Did you know Orange is only 3 hours from Canberra and they hold one of the best food and wine festivals in the country? Eat Canberra Contributor, Louise Adena, is a massive fan of this festival and has put together an article to tell you more about it.
Now in its 27th year, Orange F.O.O.D Week (Food of Orange District) runs from Friday 6 April – Sunday 15 April 2018. The 10-day community festival is filled with events for the whole family, highlighting the best local produce from restaurants, wineries and farmers.
My favourite event is the night market in Robertson Park (Friday 6 April) where stalls sell food, wine, beer and cider. If you haven’t been before, make sure you do a lap of the event and then buy lots of little share plates. You can also purchase a wine glass which you can use at each winery station! Entry is by gold coin donation.
If you prefer to explore the countryside when enjoying your food and wine, the Forage (Saturday 14 April) is for you! Walk along the picturesque Orange countryside listening to live music whilst enjoying a 9-course degustation menu featuring local wines and tasting plates.
The Autumn Grazing Dinner in Blayney (Monday 9 April) is another great event if you are spending a long weekend in Orange. This culinary experience is prepared by Chef Alex Kearns, and invites guests to wander the streets of Blayney sampling local foods and wine. Bus transport is arranged to and from Orange.
For those who enjoy eating like a local, there are some terrific dining spots in Orange to try. My favourite breakfast spot was Byng Street Café. You have to try the shaved bacon with any of their meals – it is smoky, flavoursome and different from the standard cut you usually get at cafes!
For a relaxed lunch or dinner, try Union Bank. Converted from an old bank, the décor is beautiful and comfortable – and the service is friendly and efficient. You can’t go past the lamb kofta or the cheeseburger sliders. Finally, if you want to try the worst kept local secret, make sure you book a table at The Agrestic Grocer. These guys highlight local produce in a relaxed setting. You can enjoy a hearty meal and then wander through the attached grocer to buy local wines, cheese and produce.
Unfortunately some of the events mentioned have sold out so you’ll have to get in early next year! Visit the Orange F.O.O.D Week website to find out more.
By Louise Adena.
Amelia Bidgood
Amelia is the Founder and Editor of Eat Canberra and the Founder and Managing Director of Eat Canberra Food Tours. She's a qualified journalist, presenter, freelance writer and also runs a boutique communications agency working with small business owners on all things social media, content creation and marketing. She's taught cheesemaking classes, judged hospitality and tourism awards, completed the WSET Level 1 Award In Wines, loves to cook and has travelled to 23 countries. She's also passionate about mental health and has recently started studying to become a Counsellor.