destination – Central West

ORANGE AND BATHURST
tempt the tastebuds

It was the promise of `a lemon tart to remember’ that led me to Bathurst’s Legall Patisserie Café.

Owner Philippe Legall promised me a taste sensation like nothing I had experienced before. A sensation that was infamous throughout central New South Wales.

It was a big call but fortunately one that exceeded expectations, best described as a citric liaison to remember!

>> Destination Central West, Weekends For Two

It was one of many epicurean delights I experienced that weekend. Lunch at the Union Bank Bar and Wine Store in Orange was an equally memorable experience.

It’s easy to see why both towns have become a wine and food lover’s pilgrimage. Historically established market gardens have for many years provided fine food for the people of Sydney and beyond. Given this exceptional food, together with great wine, it’s only natural that a sophisticated food scene would develop.

Fortunately there are many opportunities to experience this great food and wine, both on an impromptu visit or during specially organised celebrations.

In Orange, for example there are such delights as Wine Week scheduled between October 16 and 25. Events include gourmet cheese tasting, off road winery tours and local wine tastings.

Slow Summer, scheduled from February 5 to 14, promotes the wonderful art of slow cooking. One of the most popular events occurs in Food Week, scheduled in April 2010. This festival provides local producers the chance to showcase their many delights.

At the same time both regions offer more than just epicurean delights. Orange is known as Australia’s Colour City as a result of its four distinct seasons.  These colours are showcased through the city’s magical parks and gardens which include Cook and Robertson Parks and the Botanic Gardens. Historical buildings and streetscapes, theatres and cosmopolitan cafes and restaurants such as Legall’s are other fantastic attractions. Naturally given all it offers visitors there are plenty of accommodation options on offer.

Bathurst is one of Australia’s oldest inland settlements, surrounded by historic gold rush towns and many fine buildings reflecting its original status. There’s also a fine Regional Art Gallery, famous for its Lloyd Rees collection which includes his famous painting, May Morning No. 2, 1981. And of course there’s the Mount Panorama Circuit, home to one of Australia’s best known motor races.

There is little doubt that I will return to the region with friends. The memory of my Bathurst taste sensation still lingers. Who knows, after tasting the heady wines of region, I may be inspired to seek out another citric liaison!

Larry Jamieson