It was time to brush the cobwebs off the motor bike over Easter and head out of Brisbane into the beautiful Scenic Rim.
We started down the highway towards Beenleigh in beautiful autumn sunshine and stopped for a coffee at The Outpost Cafe at Canungra. This is a well known bikies hangout but don't expect too much in the way of chains and dreadlocks - it's more favoured by the middle aged bikie enjoying the freedom of the road second time round.
The road less travelled is always our favoured route for this type of outing and we back tracked through Rathdowney before reaching our destination for the day, Kooroomba Lavender Farm about 65 minutes from Brisbane in the Scenic Rim at Mt Alford near Boonah.
Autumn is not the premium time for viewing either the vineyard or the lavender but the view across the valley to the mountains was still outstanding. The building has a New Zealand lodge feel to it with plenty of stone walls both inside and outside, complimented by timber and exposed concrete floors. Chic and minimal, the decor lets the view star.
There's a cellar door, restaurant and lavender shop all overlooking the six hectare vineyard and lavender farm.
The menu is upmarket so don't expect cheap and cheerful here. Instead set out to enjoy yourself with the well crafted menu and try some of the Kooroomba wines as well.
Our choices on the day were
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| hand crafted breads with extra virgin olive oil, za-atar spice blend and chutney |
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| breast of lamb, crisp parmesan gnocchi, leeks and a ragout of broad bean, mushrooms and lardons. |
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| Home made toulouse sausage, olive oil braised provencal vegetables and pan fried polenta |
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| Main sized serve of the sauteed forest mushroom risotto with truffled goats creme, pine nuts and baby spinach |
I chose breast of lamb with crisp parmesan gnocchi, leeks and a ragout of broad beans, mushrooms and lardons. It was excellent and I particularly enjoyed the crisp gnocchi.
We sampled a glass of Kooroomba wine with our mains choices and I enjoyed the lightly oaked chardonnay. I'd like to see some wine match suggestions on the menu and also some hints as to the origin of the fabulous produce - wouldn't it be great if it was local!
A quick visit to the lavender gift shop saw us leave with a few purchases and full stomachs. Unfortunately looming rain clouds made us leave before a stroll through the lavender and vineyard which looked extremely inviting.
Bottom line: A great day out, scenic location and good food.
Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm
168 F.M. Bells Road Mt Alford via Boonah 5463 0022
Kerry Heaney