The Bratwurst Express, Toowoomba, Queensland.

0412 500 929
info@thebratwurstexpress.com.au
www.thebratwurstexpress.com.au

If you have never had the pleasure of eating a genuine German sausage cooked the way it should be, now is your chance.  That's if you're lucky enough to come across the Bratwurst Express mobile sausage vendor in your travels.  It's not so hard to find.  Marc Schaeper parks his state of the art mobile kitchen out the front of the Police Citizens Youth Club on James Street Toowoomba Tuesday to Thursday from 8.30am to 2.30pm, and he also attends many local events like Ag shows, festivals and markets. 

This isn't some fancy sausage sizzle, it's the real deal.  These are top quality genuine brats and franks made to an authentic German recipe.  Marc grills these babies until the smell drives you wild and he offers a wide range of sausages to suit every taste.  Served on a freshly baked crunchy roll or a heavenly soft roll if you like, and covered in hot sauerkraut and mustard (that's how I like 'em) or choose from a range of sauces and toppings available.

But don't go too far once you've bought one because I can guarantee that one of Marc's sausages won't be enough.  So, if you see the Bratwurst Express set up anywhere, give yourself a real treat and jump on board for a little bite of Germany.  Honestly, all you need is a stine of beer and some oompah oompah music and you might think you're in Munich. 

I've put all of Marc's contact details above so if you want to have something special for your next function, special event, party (he'll come to you) or just a snack, get in touch with the sausagemister himself for a special deal.  Be nice and tell all of your friends because these sausages are "vunderbah"
Karl

How are we going so far?

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read our blog.  How are we going?  Are you enjoying it?  What can we do better?  Please leave something in the comments at the bottom of each review you read.  Even just a few words would be a great encouragement to us.  We really value your opinions.  It would also be valuable for you to click the facebook link and share Food Trek Reviews with your friends.  I know we still have a few bugs to work out with this site like how to subscribe, so if any of you has some tips on how to fix it, that would be great too.  We still have plenty of articles to write as well as doing our day jobs, so stay tuned for more reviews and views on some great restaurants.  Bon Appetit.
Karl and Kelly

72 on Herbert, Allora Queensland.

07-4666 3161

They don't call the Darling Downs town of Allora "the best little town on the Darling Downs" for nothing.  The history and country hospitality is all around as you stroll the main street from one of the three pubs all the way down to the Dalrymple Creek.  The shops are lovely and the locals welcome you with open arms.  Recently a new food establishment has opened next to the award winning Allora butchery (I've got to tell you about the butchery another time, it's amazing).  Yes, this new cafe come pizzeria is called "72 on Herbert" (which is also the address) and it's as trendy and exciting as any cafe in any city in Australia.  We almost felt like we had teleported back to Flinders Lane in Melbourne. 

The decor is dark polished wood with exquisitely comfortable leather seats and beautifully captured photos of local sights mounted on the walls.  The atmosphere is comfortable and easy going.  There are lounge areas where you can enjoy a great coffee while reading the morning papers.  I was tempted to slip off my shoes.

The menu isn't so pedestrian either.  Roast pumpkin, Greek and Caesar salads can be enjoyed with Barramundi fillets, chicken skewers or Wagyu beef steak cooked to perfection.  A range of home made pastas with cheesy garlic bread, or there is their take on the burger which is definitely restaurant style.  And then there is the pizza.  The whole pizza menu has been named after local streets and the dough is hand made fresh every day.  I think we can safely say these are gourmet pizzas by the way they are expertly cooked and seasoned.  There are four sizes, small, regular, large and family.  I ordered the small "Warner" consisting of Ham, pepperoni, Spanish onion, capsicum, olives, pancetta, rocket, mozzarella, and Italian tomato sauce.  The crust was toasted beautifully at the bottom and edges and light and bready where the topping soaked and melted into something special.  This was a small pizza and I wasn't sure I could eat the whole thing (Kelly helped).  It was truly delicious and for only $10 I felt like I was taking advantage. 

