On our last
night in the Hunter Valley we wanted to indulge in some of the five star
quality food that the region is known for. Not only famous for it’s wine, the
Hunter Valley also boasts local, fresh produce and to top it off picturesque
scenery.
We had
heard about Restaurant Botanica by a friend who lives in the area, so called up
to make a booking and enquired about the gluten free options. We were told that
there were lots of gluten free meals to choose from on the menu and that it
wouldn’t be a problem, but that they would include it in our reservation
anyway. Tick! I was excited about our upcoming dinner already!
Restaurant
Botanica is the on-site restaurant of the Award-Winning Spicers Vineyard
Estate. We arrived at the restaurant for dinner before the sun had set, so got
to take in the gorgeous scenery. Restaurant Botanica is nestled in a gorgeous
cottage like room complete with a glass wall of windows overlooking the vineyards.
We were shown to our table, and luckily got to sit by the window to take in the
views.
After we
were seated, the lovely waiter asked us if we had been to Restaurat Botanica
before. As this was our first time he explained to us about the freshness of
the produce and the use of the vegetable and herb garden located on-site.
Produce is picked daily and provides inspiration for the seasonal changing
menu. Our waiter then asked who at the table was gluten free? Bonus points! He
explained to me that most of the menu could be created gluten free minus the
gnocchi.
The menu is
set up into either a 2 course experience ($63 per person) or a 3 course
experience ($75 per person). We chose to go with the 3 course option as I just
can’t go past dessert and I wasn’t in the mood for sharing hehe
We were
served some delicious gluten free bread with olive oil as we waited for our
meal to be brought out. I was feeling extremely excited about our meal and
happy with my choice of food (lets just say it was a hard decision with all the
yummy gluten free options!)
As we sipped on our wine, talking about how great
our weekend had already been, the waiter brought us out an amuse-bouche of
creamy asparagus soup to start off the meal. Traditionally an amuse-bouche is a
complimentary small starter to the meal to show case the chefs skills and show
a glimpse into the chef's approach to the art of cuisine. I was assured that it
was gluten free and it was absolutely delicious and light. A great start to
what we had in store for the rest of the night. Even my partner who doesn’t
usually like asparagus enjoyed it.
For
entrée I ordered the gluten free Crispy Skinned Ocean Trout served with lime,
pickled green paw paw, pork belly, spice roasted peanuts, coriander, and mint.
The trout was fresh and juicy, and the flavours were absolutely delicious and
bursting in my mouth!
As I
looked over to my partners’ plate of Seared Scallops, with celeriac cream,
garden peas and shaved fennel, I felt like I needed to try this also. So I
asked the waiter if this dish was also gluten free? And as a matter of fact the
chef had created both the dishes gluten free in-case I too wanted to try some.
How lovely and considerate of him! The scallops were also fresh and delicious.
For main
I ordered the gluten free White River Veal served with Botanica's pancetta (yes
they farm their own pigs located on the property…you can’t get much fresher
than that), orange and fennel, and pistachio gremolata. This dish was also
bursting with flavour and all the elements worked so well together. The veal
was cooked to perfection, the orange and fennel salad light and refreshing, and
the pistachio gremolata was just out of this world! Yum! Yum! Yum!
My
partner ordered the house Pork Belly served with quince paste, goats curd, and
garden greens. This was also delicious. All the elements worked lovely and the
crackling was top-notch crunchy…exactly what you want from a good quality pork
crackling!
To top off
a sensational meal we ordered the gluten free Vacherin Splice. We both ordered
the same so neither of us would have dessert envy ;) The best way to describe
this dessert heaven is layered meringue, lemon sorbet, ice-cream and pineapple
sorbet. Thin layers of meringue in-between each layer just gave it enough
sweetness in-between the tartness of the sorbet. Yummy!!!
And just
when we thought we had eaten enough for the night, we were served two
complimentary gluten free Chocolate Truffles from the chef!
I would
highly recommend Restaurant Botanica for anybody visiting the Hunter Valley.
The food was sensational and the service was professional and superb. The most
important thing to me was the chefs’ knowledge of gluten free food and making
sure that I was catered for every step of the meal. And I love that the produce
was freshly picked from the garden! All in all a wonderful night to end our
Hunter Valley weekend.
Restaurant
Botanica at Spicers Vineyards Estate
555
Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin NSW
1300 192 868
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