Had a relaxing break with my colleagues to Byron Bay last week – even though the weather was just plain awful (until the moment we left, of course) as it was raining the whole time. However, rain or no rain, we didn’t let that damper our much deserved R&R time. The country was just beautiful, and the air especially fresh after each period of rain. We stayed at East On Byron, they are fully equipped (laundry, kitchen), 2 bedroom beach front apartments with private outdoor BBQ’s.

Highlights included:

* A Yogalates class in Bangalow (yes, where the sweet pork comes from!) in a beautiful open space facing the forest… you can probably tell that was my idea. I figured my entire company should really stretch out our tired muscles.

* Snorkelling with sea turtles – we bought one of those disposable underwater cameras. Apparently in order to see those pictures, I have to get this thing called F-I-L-M developed. And it’s supposed to cost money. Whaaaat the! This was arranged through Byron Bay Dive Centre. [edit] Photos developed!!

* Jumping into the ocean at 7am when you open your eyes in the morning, the water was especially warm even though the waves were very strong. In hindsight that was probably a little dangerous, to be alone in the ocean while the storm was coming in, but it was so beautiful and inviting I could not help myself.

Tempura of eggplant and feta cannelloni with lemon zest polenta, capsicum coulis and basil

 

Sugar cured ocean trout with beetroot remoulade, caper crumbed oyster and fennel slaw

 

Mushroom and herb gnocchi with pecorino, peas and a sage beurre noisette

 

Aged beef fillet with Jerusalem artichoke fritts, caf?de Paris butter and leek and beef cheek ravioli

 

Assiette of pork ?crispy Bangalow pork belly with honey glazed pork cheek, hoisin marinated rib, spiced pumpkin and apple sauce

(this one was SO SO SO good)

 

Finger lime and yoghurt tartlet with pinenut crust, Midori and finger lime sorbet

 

Macadamia nougat glace with blood orange and brandy snap

 

Chocolate fondant with Sichuan and quince ice cream and a Barbadillo Pedro Ximenez syrup

I will definitely visit again… hopefully the weather would be better next time!

Celebrity sighting of the week:

leather seats… leather man

Tags: basil, byron bay, Est., ice cream, mushroom, ocean trout

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