Kelly ordered the hot chicken Caesar wrap and this was also huge.  The chicken wasn't over cooked and the balance of flavours exact.  The chicken was delicate, juicy and tasty, and the Caesar sauce with a hint of garlic, was tangy and salty with the flavour of the bacon and parmesan cheese.  The wrap was toasted and served with a delightful aioli sauce and crunchy potato chips for $13.  Another winner. 

The drinks menu included smoothies and shakes and a fine coffee menu.  The cafe is also BYO and open for dinners, which will see us dining there often and next time I'll bring a couple of cold beers to really get to know these pizzas well.
With a cafe like "72 on Herbert" open for business, I'd say Allora is "The luckiest little town on the Darling Downs".
Allora is situated on the New England Highway 20 minutes from Warwick and 45 minutes from Toowoomba.  There is free 24 hour camping at the Dalrymple Creek Park and many interesting historical sights.  And a whole street full of lovely little shops and of course three country pubs with accomodation.  The place is packed with country charm and well worth the visit or weekend away.  And don't forget to grab a meal at 72 on Herbert for a real treat you'll be telling all of your friends about it for years.
Karl

Bennett’s Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne, Victoria.

Rated as one of the best jazz clubs in the world, Bennett’s Lane Jazz Club is hidden away up an alley off La Trobe Street and was even a little hard to find.  We thought we should book some entertainment before we left Queensland and had heard Bennett’s Lane was an experience not to be missed.  Tickets were easy enough to get online at $25 each plus $5 booking fee, just by Googling the club.  The act billed for the night we were available to attend was Zulya and the children of the underground.  We’d never heard of them but that only added to the mystique of going to a real live jazz club.
At about 8.30pm we were walking around in the cold wondering where it was when we saw a line up of people at the end of an alley and thought that must be it.  Either that or we were lining up to be mugged.  A sign above our heads that said Jazz Club gave it away.  We didn’t have to wait too long before the doors opened and we were ushered inside to a dark low ceiling venue with a stage in one corner and a bar in the other and small round tables throughout.  The stage had a baby grand piano and lots of other musical instruments ready for the band.  There was a real buzz in the place and it was nice to see a large proportion of the crowd were like us: young and groovy middle aged music lovers.

Once we were settled in I headed for the bar to checkout the beer and food situation.  Not a huge variety of beer, although I did see some good domestic beers and Asahi Japanese lager.  I settled on Coopers Pale Ale at $7.50 a stubby.  Spirits, mixed drinks and bottles of average priced red and white wines were also available.  As for the food, I was a little disappointed to find that the restaurant wasn’t operating but cheese platters and cold snacks were available over the bar.  I didn’t buy any but the cheese platter looked pretty good with an assortment of cheeses and anti-Pasto titbits at $19 a plate.

Jazz is one of those rare mediums that transcends language as the music tells its own story and expresses a gamut of emotions through rhythm and melody.  Zulya sang beautifully in Russian and her home language of Tartar which was alien to just about the whole audience, but we all sat spell bound by her heavenly sound.  I’ve never heard Russian Jazz before and this was a real treat.  The piano accordion was play superbly and the double bass, drums and guitar drove the performance along at a pace that compelled the listeners’ attention.  This was truly masterful craftsmen at work.  Live music performed at its best.

This was grown up entertainment.  I could easily imagine sitting in a 1930’s club, except for the lack of gangsters and a heavy cloud of cigarette smoke.  The atmosphere was so enchanting, even civilised.  It was all about the jazz, as it should be.   
When ever we visit Melbourne, a night out at Bennett’s Lane Jazz Club is top of our list for entertainment.
Karl

Special Event Alert !!!

www.jumpersandjazz.com

19th to the 29th July 2012
One of the best times of the year to experience the Southern Downs Region of Queensland is in winter during the “Jumpers and Jazz in July Winter Festival” and it’s just around the corner.  Believe it or not, people knit jumpers for all of the trees around the business district of Warwick.  Even the statue in the main street isn’t safe from this burst of artistic activity that engulfs the whole town. 

