There's an air of mystery, a few hidden secrets and a cosy fireplace corner where you might sip a glass of port or two at Gypsy's Table Restaurant in Montville's Main Street.
This is the restaurant owner Leesa always wanted to open even from when she was a small child. She didn't know it at the time, but eventually discovered she does have some gypsy heritage as well.
Leesa's restaurant menu makes use of prime local produce and her hens are busy out the back producing vibrant yellow yolked eggs for many of the dishes.
Just inside the door is a barrow full of freshly picked pumpkins, chokos and more. Don't let the commercial egg cartons fool you. These recycled cartons are full of eggs from Leesa's girls as well.
The gypsy plate is good way to sample several of the restaurant's dishes including the signature gypsy bread. With its distinctive swirl of white and rye bread, it's a good foil for the home-made pates and dips on the plate.
While the menu is gypsy-themed, it also, like a gypsy, picks up favourites along the way. You can choose from Stagni goat with a wild onion seed and molasses gravy slow cooked in an iron pot over hot coal, a sweet soy and pickled ginger marinated Sado chicken stolen from Japan or a Welsh venison dish with creamy mushrooms.
Inside the restaurant there's a quiet corner that would make it hard to resist a night cap.
In summer the open air verandah is a perfect alternative.
Ed+bK rating: 3.5/5 stars. This restaurant has distinct personality stemming from its engaging owner.
Bottom line: Entrees from $10 to $20, mains from $30 to $36.
Best tip: Check the blackboard at the front for the light lunch menu (under $20)
Disclaimer: Ed+bK paid for her meal.