This dining experience is udderly un-baa-lievable!
This dining experience is udderly un-baa-lievable!
If there’s an eats venue that resonates with just about everyone these days, it’s one defined by local paddock to plate goodness and a commitment to sustainability. And we mean a genuine devotee to the green ethos, where actions speak louder than words. If you’re like us and go gaga for this sort of thing, you can’t beet the recently revamped Farm & Co at Cudgen, launching a first-class dining experience like no other from Friday 2nd September.
Just a stone’s throw from the untouched Kingscliff beaches, IYKYK – this place is already natural-treasure-status-worthy #HowzTheSerenity. But a star-studded group of seasoned eats and hospitality gurus are set to further ‘grow’ the reach of this organic working farm’s magic, with a truly un-baa-leivable dining and service experience.
So what are they doing they ask, and just who are “they” anyway?
Let’s start with the former, as the new contemporary menu will showcase incredible fresh farm produce, seasonal ingredients and palette-pleasing sustainable wines. Plus, the venue will also be launching Farm & Co Weddings, set to become a premium destination for nuptials in the Tweed region and if you’re already hitched, it’s time to renew those vows!
Food aside, the sweeping views of the surrounding paddocks, macadamia orchards and sunflower fields are as pretty as a picture and will make your wedding snaps pop. The icing on the (wedding) cake is that the entire venue is solar powered, with sizable water tanks for irrigation and bathrooms. We weren’t fibbing when we said these guys were dedicated to reducing their footprint, even including composting facilities for all food and paper waste, as well as a comprehensive recycling program.
Now let’s talk who’s who in the zoo (or the, uh, farm) and foodies, get your autograph books at the ready. Spearheaded by Mark Wilson of acclaimed hospitality group PLB Group (Osteria, Lolita’s Mexican Cantina, Ancora Weddings, The Acre Boomerang Farm and now-sold eateries Taverna and Spice Den), joining forces with hospitality heavyweight Rachel Duffy (former General Manager at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, and founder of esteemed Cabarita newcomer No 35. Kitchen and Bar)….need we really say more?
No, but this is us and of course we will, especially when wine specialist Tim Coleman (ex-manager of Sydney’s 3 chefs-hat recipient Rockpool restaurant), and hospitality chameleon Amy Brown (ex- chef at Rick Shores and events manager) are managing the venue and Farm & Co Weddings #NameDroppingDone.
Teaming up with PLB Group Executive Chef Armando Enriquez Icaza (okay one more…), you certainly won’t have any beef with what’s on the high-end menu.
Choccas with vibrant dishes sourced from the restaurant’s own backyard (quite literally) and other local organic producers, it’s truly legend-dairy. Diners and wedding guests will be blown away by the farmtastic flavours, paired expertly with sustainable wines, innovative cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages.
Changing seasonally in accordance with what is thriving on the farm, lettuce give you a taste of spring’s offering.
For starters, savour the likes of Byron Bay Stracciatella with confit heirloom tomatoes and crispy XO oil.
Next, mooo-ve into a delectable main of Woodfire Lamb Shoulder with sweet potato, horseradish, burnt onion and jus. Because you can, order a side of Charred Broccoli Steak with sunflower hummus and avocado ash and trust us, greens never tasted so good.
Last but not least, wrap your laughing gear around dessert; the decadent Orange and Almond Cake with white chocolate, milk crumb and buck’s kumquats and yeah, we reckon this rounds out a ‘stable’ diet.
So peeps, you ‘herd’ it here first. The much loved and newly shooshed Farm & Co will be even more of a standout in its field.
Where: 529 Cudgen Road, Cudgen
When: Opening Friday 2nd September 2022. Lunch service Friday – Sunday. Closed Monday
Words by Bianca Trathen.
There are very few things we love more than passionate creatives carving out a niche for themselves in the local community. Throw in the desire to share that passion with the rest of us and we’re practically jumping up and down with excitement.
Which is exactly what happened when we ventured down to Kingscliff to check out the new café slash creative space that is Stone Studio aka our new favourite place.
It’s the work of dynamic husband and wife duo Jennifer and Brad who are as into taking time out for creativity and the local community as two people could be. And we know you’re all about that too.
So let’s discuss. Stone Studio can be found on Marine Parade in Kingy, taking up a corner space and overlooking the ocean for some extra chill vibes. Inside, it’s a casual affair with polished concrete floors, a pink tiled coffee bench and stacks of shelves that are home to yet-to-be-fired pottery pieces and delightful homewares goodies (by local makers of course) that you can take home with you.
Think brands like Mayde Tea, Posie candles and Jennifer’s own brand Yucca Stone Ceramics – which you’ve no doubt already heard of.
Now, besides all of those things, there are six pottery wheels and a big old bench for hand building classes. Because yes, all classes and workshops happen right there in the space and it’s a concept we really wish we thought of honestly.
There are many classes throughout the week including during the day, in the evenings and on the weekend, so no matter what you’re up to at any given time, you can get involved. It also doesn’t matter if you’ve never thrown pottery before (a technical term involving using the pottery wheel, not actually hurling pretty things around), or if you’re an old hand, there are classes for all levels. The same goes for the hand building classes.
Jennifer takes the wheel classes and hers is a passion for making that is unrivalled. She fell in love with the art of throwing while living in San Diego for the primary reasons that it is both a grounding practice and one that places you squarely in the given moment, with no room to think about a single other thing than what you’re doing right then and there.
Sounds heavenly doesn’t it.
The pair are big fans of sharing their love of community as we mentioned and beyond that, allowing people to spend time in a space where creative or not, we can all make something with our hands that we can take home and be proud of. So good.
Of course, while you’re doing all the making, you may sip on coffee by local roaster Therefore, who we’re told is as passionate about coffee as any person can be and that absolutely comes through in the taste of the brews.
To eat, there are baked goodies and soon there’ll be gourmet sandwiches among other savoury surprises and stay tuned for booze too.
Right now classes are BYO, so you may take your fave wine with you and let that creativity flow. Also, there are longer courses if you’re keen to really learn the art of pottery throwing.
If you’re keen to switch off, get to know some legendary locals and make something sweet, you can do it all down Kingscliff way at Stone Studio. They’re also planning a local makers market called North County on November 29th too so make sure you don’t miss that.
Okay we’re out. Go there now.
LOCATION: 1/110 Marine Parade, Kingscliff
HOURS: TBC
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
