Sydney Eat Street: 10 things to eat in Robertson
THERE are hidden treasures and understated gems tucked away in what is known to Southern Highlands locals as the Robertson Cluster.
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THERE are some hidden treasures and understated gems tucked away in what is known to locals as the Robertson Cluster.
Take a tour of the area’s best eateries right here with The Sunday Telegraph’s Eat Street.
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Wombat Hollow
IT started out as a weekend getaway but in the 20 years since former state Liberal MP Michael Yabsley and his wife Susie acquired Wombat Hollow, they’ve turned it into a mecca of culture and innovation. Groupings of everything from crocheted tea cosies to vintage wooden shoe forms, or “collection of collections” as Michael puts it, are an ideal backdrop for a variety of creative endeavours. Here he has his own industrial workshop, holds art exhibits and musical events as well as hosting the Wombat Hollow Forums which feature renowned speakers such as Alan Jones and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. These large luncheons are catered by celebrity chef Geoff Jansz, who brings his farm-to-plate philosophy to the on-site kitchen, preparing banquets that regularly include produce and other products from his own market garden. — 300 Kirkland Rd, East Kangaloon
Yelverton Truffles
“NATURE’S culinary masterpiece” is how Ted Smith of Yelverton Truffles describes these black and white fungi that have inspired chefs for centuries. The French Black Perigord truffle that Ted and his wife Barbara grow on their farm is renowned for the earthy, often nutty smell and flavour that starts off strong but then becomes subtle with gentle cooking. It’s available in late autumn and early winter so when chefs do get a hold of some, it’s bound to get top billing — be it finely sliced on to meat, grated over pasta or blended with butter. You need only a small amount. — www.yelvertontruffles.com.au
Crop swap
A VINTAGE pale blue flatbed truck sits in a parking lot loaded with a variety of fruits, vegetable, plants and preserves. There are no prices listed because everything here is meant to be swapped. “Put in what you have and take out what you need,” says Pi Wei Lim, founder of the Robertson Crop Swap. What started as a Facebook page for passionate gardeners to show off and share their surplus produce is now a Saturday staple where people come to share, not only what they’ve grown and made, but also seeds, recipes, tips and generally just have a chat. “It’s a way to connect to the community,” says Pi Wei. “It’s church for gardeners.” — Parking lot at 74 Hoddle St, Robertson
Rockabella’s Roadside Diner
WHEN Ellie Di Bella looked to open a café in her newly adopted town of Robertson she wanted to provide something fun that both locals and weekend visitors could enjoy.
Noting the area had steady flow of motorcycles coming through she came up on the idea of a Texas-style 50s diner — rockabilly rebel meets kid-friendly kitsch.
She applied the same concept to the menu, using a lot of Tex Mex foods, such as soft tacos with frijoles, traditional Mexican white beans as well as family favourites including the simple but stellar scrambled eggs on toast.
For some real cheek, there is a special order of the Double Breasted Cowgirl — two fried eggs served sunny side up on baked beans and toast. — 1/74 Hoddle Lane, Robertson
Robertson Hotel
IN the gardens of this lovingly restored 1920s country club are an array of tables set with delicate plates filled with pastries and finger sandwiches. Tea is being poured as people chat, just as they did nearly a century ago on this gorgeous location that was built as a Sydney getaway. While The Robertson Hotel has had many reincarnations the new owners, Con Kotis and Lisa Grant, have made every attempt to bring it back to its former glory – scones and cream included. — 1 Fountaindale Rd, Robertson
WHEN IN ROBERTSON, YOU MUST TRY ...
1. Beef bourguignon meat pie
It was a traditional meat pie with its generous fillings and flaky pastry shell that put this place on the map back in the 1950s, and while that one is still a fave, they’ve added 23 more varieties to the list, including beef bourguignon, made with bacon, mushrooms, chunks of beef and red wine. — The Famous Robertson Pie Shop; 4400 Illawarra Highway, Robertson
2. Daily special
Using from their own farm, and that of their neighbours, you can be sure that only the freshest ingredient make it onto the specials board. Come truffle season, keep an eye open for this little gem to be included in dishes such as the fettuccine alfredo with mushrooms and shallots. — Moonacres Harvest Kitchen; Shop 6/7, 79-81 Hoddle Street; Robertson
3. Sweet treats
Take time out for a morning cuppa and any one of the sweet and savoury selections that beckon from the glass case. Might as well grab some berry tarts for road since you’ll surely need something for afternoon tea. — Petite Fleur Patisserie; Illawarra Highway, Robertson
4 Lamb cutlets
This recently renovated pub has been a part of the Robertson community for more than 130 years, so it’s only fitting that they feature local products on their menu such as lamb cutlets from nearby Maugers Meats Butcher Shop. — Robertson Inn; 89 Hoddle Street, Robertson
5 Gelato
Splurge on house-made gelato made from milk from the nearby dairy. Salted caramel is a popular choice, as is rum raisin, or you could try something a bit fruitier such as the strawberry jam. — The Robertson Cheese Factory; 107 Illawarra Highway, Robertson
‘Beyond a fire sale’: Criniti’s stores sold for staggering price
Despite its whopping $19 million debt, the remaining Criniti’s stores, including Parramatta and Darling Harbour, have sold for a staggeringly low price in what one broker has described as ‘beyond a fire sale’.
‘I like big buns’: Wacky burgers with a difference
Parramatta’s very own Eat Street is as exciting and diverse as the city itself. Take BL Burgers for example, which brought its premium burgers — including the Blame Canada, Blame Indian and Mac Daddy burgers — to western Sydney.