Last week was hard going. My daughters were hard work. My husband was away. My house was to be cleaned for a rental inspection. That invasion of personal space and judgement from some inexperienced young kid in a suit who once, not appreciating how hard it is to keep a clean and tidy house with young children, made comment on the crumbs in my cleaned mid-week and used once oven. Not that I bear grudges. I also had birthday presents to buy for Ella who is turning five on Tuesday and meals to cook for the girls and hubby’s auntie and uncle coming to babysit. We were going away! A kid-free weekend. Our first trip without the girls together. It was going to be epic. I was ready to relax, rejuvenate, power up. If only I could get over the thought of leaving my two darling girls.
I did. Quite quickly. Sorry girls. Mummy still loves you.
A ridiculously early start saw us reaching Melbourne airport on time for the first flight to Tassie. We were eating breakfast at Salamanca market by 8am. There were three other couples coming too so we split up to shop and, after reconvening at Daci and Daci for a coffee and thaw, we returned to the the Touraco armed with sourdough, chilli jam, truffle butter, local creamed honey, jam, cakes and of course, apples. A quick stop to top up our market supplies saw us on our way to paradise. Bruny Island.
The winery.
All credit is due to the lovely laid-back waiter at the winery for allowing us to order meals at 3.59pm for a 4pm kitchen close. Bloody mainlanders. We were so glad he did. I ordered slow-cooked lamb with jus, salsa verde and a cauliflower and polenta slice. The lamb was melt in the mouth. The salsa was delicious and brought the right amount of freshness to a tasty winter warmer. The polenta and cauli do-dah was a great filler-upper and there was enough jus to bring it all together. Did I mention that teeny bit of crispy, fat on top? Swoon. This, and a glass of beautiful Pinot noir, took me to my happy place. Oh boy, did it ever!
The Cheese
In a beautiful woodland setting, surrounded by the freshest of fresh air, we found ourselves salivating over some of the loveliest cow’s milk cheeses I’ve tasted. I admit to not being an aficionado and it is also true that everything tastes better kid-free, but it was simply sensational. Tom and Otto were delicious as was the One Day Old, but it was the Saint which brought me to my knees. Divine, saintly if you will. We couldn’t drive off without taking some home for later. Probably overkill, but hey, knowing when enough’s enough has never been my strong point.
The Oysters
There is an oyster farm on Bruny. I am told it has particularly wonderful oysters. I watched as my group devoured dozens. Raw, cooked, au natural, with Asian-style dressings and in a shot with tomato juice and, I think, vodka-would that be right? Sadly, at the ripe old age of 32, and with all my best foodie intentions, I am yet to conquer this delicacy. I will in due course. Let me know if you would like updates on my progress. Not for the faint-hearted.
The Whisky
We spent a lovely afternoon sampling some of the Bruny Island distillery whiskies. I do like a wee dram, so thought I might partake. We listened intently to the dude explaining the intricacies of his craft, as enthusiastic as I might be about, um, chocolate orange perhaps. He lost me when recounting the countries competing for best in the world. Scotland, of course, and Japan, but no Irish whiskey has made the cut in recent years he informed us, giving me a knowing look. Eye roll, face palm and all that. Anyway, I’d recommend a taster, or a flush as I learned it was called, but I wouldn’t feel compelled to purchase. We did and were considerably out of pocket. And tipsy. Whoops.
The chocolate
Just don’t. Brittle, soapy, dismal. The only let down of the weekend. You’re quite honestly leaps and bounds ahead opting for Cadbury’s! But if anyone offers you Bruny Island fudge, don’t ask questions, say yes! Sweet, sweet fudgey goodness.
Everthing else
There is so much to see and do on Bruny Island without doing the foodie thing. The scenery is spectacular, the surf is epic, the mood is tranquil. Cares are blown away in the winds at Cloudy Bay as you stop to appreciate the fairy wrens darting about the bracken and marvel at the wee wallaby posing for photos at the lighthouse. If you don’t leave Bruny Island with a feeling of rejuvenation and calm, then perhaps you just need to stay a day or two longer. Use your extra time to tone your calf muscles at the neck where the view is well-worth the climb or get yourself to Adventure Bay and find yourself a white wallaby. Sadly, we were pre-occupied with stuffing our faces to spend any time looking, but the next time we head there, it will be top of my list. They look quite remarkable in pictures.
Indeed, Bruny Island is a truly remarkable destination. Such fabulously unspoilt, atmospheric and stunningly beautiful surrounds coupled with a handful of top notch eateries make for a wonderful weekend. You could, of course, take the kids. But I wouldn’t.
mrsmixalot 