 

 

There will be art exhibitions, tours, workshops, unbelievable food, wine and coffee, and of course fabulous jazz music at venues and on the streets throughout the festival.  Some of the jazz performers billed for the festival are Sarah Collyer & Elegance Jazz, The Caxton Street Jazz Band, The Clem Four, Steve Henry Quartet, Andrew Kucks, Blue Poppy Aperitif Jazz Ensemble and The Freud Squad just to name a few who are all brilliant in their different interpretations of jazz.    If you’re here for the whole ten days, there is so much for you to do.  Take in the glorious Stanthorpe wine country on the granite belt and explore the historic estates around Warwick like Glengallan Homestead, and Abbey of the Roses which offers excellent accommodation.

 

The Beautiful village of Killarney is the home of the spectacular Queen Mary Falls, and Allora “the best little town on the Downs” will seduce you with its warmth, charm and hospitality.

The nights and mornings are crisp and cool, while the winter days on the Downs are clear and warm.  Perfect weather for log fires and fine dining at night, and the days are perfect for sightseeing and country adventures.  Like a visit to Morgan Park which is a mecca for all sorts of motor sports and many national Polo Cross competitions.  Take a walk back through time when you visit the Warwick railway station, site of the infamous egg throwing at the Great War Prime Minister Billy Hughes, which led to the formation of the Australian Federal Police.  Stay for a few nights at the Bestbrooke Mountain Retreat and enjoy the spectacular views on horseback through trails in the Maryvale hills.  Or, for the ultimate in sightseeing, soar above the Darling downs in a glider from the Warwick glide club, who offer air experience flights for only $130.

 

Once you’ve been here in winter and have fallen in love with the region (and I bet you will), you’ll probably want to come back in spring for the world famous Warwick rodeo which is so thrilling and exciting (I like to cheer for the bulls).   That’s when Warwick becomes the cowboy capitol of Australia.  It’s country and western party time.

With a little bit of planning you can make the journey and enjoy Jumpers and Jazz in July with us this year.  Only two hours by car or coach from Brisbane airport, Warwick has many fine motels and restaurants like the Alexander which has just renovated their restaurant and the chef is out to impress.  And McNevin’s Gunya Motel, founded by the late Brigadier General Brian McNevin whom I once had the pleasure of meeting.  His aim was to create a place with clean comfortable accommodation along with first class quality food.  He can rest easy because his three motels around Queensland are a credit to the hospitality industry.  The Coachman’s Inn with Rupert’s Restaurant for fine dining, and Silks Restaurant at the Horse and Jockey Hotel has fabulous modern cuisine and accommodation.  There’s the Imperial Steak house that offers up the best beef in town and has over thirty different boutique beers to choose from.  Bryson’s Place will blow you away with their wonderful breakfast and lunches, while the Warwick RSL club has great value buffets throughout the week.  Warwick is loaded with many more great places to eat just waiting for you to discover.

Send us an email if you are planning on making the trip to Warwick.  We would love to meet other Food Trekkers and share your Jumpers and Jazz adventures and experiences with our readers.
Karl

Bryson’s Place Café, Warwick, Queensland.

If you’re ever in Warwick Queensland, better known as the Rose City and renowned for its famous world class rodeo, there’s no better place to stop for breakfast or lunch or just a cuppa than Bryson’s Place.  Smack in the middle of the main street, Bryson’s Place is as inviting and interesting as any café in Australia.  I’ve enjoyed a meal here several times and I just can’t believe the great quality and value for money food available. 

Bryson’s offer guests alfresco and café style dining areas within a warm, comfortable and friendly environment.  You’ll dine surrounded by beautiful home and giftwares from exquisite art deco statuettes to genuine Cornishware crockery, framed prints and a huge array of home decorations.  There’s even a florist on hand to create a stunning arrangement just for you. 

The menu is amazing, with a complete all day breakfast section, Deluxe Gourmet Sandwiches, Classic Toasties, Turkish Bread Delights and my favourite, the Open Grilled Sandwiches.  Just as an example of how good the prices are, the full serve of an open grill is $16 and a half serve is only $8.  I have tried to eat a whole serve but can only eat a half serve, which is made up of two open sandwiches.  Just about any filling is available from Turkey to Smoked Salmon and everything in between.   I just love the smoked salmon, cream cheese, onion, avocado and brie.  The combination reminds me of a New York bagel and is called the Neptune.  The vegetarian is excellent as well.  Everything is fresh and absolutely delicious.  Honestly, I can’t see how they make a profit at these prices.

