The Darley’s Restaurant reign at the pinnacle of the Blue Mountains fine dining scene has been further validated with a top 100 ranking by a prestigious international culinary guide. The Echo Point venue is listed 89th in respected dining standards authority Gault&Millau’s Australian guide, released at its annual G&M Awards at the Aerial Function Centre, Sydney, on February 11, 2019. Originating in France more than 60 years ago, Gault&Millau Australia is the only international restaurant guide in Australia. Awarding Darley’s Restaurant 15.5 out of 20 and three chef’s hats, its review reads: “Darley’s is probably the most unique retro restaurant west of Sydney. “The stand-alone house has been painstakingly renovated into the formal mansion that it was many years ago, with ornate fireplaces, colourful leadlight windows and crystal chandeliers. “The service, atmosphere and food make Darley’s the perfect place for a special celebration.” The restaurant is located in the historic home of former NSW Chief Justice Sir Frederick Darley on the Escarpment Group-owned 5-star Lilianfels Resort & Spa property between the Miss Lilian Teahouse and the luxury hotel. The review praises executive chef Roy McVeigh’s unique, local produce-inspired dishes such as the scallop silk “made into a smooth, light sheet that retains the gorgeous ocean flavours”. “Rabbit roulade is another special dish with plenty of taste and character, the bacon cover underpinning the umami taste of the rabbit perfectly. A tender duck breast served with a well-reduced and vibrant jus is a real culinary highlight, and worth the trip to the Blue Mountains. “PSST! The extensive wine list pays homage to the Western Sydney wine area. The selection includes some of the greats along with some unique drops.” McVeigh congratulated the entire Darley’s team for the glowing review: “What diners experience at Darley’s is the result of efforts from our whole team, from the chefs preparing unique dishes using the freshest seasonal local produce to exceptional wait staff who give diners the attention and service they deserve.
“It is satisfying to have our efforts and talents recognised by such prestigious industry peers.” Darley’s is a multi-award winning hatted restaurant inducted in the Australian Hotels Association Hall of Fame for Best Regional Restaurant in 2010 and more recently won the Tourism Accommodation Association NSW Awards for Excellence Regional Restaurant of the Year for 2013 and 2016. Then executive chef Lee Kwiez was named TAA (NSW) Chef of the Year in 2015. McVeigh’s autumn menu will be served from March 1. Diners may choose a five or seven-course degustation with dishes like zucchini, burrata Italian cheese with duck prosciutto, hazelnut and espelette oil; rabbit and quail tortellini, pumpkin, roasted pepitas and jus gras; and blackberry sorbet with nectarine, pistachio, custard and lemon balm. Darley’s Restaurant, Lilianfels Resort & Spa, Lilianfels Ave, Katoomba, is open from 6pm to 10.30pm Tuesday to Saturday and from 6pm to 10pm Sundays (long weekends only). Bookings essential: (02) 4780 1200 or [email protected]. |
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April 2019
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