No2 Oak Street

twigseeds

No2 Oak Street 6th May 2008

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My first trip to the charming, eclectic Bellingen, situated in North Coast NSW, was made incredibly special by an evening spent at the restaurant No2 Oak Street. Having won many awards including Sydney Morning Herald Chef’s Hat: 2007, 2006 & 2005 I was expecting great food but was also prepared for the politeness and formality (which I find a bit tedious) that sometimes goes with restaurants that take food seriously.

Friends who are local to the area had booked and we were greeted by the most entertaining and fabulous host Toni, who won maitre’d NSW 2007. Within 5 minutes it felt like I had known Toni all my life.

The restaurant is the creation of Toni and her partner Ray, the chef. Toni ushered our party of 6 from the cold evening into the cosy dining room filled with a mixture of locals and visitors enjoying the robust open fire. The room was beautiful and stylish but also, to my relief, casual and relaxed. Conversations around the room were animated and there was a friendly community feel, similar to the whole town.

The food was heavenly, I had the baked polenta cake w/ woodside goats curd, sautéed mushrooms, followed by oak street twice baked gruyere soufflé w/ wilted baby spinach & gratinated and with my head dizzy from the effects of so much deliciousness, laughter and just a little red wine I ordered the soft centered chocolate pudding w/ Belgium chocolate ice cream & creme' anglaise.

I floated back to our cottage further down the laneway and dreamt delicious food dreams. Now just plotting my return.