Veggie Bites

Date: 24 April 2010

This is a cafe at Lerida Estate Winery near Lake George. We stopped on impulse as we are often unable to stop at places like this when en route to/from Sydney, thanks to the dogs! However this time we were sans dogs and thought it would be nice to stop and eat and take a break from driving. Cafe Lerida has a beautiful view, however it was raining, so we were unable to sit outside and enjoy it. Inside the cafe, which is also the wine tasting area, has a warm buzzing atmosphere – and the food was really good as well! They have a smallish menu, however there were a few veggie options which were very clearly marked. Martin opted for the soup of the day – zucchini and chestnut, while I had the mushroom and leek quiche. The soup sounded like a slightly strange combination, and I think we were both a little wary of how it would taste – but it was divine! So divine, that one day soon I am going to find a recipe and make it! The mushroom and leek quiche was delicious and came with salad – but given the cold and dreary weather, I wanted to add the creamy mashed potato and tomato chilli jam that was listed on one of the other menu items – this was no problem. We also both ordered the recommended accompanying glass of wine from their range. For the soup this was a rose and the quiche it was a pinot gris. Both wines were lovely and matched the meals perfectly. Although the deserts looked delicious, we decided to taste some wine instead. And bought a few bottles, of course! If you are in the area, I would definitely recommend taking the time to stop!

Date: 28 March 2010

We have eaten at Francisco’s a few times and it is really good food. It is kind of a funny place – sitting out in the middle of an arcade, but the food is really good! They have a pretty good selection of veggie dishes and I have yet to eat something here that I haven’t liked. Both times recently I have had the same thing off the specials menu because it is just so good (but I can’t remember the name of it! It is kind of a Quesadilla type thing…). We have also had the red salsa and layered Mexican dip for entree’s – yum! In the past we’ve had the burritos, enchilada and tostadas – all delicious… Just writing about it makes my mouth water – definitely time to head back for more delicious food!