hunter Street drives with my own parents and the brief interruptions to the journey while we stopped for a milkshake remind me of the overwhelming change that has occurred since those bygone days. However, the tragic event of the Newcastle Earthquake is etched in my mind as I hark back to the day where I rang for hours on end seeking information about the safety of friends who lived by the beach not far from the city's centre. For six long hours I attempted to call them with little success to check on their safety. The events that unfolded that day still fresh in my mind. If seeking a nostalgic afternoon with a smattering of hands on science then the museum is a winner for all age groups.

Bastille 2012

No Bastille Day would be the same without our generous hosts, Jeni and Alain. This year was no exception. Bubbles and the log fire's inviting warmth provided a splendid start to the celebrations. Each guest made their way to the circle as they gathered to recall the revolution that led to the making of the new France and an end to its monarchy. Prior to this year's event I had stumbled on a very old movie that highlighted the Diamond Necklace affair and Marie Antoinette's role in its purchase. At best, the poor dear was 'set up,' by unscrupulous people. People determined to use her to prevent their own bankruptcy. They forged her signature to secure payment for the extravagant necklace. Marie Antoinette had refused to purchase it believing that such money would be better spent elsewhere. But as revolutions go it made for a good story and an amazing opportunity for those seeking to dethrone the monarchy. Great coincidence or bad luck for Marie Antoinette; who can really say? Another Bastille complete with the national anthem, French wines and French cuisine.

Hugues Cooked For Us

On the occasion of Stephen's Birthday six of us were treated to some of Hugues home cooking. Who knew? He is actually an exceptional cook. For starters we had saffron risotto served with a crisp Verdelho. Thence,for mains, delightful tuna stacks layered with subtle herbs and spices. Dessert was a triumph! Individual souffles garnished with fresh strawberries and served with a choice of passionfruit or double cream.  I hope to be invited back soon to try more of his culinary creations. Thank you Hugues, we appreciate all that you did!

Bella Wind

Having spent months preparing, creating new spaces and cross checking Council requirements Bella Wind is very close to being open for business. My neighbours, John and Helen have established a B&B just two doors from my home. It is aptly named Bella Wind. So named as to connect with the local area. This week I was treated to a preview of what guests can expect as they enter the beautiful accommodation of Bella Wind. Each of the guest bedrooms has its own colour scheme and works of art. Helen and John are keen to welcome travellers to share their home. Guest facilities are most impressive with access to chats by a log fire, a pool table or simply to relax and take in a movie or listen to music in the areas downstairs. For those keen to step outside a pool offers cool and refreshing swims with remarkable views to the ranges beyond. A lounge retreat is also available, adjacent to the upstairs bedrooms, for that quiet read or sip of wine at the end of a day spent exploring the vineyards or local sites. Wonder who will be their first guests? 

Lillino's New Menu -Talga Road Trattoria

Frederico, with Luigi's support and encouragement has begun to experiment in earnest and in so doing has created new offerings on the menu. Artistic presentation and exciting new flavours are emerging each week as we make our weekly pilgrimage to St Clement's Estate. Often each course has undergone change or redesign. It is exciting to allow chef the freedom to choose for us. I am even trying another of Luigi's reds. Just when I got used to saying, "I'll have my usual please." Change is good and I look forward to discovering new tastes and flavours along with my old favourites.

Depth Of Field

I can announce with all honesty and clarity that I have no photographic expertise whatsoever. Having made that admission I must further confess that the lack of any genuine knowledge has not prevented me from experimenting with DOF (Depth Of Field.) For like minded amateurs such as myself I see something and then I endeavour to capture its image through the eye of my camera. Thus far, with mixed success. The wedding chapel opposite Enzos Cafe at Pokolbin presented itself rather unexpectedly as a subject for my dalliance with DOF. I am certain that many technical terms exist for understanding and explaining my attempts in representing what interests me through the lens of my little camera. Its digital nature supports such reckless activities as one does not have to develop photographs to preview outcomes of of my tentative activities. Other instances such as home cooked dinners supply additional subjects for my haphazard flirtations with DOF. The only other issue I have is in the placement of pictures when posting them to my blog. If anyone reading this blog can suggest haow I can text wrap images I would be most grateful!

Tulloch's Vineyard Revisited

Despite living just minutes from the vineyards of Pokolbin Stephen and I rarely visit cellar doors to take advantage of the tasting experience. However, Tulloch's new Cellar Door with its architecture and sun filled open verandahs provided a welcome change to the recent weekends of wet weather. Stephen and I broke with tradition and sat to partake of the range of whites not tasted previously and also to revisit a favourite, the Kester. In winter the vineyards are somewhat harsh environments with vine foliage lost to the changing season and grasses burnt by the whitest frosts. The tasting verandah allows the casual vineyard devotee to overlook the hibernating vines. The occasion and view is not bleak for the backdrop contrasts are sharp and even tranquil as conversation focuses on each of the wines presented for tasting. The relaxed seating and cushions enhanced the entire event. So pleased with our visit that we have become wine club members. Saturday will not be the last opportunity where we sip the whites or reds from the now rested vines.

Derby Street-High Tea

I have definitely moved into the digital era. When I opened my email I found an invitation to a Dame's Day High Tea. The venue was the trendy location of Derby Street in Newcastle. Upon arrival the decor suggested an event of yesteryear proportions. The light fittings appeared to be original and so too the chosen colours of the paint scheme. Having entered and thence, seated I had a brief connection with a little village that I had visited when in France. The painted images created a warm and inviting atmosphere. There were tables and chairs arranged in Parisian style where one is able to sit cheek to cheek with fellow diners. Tables were festooned with cake stands, three tiers in height. Elegant and dainty morsels arranged so carefully that they commanded all invitees to partake, first, of the savoury offerings before being treated to the sweets, chocolate pots and fruit for dipping. Glass cabinets filled with chocolate works of art lined the shops serving section. From the glass cabinets casual shoppers and diners could gaze and wonder which choices to make. So many to choose from and so little time to try them all. Perhaps trying them all would have been a little hopeful for each mouthful was so rich and creamy surely it would take one years to sample the entire range. I have the utmost respect and adoration for those skilled so as to be able to create such fine and intricate morsels from chocolate. Warning! Do not enlarge images of the chocolate display case. You will be challenged to locate chocolate and if you have non available, then don't torment yourself!