Cork Street, Gundaroo, Capital Country, New South Wales, Australia.
+61 2 6236 8777.
Thomas and Crystal Moore, former owners of Sage in Canberra, have taken to their new surrounds in rural Gundaroo like ducks to water. Executive chef Tom and his wife, who keeps a close eye on the whole operation, are gradually putting their own stamp on this hugely successful restaurant in the historic Royal Hotel (more commonly known as the Gundaroo Pub). Tom’s creativity and feel for flavours is evident in dishes such as organic chicken and pig’s cheek terrine with fried green tomatoes and pickled golden plums; and polenta-crusted calamari on a green pawpaw, coconut and mango salad with sticky chilli and lime dressing. Yet the pair haven’t sacrificed Grazing’s original formula of drawing on fresh, local produce – much of it from the restaurant’s own garden. Tom, who grew up on a herb farm, does much of the gardening himself, nurturing an array of produce, including many heirloom varieties, then devising ways to incorporate them into his superb menu. Each dish comes with a recommendation from the extensive list of Canberra District wines on offer. Sophisticated country dining at its best.
Open: lunch Fri-Sun/public holidays, dinner Thu-Sat. Licensed. Mains $24-$27.
WebsiteSource:
Qantas The Australian Way May 2008
Updated: August 2008