dining

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Made in Mudgee

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Words by Gregor Stronach I received an invitation a couple of weeks ago, by email – and it took me all of about 20 seconds of frantically stabbing at my keyboard to type “Yes please, of course, I would love to be there, it sounds amazing!” to lock in my seat at the Crow Bar for the Made in Mudgee event on August 25.

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Alpaca, truffle, shimeji... all discovered along "a foodie trail through the Southern Highlands"...

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The smell of freshly baked bread wafts around the room... as the Tertini 2009 Sparkling Cuvee Pinot Noir Chardonnay is being poured. A wintery night, reminiscent of my drive down to the Southern Highlands just a few weeks ago... you could faintly make out your breath as you spoke..

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Indulge your senses with a "Taste of Mudgee"…

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A hint of frost on the windscreen… rows of naked vines line the side of the road… rolling low hills in the distance… Yes, it is early Winter in Mudgee.

A region that is not defined by any one Wine or grape varietal, but is “good at many wines” Rob Black, Winemaker - Bunnamagoo Wines. This historic town is oozing with character which is reflects in its winemaking.

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Dinner for Two

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"...the pleasant hours of our life are all connected by a more or less tangible link with some memory of the table" Charles Pierre Monselet

Sometimes it is nice just to stay in on New Year's Eve.. share a nice dinner, a bottle of wine or two with someone you care about.

Away from the hustle and bustle, the crowds, the long waits to get home... just the two of you.

This was my New Year's Eve...

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DAY 2 – Foodie Gourmet Escape to the Margaret River, W.A.

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DAY TWO ...waking up to the soothing sounds of the rooster's crow... not ideal... but we weren't going to let that dampen our spirits...

Today was going to be a big day of eating and drinking!

“Accept what life offers you and try to drink from every cup. All wines should be tasted; some should only be sipped, but with others, drink the whole bottle.”

- Paulo Coelho, Brida

Starting at the top - Fraser Gallop Estate! We had a tasting booked for 11am in the winery itself. This was hands down the best tasting of the weekend.

Guillaume at Bennelong

Undoubtedly, the BEST restaurant in Sydney. An experience that combines, exceptional, personal service, high quality produce and outstanding attention to detail and flavour combinations. As a regular diner at Guillaume's iconic restaurant, I am devastated to see it go.

To dull the pain and disappointment, there is no better way than to MAKE LOTS OF RESERVATIONS BEFORE IT CLOSES! To justify the spend, I merely reason that I would in fact dine there at least 1-2 times per year in the next few years... it helps, ok?

I would like to share with you my personal highlights from the series of dinners at the restaurant to date... one more booked at this stage..