Apples & Oranges: local produce aplenty in Regional NSW

The best thing about regional Aussie towns is the sense of community support. I love being able to read a restaurant menu and pick out local wine and a meal made from produce that was grown and farmed just around the corner. My trip to Orange is exactly that: an exploration of local ingredients.

Here are the best local foodie experiences in Orange:

The Agrestic Grocer

The Agrestic Grocer is a local’s favourite and it’s easy to see why: as soon as we arrive we’re greeted not only by friendly staff but also by a store full of beautiful fresh fruit, veggies, and house-made baked goods. My self-control is in check and I skip over the flourless chocolate cake, croissants and friands (*sigh*) and order a raw falafel wrap. Despite the lack of chocolate, sugar and all things naughty, this hits the spot: healthy, fresh and totally yum.

After a walk around the shop and admiring the Second Mouse Cheese Company cheeses, and other delectable goodies, we head off to do some fruit picking.

Hillside Orchard

Because of the cool climate, Orange is the perfect location for growing apples, figs, cherries and all sorts of stone fruit. Everywhere we go, lush healthy orchards speckled with ripe fruit surround us.

Apples galore!

We take advantage of the farm prices and stock up on apples – $5.50 for 20 apples! I just wish I’d bought more.

Mandagery Creek Venison Farm

Run by husband and wife duo Tim and Sophie Hansen, Mandagery Creek Venison Farm is located just outside Orange. After missing the turn (twice) we finally find the entrance and are greeted by a herd of curious deer on our drive in.

Image credit: Sophie Hansen via www.local-lovely.com

With a background in journalism, Sophie left her life in Sydney three years ago to work on the Venison Farm that’s been in the Hansen family for generations. Today, she and Tim are making a serious impression on Australian farming culture. They not only farm deer and supply the meat to local restaurants, but they also:

• Sell deer antlers locally to Chinese medicine makers, vets and home wares stores
• Use the deer’s hides for upholstery i.e. rugs and floor mats, cushions and chair covers
• Host regular long lunches in the Farm Kitchen to showcase the Venison and other local produce. Check out the Farm Kitchen website for upcoming lunches
• Sophie runs her own blog, which celebrates fresh seasonal food. She’s also just had a recipe book released under the same name, ‘Local is Lovely’

Did you know? Deer antlers can grow as quickly as 1.5 cms per day!

 Lolli Redini

Our first dining experience is at Lolli Redini, and after hearing rave reviews from the locals we know we’re in for a treat. We’ve also just  enjoyed a wine or two at Union Bank Wine Bar, so our appetites are ready to go.

In a converted terrace house, Lolli Redini is cosy and reminds me of visiting a friend for dinner. It’s comfortable, well decorated and filled with mouth-watering aromas from the busy kitchen.

The wine list is overflowing with Regional NSW wine, and the menu has plenty of meals featuring locally farmed and grown produce to choose from. Some standouts include wines from Philip Shaw and Canobolas Smith, and venison from Mandagery Creek. It’s nice to see support for local business.

The only thing that surpasses the food is the service (and the food was pretty incredible). Our waiter is attentive, gives us tips for where to go and what to see, and even introduces us to the chef after our meal. Top marks.

Tonic

Nearby suburb Millthorpe is lovely: from the cobbled streets to the rustic buildings, there’s an old-world feel that you don’t find in big cities. Our evening visit means we aren’t able to wander into the cafes and shops (next time!) but that’s okay, because well-revered restaurant Tonic is calling my name.

Like Lolli Redini the menu at Tonic is largely local. Again I see Mandagery Creek Venison – but sadly it’s so popular that it’s sold out and I don’t get a chance to try it, but my duck is cooked beautifully and I quickly forget about the venison altogether.

The Old Convent

Located in Orange’s neighbour Borenore, The Old Convent operates as a Bed & Breakfast during the week, and on Sundays the kitchen opens to the public for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Luckily we’re able to snag a spot for brekkie on the last day of our trip.

After having a wander around the beautiful grounds, we pop inside to scope out our table.

Husband and wife duo, Josie and Jeffery Chapman are on to a good thing here. They choose a set menu for breakfast and lunch that changes each weekend. I don’t think I’ve ever eaten so well! Our menu covers off all essential food groups: poached pears with toasted muesli and yogurt, poached eggs with mushrooms, roast tomatoes and Turkish toast, and finally, corn fritters with fresh tomato and parsley.

Who’d have thought that a small town like Orange would have so much incredible food on offer? Well I’m here to tell you that the small towns are often the best…

Want to read more about Orange’s wine? Check out my wine trail review.

Regional NSW is on SALE. Check it out here.

• Car hire
• Travel insurance
• Find Orange wineries & restaurants at VisitNSW.com