Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
from Sydney and 1 1 2 hr. from the main Hunter wine region. Free pickup from Dungog railway station.
Amenities: Restaurant; bar; 2 lit tennis courts; tour desk; massage; laundry service; nonsmoking rooms.
Inroom:Cottages only: TV, kitchen, fridge, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
WHERE TO DINE
IN CESSNOCK
Amicos MEXICAN/ITALIAN PIZZERIA You can't mistake the Mexican
influence in the decor, with bunches of chile peppers, cow skulls, ponchos,
masks, and frescoes, but the Mediterranean/Italian connection is more evident
in the menu. Mexican dishes include the usual nachos, enchiladas, burritos, bar-
becued chicken, and the like, while there are a few pastas and Mediterranean
dishes, such as crumbed lamb brains, too. The pizzas are pretty good, and one
could just about serve four people. They will deliver, too.
138 Wollombi Rd., Cessnock. & 02/4991 1995. Fax 02/4990 9302. Reservations recommended. Main
courses A$12-A$20 (US$7.80-US$13); pizzas A$14-A$18 (US$9.10-US$12). MC, V. Daily 6-10pm.
IN POKOLBIN
The three restaurants in the Hunter with the biggest reputations are Robert's
Restaurant, which is part of the Pepper Tree Complex (see “Where to Stay,”
above) along with the Convent guesthouse; Chez Pok in Peppers Guest House
(see “Where to Stay,” above); and Casuarina (see below).
Blaxland's Restaurant MODERN INTERNATIONAL This very
atmospheric restaurant revolves around a winery theme, with pictures of vine-
yards on the walls, one of the most comprehensive Hunter wine lists in the area,
and even the owner's homemade vintages on the menu. Parts of the building
date from 1829, with wooden trusses holding up the ceiling and exposed sand-
stone block walls. Popular here is the roast spatchcock (baby chicken) and the
steamed balcak mussels. A large open fire brings a glow to the white tablecloths
in winter.
Broke Rd., Pokolbin. & 02/4998 7550. Fax 02/4998 7802. www.blaxlandsrestaurant.com.au. Reservations
recommended. Main courses A$20-A$26 (US$13-US$17). A$3 (US$1.40) per person surcharge weekends
and public holidays. AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 11am-10pm.
Café Enzo MODERN AUSTRALIAN This charming little cafe offers a nice
ambience and good cuisine. Pastas, pizzettas, antipasti, and steaks dominate the
menu. The pizzetta with chargrilled baby octopus, squid, and king prawns,
Kalamata olives, fresh chile and onion, and freshly shaved Parmesan is particu-
larly nice. Cakes and cheese plates are a specialty.
At the corner of Broke and Ekerts roads (adjacent to Peppers Creek Antiques, near Peppers Guest House),
Pokolbin. & 02/4998 7233. Main courses A$10-A$18 (US$6.50-US$12). Devonshire tea A$7.50 (US$4.90).
AE, DC, MC, V. Wed-Sun 10am-5pm (until 10pm Sat).
Casuarina Restaurant MODERN AUSTRALIAN This superb restau-
rant has taken a slew of awards for its cooking in recent years. The surroundings
are elegant, with lots of antiques below the very high wooden ceilings. Flambés
are the signature meal here, the most popular being a flambé of chile lobster and
prawn (for two people). Other meals to write home about are the Thai-style
chicken curry and the Caesar salad.
Hermitage Rd., Pokolbin. & 02/4998 7888. Fax 02/4998 7692. www.casuarina.com. Reservations recom-
mended. Main courses A$27-A$34 (US$18-US$22). AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 7-11pm.
Robert's Restaurant MODERN AUSTRALIAN Chef and owner
Robert Molines has become a legend in Hunter Valley gourmet circles for coming
up with great dishes that perfectly complement the region's wines. His restaurant
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