Favourite eateries:
We have been frequenting the Spa Country for about eight years now, and although it’s fun discovering your own little gems-of-places, we thought we’d share some of our favourites with you (the list will grow as do our gastronomic pleasures!).
BREAKFAST:
THE GOURMET LARDER
57 Vincent Street Daylesford 5348 4700
BREKKIE, LUNCH AND PICNIC
Voted as 'The Best Coffee in Daylesford' (by me). So: great coffee, great breakfast - including freshly squeezed juice - awesome soups, antipasta, cheeses... you want it, they've got it. And if picnic-ing is your pleasure, you can buy a whole basket's worth that will make even Yogi and Booboo envious. www.daylesford.info - gourmet larder
LUNCH:
RED STAR CAFE
115 Main Road Hepburn Springs 5348 1875
BREKKIE, LUNCH AND DINNER
We've been driving past the Red Star Cafe for nearly two years now, but being creatures of habit and not wanting to risk sampling a dodgy coffee, it took us until recently to take the plunge and try somewhere new and close to Artisan. And boy, are we glad we did! The coffee was perfect, the food delicious, and the service friendly. The Red Star is also a visual feast: the bookshelf-lined walls are full to the brim with interesting paraphernalia and a plethora of books. It was so good we went back the next day for breakfast, but word had got out and we had to loiter for a table. It was worth the wait.
http://www.theredstar.com.au/
CHOWDER HOUSE CAFÉ
97 Main Road Hepburn Springs 5348 2221
BREKKIE AND LUNCH
It is said that if you want the best chowder in the world, you have to go to Boston, Massachusetts. Not anymore. In my opinion, chowder from the Chowder House Café in Hepburn Springs far surpasses the Boston variety (speaking from experience).
Each chowder is individually made, using organic and local produce, and prepared by Spa Country’s own New England chef. How authentic can you get! (Word has it, the Chowder House also do great brekkies, but as of writing this, we are unable to personally testify. Stay tuned...)
DINNER:
THE FARMER’S ARMS
1 East St Daylesford 5348 2091
If you’re after fine dining without the fancy schmancy décor and stiff aprons to go with it, you can’t go past the Farmer’s Arms hotel. We know it looks a little shonky on the outside, but inside you’ll find delicious fare, a long and sumptuous wine list, some beers on tap and great service to top it all off. The Farmer’s Arms is very popular, so we recommend you book early – in advance of your arrival if possible (if not this time, next time). You’ll find the Farmer’s Arms Hotel heading out of Daylesford (towards Woodend) on the right hand side, opposite the Midland Highway. www.farmersarms.com.au
RUBENS
70 Main Road Hepburn Springs 5348 2843
LUNCH AND DINNER
Ideally located about 500 metres from Artisan, is Rubens, a delicious – eat in, take out – Italian restaurant. One of our sons says it has the ‘best spaghetti bolognaise ever’, which is a big statement coming from the Spag Bol King. (My favourite is the Pumpkin Risotto.) Take-away orders are very prompt and just as delicious. The staff are friendly, the service is great and the atmosphere is jolly and warm.
DAYLESFORD SEAFOOD BAR
62 Vincent Street Daylesford 5348 2327
If you don’t mind the carbs or getting your hands a little greasy, Daylesford Seafood Bar has the best fresh fish (very succulent) and chips (including pumpkin cakes!) and oysters (fresher than fresh, apparently). Just ask any local and they’ll tell you; that’s how we found out. Because of the Seafood Bar’s popularity, phone your order in beforehand, otherwise you could be up for a long wait.
THE OLD MACARONI FACTORY
64 Main Road Hepburn Springs 5348 4345 If you want to step back in time - say, around 150 years - and experience authentic Italian fare in Australia's oldest Italian building, give the Macaroni Factory a shot. You'll be serenaded by Dean Martin and marvel at the unique frescoes that adorn the ceilings and walls. It's a gem of a find, this one. www.macaronifactory.com.au
Mob 0404 123 153
DECO RESTAURANT - @ Peppers Springs Retreat & Spa
124 Main Road Hepburn Springs 5348 2202
For those who desire swish, fancy and elegant dining, Deco Restaurant will suit you to a tee. (A tee? Where on earth does that expression come from anyway?) The pork belly was delicious (sorry little pig) and the desserts yum-oh! And if you're into art deco, well look no further. You won't be disappointed with this catch.
springsretreat@peppers.com.au