There’s nothing better than to finish off a great lunch than some expertly prepared coffee with a wickedly tasty dessert.  Then if you can still stand after all that food, waddle around the shop and pick out something special from amongst the treasures that are in every corner for yourself or someone you love.

The Warwick “Jumpers in July” winter jazz festival is right around the corner, so there’s no better time to plan your Darling Downs adventure to Warwick and the Granite Belt and to check out Bryson’s Place.  Once you do, you’ll find lots of other good reasons to come back and visit.
Karl


Kelly’s Take  “Bryson’s Place” The first time I went to Bryson’s Place a friend took me for morning tea on my birthday.  I was so pleasantly surprised and had such a lovely experience that I have now lost count of my visits.
My impression before that first visit was of a tiny coffee/gift/flower shop.  It certainly is all of those things but as I discovered it is so much more.  For a start it is not tiny at all.  Bryson’s is a bit like what I would imagine Aladdin’s Cave to be, full to the brim with treasures and bigger on the inside than on the outside.  If you cannot find something to your taste, you are not looking very hard, with many lovely and unusual collectable items from china to scarves to paintings and handmade soaps. It is all there and makes for a lovely atmosphere.
The food and coffee is of the highest quality and the prices are very reasonable.  The service is quick and the whole place is sparkling clean.  A wonderful place to go for a little escape.
Kelly

The Press Club, Melbourne Victoria.

72 Flinders Street, Melbourne, Victoria
www.thepressclub.com.au
03-9677 9677

It was a freezing Friday night in Melbourne but the weather hadn’t stopped the crowds from invading the city.  The streets were vibrant and buzzing with the energy of the buskers and end of week revellers.  The horse drawn coaches along Swanston Street had their tops up in case it rained and all but the most adventurous or fool hardy people were wearing overcoats, scarves, boots and some carried umbrellas.  It seems that Melbournians really thrive in the cold and the colder it got the hungrier I got.  This was perfect weather for eating, drinking and having fun.

We were on foot heading up Flinders Street to attend our most exciting food adventure to date at the famous Press Club.  The crowd was huge right in front of Flinders Street station when we noticed everyone had stopped to allow a Bride and Groom to have photos taken right in the middle of the street.  It was a magic moment and I thought it was a pretty good omen considering I was taking my gorgeous bride to dinner for our nineteenth wedding anniversary.

Two blocks later we were standing in front of an imposing stone building with a huge brass plaque on the wall that said The Press Club: The little Press and Cellar.  At this stage I had no idea how expensive this place was, but I was glad we charged up the old credit card before we left home.  The Matre de was charming and welcoming, he took our coats and led us through the restaurant to our table which was beautifully set with silver and crystal.

The decor is luxurious dark timber and plush leather upholstery with subtle down lighting.  The acoustics were wonderfully baffled by the beamed ceiling and vertical wooden batten feature at one end of the dining room.  Although the room was full of happy chatting patrons, we weren’t overwhelmed by noise and were able to easily have a conversation.  It definitely felt cosy and modern.
The menu offers many delights, among them Marron, Lamb, Kingfish, Duck, Whiting, Chicken and an array of accompanying vegetables and side dishes all within a modern Greek style.  We decided to go the whole hog and ordered the eight course symposium that was recommended to us by our waitress. 

Our table was then made ready for the first course and a small bowl of Greek olive oil and black sea salt was presented with freshly baked bread.  An amazing pumpkin seed whole meal bun and crisp sourdough roll, both piping hot and delicious with the salt and oil.      

We aren’t big wine fans and although the restaurant has an in house wine expert that will recommend a wine for each course, we decided that we wanted to experience the taste of every mouthful of food unhindered, so opted for sparkling mineral water.  The menu does suggest a premium wine match for the symposium menu at $95 a bottle.  Pretty cheap when you consider it’s easy to spend hundreds of dollars for wine at any top restaurant.

