This was published 9 years ago
Troy Rhoades-Brown: I know this great little place ...
Troy Rhoades-Brown of Muse restaurant and Cafe, Hunter Valley.
TROY RHOADES-BROWN, HUNTER VALLEY
Troy Rhoades-Brown, previously head chef of Robert's Restaurant, opened Muse Restaurant and Cafe at Hungerford Hill Wines in the Hunter Valley in 2009. His menus are focused on seasonal, local produce. See musedining.com.au.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE TABLE IN THE HUNTER VALLEY?
A Troy Rhoades-Brown creation.
Sunday lunch at Bistro Molines. Robert and Sally run this beautiful restaurant perched on the side of a mountain with unmatchable views and a dining room filled with love. Settle in for a few hours and don't leave without trying the figs or the duck or the charcuterie board. See bistromolines.com.au.
THE LOCAL FOOD FIND OF THE PAST YEAR?
A couple of months ago a lovely Frenchman from the Wollombi mountains showed up to the restaurant with Spanish black radishes - black skin and full of flavour.
WHAT IS THE HUNTER VALLEY'S BEST-KEPT FOOD SECRET?
On the fringe of the Hunter Valley wine country is a nursery called Simply D'vine, in Nulkaba. Tucked away towards the back is a little cafe that showcases local and seasonal produce with excellent coffee. See simplydvine.com.au.
WHERE TO GO ON A DAY OFF?
Newcastle is only a 50-minute drive away with the new expressway. Start at the Newcastle Farmers Market, head to breakfast at Three Bean Espresso, go shopping in Darby Street, have lunch at Restaurant Mason, coffee at One Penny Black and a walk on the beach, before dinner at Subo. See restaurantmason.com.
FAVOURITE INDULGENCE IN THE HUNTER VALLEY?
Golf, cheese and wine. Make a whole day of it.
WHAT TO AVOID, FOOD-WISE, IN THE HUNTER VALLEY?
Resist the temptation to snack and fill up on junk food. Plan and book your dining itinerary and for God's sake don't order a glass of sauvignon blanc in the Hunter Valley. Try our semillon, chardonnay or shiraz.
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