This was published 7 years ago
Where to eat in Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges: Chef Steven Rogers
Steven Rogers believes autumn is the perfect time of year to visit the Macedon Ranges.
Steven Rogers has spent much of his career working under Jacques Reymond in Melbourne as well as working in Paris and London at two-Michelin-starred Maison Rostang, and three-Michelin-starred Restaurant Pierre Gagnaire.
In 2014, Rogers opened French restaurant and bar, Midnight Starling, in the Victorian country town of Kyneton, where he grows and cooks his own produce. See midnightstarling.com.au
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE TABLE IN DAYLESFORD AND MACEDON RANGES?
It would have to be Du Fermier in Trentham. Annie Smithers' French bistro delivers great farmhouse-style French food that wonderfully showcases the amazing produce that Annie grows herself. She has a really inspiring no-nonsense approach to the French classics and her infectious passion for great, fresh and seasonal produce make for a great country lunch. See dufermier.com.au
THE LOCAL FOOD DISCOVERY OF THE PAST YEAR?
Pasture-raised chicken and eggs from Hand to Ground. The birds are pasture-raised in Baynton, just outside of Kyneton and are incredibly large with a dark flesh and a great, unique flavour. Owners Emily and Alex Simms are passionate about the produce they supply to the local area and it is great to see their enthusiasm reflecting on others in the community. See handtoground.com.au
WHAT IS DAYLESFORD AND MACEDON RANGES' BEST-KEPT FOOD SECRET?
Hamster in Kyneton offers a great selection of vegan and vegetarian offerings. I'm a full-time carnivore and honestly feel the flavours that Mara Szoeke packs into the food she creates is amazing. See facebook.com/hamstergrazing/?fref=photo
PLACE TO GO ON A DAY OFF?
I find that I'm most at ease when I'm in the country, taking in the fresh air and appreciating the landscape. It's one of the main reasons I moved to Kyneton. One of my favourite escapes on a day off is the Domino Rail Trail – a six-kilometre cycle track that follows the original railway line from Daylesford to Carlsruhe.
In the evenings, my haven is local bottle shop, Wine and the Country, as they have a great selection of wines by the glass and you can take any bottle off the shelf and enjoy in house with a $10 corkage fee.
FAVOURITE INDULGENCE IN DAYLESFORD AND MACEDON RANGES?
Banks Fine Wine in Kyneton offers an outstanding range of local, domestic and imported wines as well as a great selection of craft beers. See store.banksfinewine.com.au
PLACE TO GO FOR A BIG NIGHT OUT?
If the opportunity arises for a big night out, then we often find ourselves at Belvedere Social in Daylesford, as the staff are incredibly charming and the atmosphere is always great. The menu at Belvedere Social is produce-led and the dishes are beautifully presented, the charcuterie selection is a stand-out too and we order one every time we visit. See belvederesocial.com.au
BEST TIME TO VISIT, AND WHY, FOOD-WISE IN DAYLESFORD AND MACEDON RANGES?
Autumn in the Macedon Ranges is the perfect time to visit; crisp sunny days and beautifully coloured autumn leaves make for a very picturesque day trip or weekend away. Some of the food highlights include local foraged mushrooms, fresh chestnuts and the excitement of the upcoming truffle season.
WHAT SHOULD A VISITOR AVOID, FOOD-WISE, IN DAYLESFORD AND MACEDON RANGES?
A trip to the area may inspire you to pick wild mushrooms, as they are plentiful in this part of Victoria. However, visitors should be wary of the Death Cap mushroom, they look very similar to the Slippery Jack but could result in a trip to the hospital if eaten.
WHAT'S HOT IN THE AREA RIGHT NOW?
Major Toms on Piper Street in Kyneton. Great burgers, regular live music, Mountain Goat on tap and an inviting beer garden out the back. Owners Prue and Rob are passionate about the local music scene and the burger joint they've created, and it really shines through all aspects of the business. See majortoms.com.au
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