The first course arrived with our waitress and the Matre de to ensure everything was in order, which impressed us greatly.  “Kasos Palamidda Tuna” came in small glass jars on a wooden presentation board.  They were placed in front of us and the waitress explained what we were about to enjoy and how it was prepared.  It was amazingly tasty and for me, a brand new experience in enjoying the flavour of Tuna.  My appetite was now stimulated to a new high and I couldn’t wait for what was to come.  It was a remarkable starter. 

Before the second course came, our table was reset and drinks refreshed.  I decided it was time for a beer and when I asked our waitress she suggested I try a Greek beer.  Well of course, when in Greece.  She brought over a small bottle of “Craft Athens Lager” and at $10 a stubby it really hit the spot and went perfectly with the next course which was a wild mushroom dish called “Heleniko Manitari.”  This was a mix of different types of mushrooms sautéed with an amazing deep fried egg yolk on top that was still runny in the middle that blew our tastebuds away.  I could eat this one all day.

By now we realised that we were being taken on a journey.  Each dish was richer than the last and the flavours more complex and interesting.  The third course was “Larissa Kotopoulo Chicken”, and the fourth course “Kolonaki Psari Barramundi.”   This was a lot of fun.  We explored each dish, discussing what we found and tasted.  Just kicking back and soaking up the atmosphere of laughter and soft music as we watched the efficient army of staff moving around each table with military precision.  The restaurant gives full view of the kitchen and the huge plating up table where a handful of lucky patrons dine while the chefs put the finishing touches on their masterpieces.  Now that’s entertainment.

The fifth course was “Thessalonika Hirino Pork.”  A very rich dish of perfectly cooked pork loin accompanied with a medallion of black pudding highlighted by a wondrously flavoursome jus.  By now it was time for a break.  I ordered another Athens Lager and we sat back and worried about fitting in another three courses.  The portions are not massive but after five courses and an hour and a half of culinary pleasures, we were feeling quite full.

We were never hurried along and the staff must have watched us to see how we were going because our waitress didn’t reset the table until we were completely finished, and the next course didn’t arrive until were ready to eat.  This was first class service.  Thoroughly attentive and always meeting our needs.

As soon as we looked comfortable our sixth course arrived.  This was the last savoury course and the richest dish yet.  “Naoussa Papia Duck.”  The piece of duck breast is cooked “confit”, from the French “confit de canard” method of curing with salt and slowly poached in a warm bath of its own fat for up to ten hours.   This creates the most tender mouth-watering example of duck flesh you could ever taste. 

That was the last of the savoury dishes and we were eye poppingly satisfied, but we had two dessert courses yet to enjoy and no matter how full you are, there’s always room for sweets, am I right?  The first was “Corfu Refreshing” tangy sorbet with black current marange.  This was exactly what we needed to cleanse the pallet and get us ready for the main dessert.

Our eighth and last course for the evening was the jewel in the crown.  “Rethimno Risogalo Rice.”  Two ceramic pots covered with gold foil caps came to the table on a platter that was inscribed “Happy Anniversary” in chocolate just for us.  Inside the pots was a medley of custards and crèmes, popped crispy black rice and crumbly biscuit.  The many textures and creaminess was seductive and euphoric.  Totally unforgettable.  We had just consumed eight works of art.  The Press Club Symposium was indeed a journey, a round trip that took us to the pinnacle of richness and flavour and delivered us into a state of sweet satisfying ecstasy. 

The cost of such luxury was $135 each for the Symposium plus drinks and a well-deserved tip.  We experienced exceptional food and service that lasted for two and a half hours and we considered the whole adventure very good value.  We can now cross off our bucket list eating at George Colombaris’ restaurant but have every intention of going back to experience more of his genius.  Have a good think about taking someone you love to The Press Club for a special occasion.  It will be a memory that will last you forever.
Karl  

Kelly’s Take  “The Press Club”

It was such a great opportunity to go to the Press Club for our anniversary.  We don’t usually splash out that big so it was lots of fun.  And yes, I admit it, I DID want to meet George Colombaris and act like a gushing fan telling him how much I love him on Masterchef! But it wasn’t to be.  I guess I should have expected it the night before Masterchef 2012 started on TV.  I am sure if he had realised the clash he would have changed something to be there to meet me. 

