Who do you call when you want some Pepperoni?
The second offering was eagerly devoured at Quattro on the main street of Lennox Head. Efficient and friendly service (despite our presumptuous request to dine at 9.30pm on a public holiday) was overshadowed by six delicious varieties; the standouts being a spicy Gambari (prawn) concoction, a Gorgonzola number and a perfectly balanced Funghi (mushroom). The food was ably complemented by a stellar wine list and the restaurant's sleek interior.
Perth's worth
Unfortunately we didn’t have quite enough time during this whirlwind visit to make it down as far as the Little Creatures brewery in Fremantle, but valuable local knowledge (and Urban Spoon) led us to a number of other hotspots. Cantina 663 in Beaufort Street, Mt. Lawley, served up some delicious Spanish beans on toast for breakfast, coupled with seriously top-notch coffee, whilst Uncle Billy’s in Roe St, Northbridge yielded an amazing array of traditional Cantonese-style dishes including salt and pepper squid and chilli pepper-stuffed beancurd.
Those with a penchant for more gamey meats might like to try Good Fortune Duck House, also located in somewhat seedy Northbridge (William St). The real culinary surprise was a quick meal at Dome, which is chain of cafes perhaps best described as the love-child of Starbucks and TGI Fridays. Succulent burgers, fresh vegetarian wraps and an extensive selection of beverages were all winners, as were the comfy booths. Perfect for weary travelling musicians.
Adelaide revisited
The coffee was quite good, although an earlier soy flat white, procured at Phat Coffee in Hindley St was far more impressive.Queen St Cafe is blessed with helpful but not overbearing staff, a quiet, cosy atmosphere and is also nestled among some excellent vintage stores. A nice place to spend a morning.
In retrospect...
So... this blog never really got under way while I was gallivanting around Australia with Circus Oz, but recently my current housemate reminded me of the value of creating a guide for travelling artists that features the best food, wine, beer and coffee on regional (and not so regional) touring routes in Australia.
My very own band will be touring in a week and I look forward to bringing you frequent culinary updates from the road, but until then...here are some highlights from the past year for your enjoyment.
Adelaide:
image (c) Lisa Dempster from this excellent blog
Port Macquarie:
Korumburra:
Interesting fact: 'Korumburra' is apparently from an aboriginal dialect and translates as 'blow-fly'.
Robe:
The Robe Providore at 4 Victoria St, Robe, is one of those, offering good coffee and food reminiscent of a weekend brunch in a hip Inner Melbourne suburb, as well as a broad selection of cheeses and other deli goodies to take home, or with you on your travels East.
Pashli!
Ever searched for a snack in Shepparton? Cruised for a coffee in Coonabarabran? Potentially procured prosciutto in Portland? (Ok sorry, that one was particularly bad). Anyway, this blog aims to compile a list of Australia's best musician-friendly food and beverage haunts. Everyone has their saviours, their little piece of Fitzroy in the middle of nowhere, or even just a place to get an edible counter meal.
Let me know your secrets!