TWO Bathurst restaurants have won a start in the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide for 2014.
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Cobblestone Lane and 9inety 2wo received top class reviews and were just a whisker away from getting a coveted chef’s hat ranking.
Across the central tablelands, Tonic at Millthorpe received one chef’s hat with a score of 15/20, as did Racine at Orange (15.5/20) and Neila at Cowra (15.5/20).
In comparison, Cobblestone rated 14/20 and 9inety 2wo 13.5/20. A score of 15/20 earns one chef’s hat.
The guide noted in its comments on Cobblestone Lane that the establishment, as with so many country restaurants, has elements of history abounding in the building where it is located.
“Fluted cast-iron columns add character to the large, well-lit room, dominated by a gleaming open kitchen,” the review stated.
“The menu is executed with flair and contemporary nouse, yet is designed to satisfy hearty country cooking, perhaps?
“Both the rabbit terrine, with the bright acidity of a verjuice jelly, and discs of a pheasant and turkey sausage with cherry and mulled wine preserve, are surprisingly delicate.”
Owners of Cobblestone Lane Heath and Elissa Smith were delighted to be included in the guide, as were the owners of 9inety 2wo, Brett Melhuish and Robert Falama.
“We consider 9inety 2wo one of Bathurst’s leading restaurants and this justifies that,” Mr Melhuish said. “We have a loyal clientele and our secret is to keep it simple and fresh.”
According to the guide, 9inety 2wo has a high, curved ceiling, Victorian lamps, fireplaces, and is tempered by warm dark colours, lots of mirrors and neat, comfortable furniture.
“There’s a welcoming vibe, the convivial atmosphere echoed by unfussy, highly approachable food, yet it’s not without clever touches,” the review states.
“Strands of pulled lamb shoulder are cunningly interwoven with julienned strips of zucchini and aubergine flesh; a gentle cooked confit fillet of ocean trout is sparked by horseradish cream and celery salt.
“All in all, it’s an invitation to quite intemperate expressions of pleasure.”
Other Bathurst restaurants mentioned in the guide, but not given a rating, include Church Bar + Woodfired Pizza, The Hub Expresso Bar and Eatery, Legall Patisserie Cafe and Maalouf’s Restaurant.