However, the wonderful staff looked after us so well.  Our every whim was catered for even before we knew what we wanted.  We also received a happy anniversary card from George and all the staff.  And the food!!! What can I say?
We had the 8 course Degustation thinking they would be very small tapas like tastes but around about course number five I started to get scared! I am a good eater and as far as I can remember I have never been frightened while eating but there is a first time for everything.

To say the food was delicious is an understatement.  My tastebuds were loving it but I was so full and I still had three courses to go.  I knew I couldn’t quit, this could be my one and only chance to eat at the Press Club and we had to pay even if I didn’t eat it all.  So I soldiered on bravely.  I am glad I did because the desserts were to die for.   
Kelly

Fish Depot Toowoomba

We have only just got back from a whirl wind four day Food Trek to Melbourne and are maddly putting together the first reviews in our Melbourne series.  Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on the fun.  In the mean time here is another of our Darling Downs reviews, this time from Toowoomba. 

We all have our little guilty pleasures when it comes to food, and mine is not chocolate but crumbed calamari rings.  Yes this delicious treat comes in all shapes, sizes and quality depending on where you get it.  As a rule it’s nearly impossible to find really nice calamari at take away eateries because they are usually stringy and tough and soaking in oil but I live in hope and keep persisting.  That's the nature of a calamari addiction.

In late 2010 a lovely family opened a Fish Depot shop at the Red Edge Centre on James Street in Toowoomba.  Their business is to get these shops up and running, sell the shop and do it all again in another area.  They are very smart people because not only are they savy about business, but they are expert on the art of cooking seafood. 

The shop offers the usual fishy and chippy delights as well as a range of fresh seafood they bring up from Brisbane.  A friend had to convince me to try the calamari because I was very sceptical.  I’ve been disappointed many times but I went along with him and bought some.  The price is 6 pieces for $5.00 or 12 pieces for $9.50.  I tore open the paper to reveal six massive calamari rings, fried golden brown in clean oil, lightly sprinkled with sea salt and sitting on a pile of potato chips that were thrown in for free.   

The first thing you think of when you see huge Calamari like this is it’s going to be tough, but to my surprise it was tender and delicious.  My heart was racing with excitement (yeah I know, over some calamari but I’m weird).  The calamari was flash fried to perfection, every bite.  I was delirious with joy to have found such wonderfully cooked fresh seafood so far from the sea. 

After about six months the shop had built quite a good reputation and trade was booming. The place was packed every lunch time by workers from the surrounding industrial area and the hospital precinct.  The time was right for the owners to sell up and move on.  During the hand over to the new people everything was at its usual good quality but it began to slip a couple of months after the new people flew solo.

The first thing we noticed was the handful of free chips that accompanied every calamari order had disappeared.  Then the calamari began to be over cooked.  The tender delicious morsels were now chewy and tasteless.  The crumb coating was dark brown and even showed signs that the oil wasn’t being changed as regularly as it should be.  My heart was broken. 

I know the owners could argue the point, saying they did this and they did that but the proof is in the eating, and until my spies in the area report back to say the fry cook had finally learned how to do great seafood justice, I won’t be dropping in for my occasional treat.

It’s not all bad though.  The fish depot at the Red Edge still sell good quality fresh seafood and put out quite a good burger with the works for only $8.50.  Their sandwiches and freshly made salads are worth trying as well.  So, I continue to keep an eye out for good calamari and lament the loss of something special.  I still have my memories and that’s something, isn’t it?

We're off on another Food Trek

Keep an eye on our blog for some exciting reviews from our four day Food Trek to Melbourne.  It's a pretty full itinerary with four celebrity Chef restaurants, a Theatre restaurant and a Jazz Club restaurant and bar.  We're also going to squeeze in a few great breakfast venues, have a good look at the amazing deli's at Queen Victoria Markets and even a hand made chocolate maker.  We still have lots of reviews to write from our Granite Belt Food Trek when we get back as well as the Melbourne reviews, so there will be plenty of interesting reading over the next couple of months.  We hope your enjoying the reviews already posted and please let me encourage you to leave comments.  We really want to know what you think.  See you in four days.
Bon Appetit,
Karl & Kelly

Sutton's Farm Licenced Cafe, Thulimbah, Queensland.

