Paddock-to-plate food is all about ensuring every step your food takes between being in the ground or on the hoof to your dining table is carefully monitored to ensure sustainable practices and it is kept as fresh and unprocessed as possible.
This type of cooking and eating has become more and more common around the country as we are all more conscious of what we put on our forks and into our bodies.
Here are five venues where you can discover the ultimate paddock-to-plate experience:
Unpretentious, Wholesome Fare
Celebrating an authentic paddock-to-plate philosophy in the picturesque Gold Coast Hinterland, The Paddock Restaurant on Binna Burra Road in Beechmont delivers unpretentious, wholesome fare celebrating local produce. This 14-hatted dining destination boasts a spacious dining area with lofty ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening alfresco to Hinterland vistas, while guests peruse a menu showcasing cooking over an open fire.
Embark on a delicious culinary adventure with oysters and shallot mignonette, garnished with sea purslane and lemons; before Tommerup Farm pork, braised red cabbage, caramelised cauliflower, apple and grain mustard.
Stroll through the Gardens
Enjoy breathtaking views, feed native birds or take a stroll through the gardens at destination restaurant The Perch Lavers Hill on Great Ocean Road. Creating an experience beyond the ordinary, find high-vaulted ceilings, panoramic garden views and an abundance of natural light at this elegant restaurant where a warm and inviting welcome is guaranteed.
Begin a memorable culinary journey with forest mushrooms, black garlic cream and portobello crispy; then devour slow-cooked beef brisket with BBQ sauce, honey-buttered cornbread and charred broccoli.
Romantic Wining and Dining
Find an historic place to rest, stay, play and dine at The Lodge at Berrima Vault House on Old Hume Highway in Berrima. Nestled in the original Taylor's Crown Inn hand-built by convicts in 1844 using local sandstone, this venue is now a contemporary heritage preserved, premium hospitality destination and members club in the heart of the Southern Highlands.
Exuding colonial charm with manicured gardens, intimate nooks for romantic wining and dining and a tantalising menu, settle in with a glass of wine and devour sous vide beef tenderloin, fondant potato, heirloom carrots, parsnips and café de Paris butter.
Seasonally-inspired Dining
For contemporary estate fine dining in the tranquil rural setting of the Hunter Valley, visit the award-winning Margan Restaurant in Broke. Relax in classical surrounds inside, complete with white tablecloths and fine cutlery, or dine alfresco on the verandah and take in breathtaking vineyard views, as well as the Brokenback Range.
With all ingredients grown either on-site or within a short distance of the restaurant, Margan’s menu maintains a strong focus on local and seasonal produce; enjoy plates like Margan family lamb, caponata, salsa verde, or honey-cured BBQ pork, green onion and corn ragu.
Sweeping Golf Course Views
From dawn till dusk, wine country’s finest is served at Redsalt Restaurant on Wine Country Drive in Lovedale. Find sweeping views of the golf course, swimming pool and vineyards at Rydges Resort’s signature restaurant, which captures the very essence of the region across buffet breakfasts, elevated family dinners and late-night date nights.
Dinner is served à la carte or by five-course degustation and best enjoyed alongside an extensive Hunter Valley wine list; perhaps start with confit pork belly, before delving into 24-hour slow-cooked beef short rib, cauliflower, mushroom, mustard and jus.