Sutton’s Farm
10 Halloran Drive, Thulimbah, Qld 4376
07-4685 2462
www.suttonsfarm.com.au

Just recently I was asked why we go out to restaurants so often.  Doesn’t it cost a lot?  What do we get out of it?  I really had to have a good old think about these questions.  The best answer I can come up with is, it’s the sensory experiences. 

Life’s all about experiences and Food Trekking gives us the some extraordinary sensory pleasures of sight, sound, touch, smell and taste, and the joy of being swept away by the atmosphere of each venue.  To interact with the warm and creative people who welcome you into their world. And the giddy delight of tasting superb food prepared and cooked the way it was meant to be.  And importantly, to share our experiences with others who may be inspired to start their own food trek adventure.  

Our latest little adventure took place only an hour away from our home on the Darling Downs.  We thought it was strange that we haven’t really explored the Granite Belt wine region of Southern Queensland yet.  So we took off in the car and took our chances, asking the advice of locals along the way.  If you don’t know the area, its south east of the state from Warwick along the New England Highway to just past Stanthorpe and boasts some of the countries best wineries and restaurants. 

We found ourselves looking for a place we were told made the best apple pies ever.  That’s a big call but it was worth investigating.  A few miles north of Stanthorpe we found what we were looking for, an apple cider and juice factory that had a shed café back from the road.  The weather was cold and wet but when we ran from the car into the big shed we were surprised to find a busy restaurant café warmed by the large brick fire place in the middle of the room.  The atmosphere is cosy and welcoming.  We found ourselves a table and were immediately greeted by one of the staff who was more than happy to answer all of our questions. 

Suttons Farm is a juice factory, cidery, distillery and a licensed café.  It’s open from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm seven days a week.  Everything used in the food is either grown on the farm or grown locally.  The lunch menu has many excellent meat dishes and pies and is available until 2.30 pm each afternoon.  Deserts are the speciality dishes and you can enjoy the softest most moist sticky date pudding I have ever tasted.  Sutton’s farm is legendary for its apple pie amongst a myriad of other farm made products available to the public.  Many articles, reviews and even TV shows have raved about the café and the delicious mouth watering pastry encasing the freshest juicy apples ever combined into a pie.  The accompanying home made apple cider ice cream is unbelievable and the apple syrup drizzled over the whipped cream makes dreams come true. 

After you have had your fill of gorgeous food cooked by amazingly talented university linguistics lecturer turned Chef, Chris Weckert, you can indulge in the free juice and apple brandy tasting offered to all patrons.  David and Roslyn Sutton have produced over a dozen different varieties of apple juice and other apple products such as cider, syrup, brandy and conserves.  It’s all there for you to taste.

We really were blown away by the amount of wonderful farm products being produced and sold at Sutton’s Farm.  You must put this on your list of places to visit; you won’t regret it for a minute.  The food is absolutely delicious.  The atmosphere so welcoming you won’t want to leave.  I know we will be back again for more apple pie.  Next time I’m in for some goat pie or any number of gourmet delights Chris creates when the right produce comes into season.

I believe we have found the best apple pie in Australia.  To prove me wrong, you’ll just have to make the trip and taste it for yourself.  You can even pick your own amazing apples to take home.  So start planning your weekend at the Granite Belt wine country and visit Sutton’s Farm for something special.  You won’t be disappointed.
Karl

Kelly’s Take on Sutton’s Farm

I have driven past it hundreds of times and never knew it was there until my boss ate there and told us how wonderful it was.  We were headed to Stanthorpe and decided to check it out.  Great decision!  From the outside, it is an apple farm and a packing shed, but when you walk through the door you know you have found something special.  I loved the fireplace in the middle of the room and the bottle collection and antique furniture and the free tastings of apple brandy and anything else that you fancy.
Homemade apple pies made with apples from the farm are their speciality.  With light flaky crust I have not tasted since I ate pies that my grandmother used to make.  These pies have between 25 and 32 apples in each one and are totally delicious.
They are served with apple ice-cream and a drizzle of homemade apple syrup, the perfect thing for a cold rainy day.  Can’t wait to go back!
Kelly