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Oysters in Season
What to drink with oysters? Champagne with oysters is a classic combination. Darren Pearson from The Cellar Byron Bay says the Seppelt Salinger Henty Vintage Cuvee is perfect for a casual summer treat (on special $19.99 at the bottleshop at 4 Lawson St, Byron). Other good choices to complement oysters are whites such as chardonnay and reisling, and Lucy Ashley from Shuck says sake, vodka and beers such as our local Stone & Wood Green Coast lager also make a good combination.
Simon Haslam
My wife’s family is from New Zealand, so seafood is always on our Christmas menu, and we are lucky in Byron Bay to have a perfect coastal environment in which to eat the most succulent of Australia’s oysters, such as our native Sydney Rock Oysters. You can taste the premium oysters of a least four regions at a pop-up oyster shop called Shuck located in the Byron Holiday Park, 37 Broken Head Rd opposite Byron Golf Club. Each oyster has its own unique taste and ‘merroir’ (marine terroir) depending on where, and how, it is grown. Lucy Ashley from Shuck says that our locally grown ‘creamy’, Brunswick River Sydney Rock Oysters are at their peak right now, and are providing an epiphany for the locals who are tasting them alongside the ‘cool water classic’ Pacifics from Pittwater in Tassie, the ‘seaspray-cucumbery’ Coffin Bay Pacifics and the ‘sweet and petite’ Wallis Lake Sydney Rocks. ‘Noel Baggaley’s Brunswick Seed Oysters are our most popular oysters at the
One argument that will never be won is whether oysters are best from the shell or in a flavour combination. Lucy suggested dipping oysters in polenta, lightly frying and then combining with a spicy mango salsa. For the details, drop in and see her at Shuck; she’s always happy to make a suggestion or show you their recipe book.
moment,’ says Lucy. ‘A lot of locals haven’t realised until now just how good they are.’ The shop also stocks rare oysters such as the native Angasi, and a range of other Christmas treats such as Mooloolaba large cooked tiger prawns, Huon whisky-cured cold smoked salmon, fresh Myocum finger limes and more. Oysters are perfect to grab and take down to the beach for sunset with a beer, champagne or wine (see right), but it would be best to order to ensure availability for Christmas. For details see Shuck’s Facebook page.
New opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-4pm, 5.30pm-late Sat+Sun 10am-3pm, 5.30pm-late
WE'RE BACK! Open 7 days a wee k from 11 Dec! Open for delicious DINNER again! All meals for take-a way too!
„Is this the best bu
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20 Burringbar St Mullum Downtown Reservations /Orders (02) 6684 2306 *closed from 25.12.15 - 1.1.16
Oyster delivery For the truly chilled (or lazy!), Byron Bay Oyster Co sources oysters from all over Australia and delivers them to your door. Sam Paquette says the company is launching in February at the Party in the Paddock in Launceston, but in the meantime they are giving people around Byron a taste of the chance to ‘get the world’s best, beautifully fresh, pristine oysters on your doorstep’. Ring up and order, or order online (see flyer in this week’s paper). Sam says oysters can be stored for a while, up to a week, in your fridge.
Special Christmas market in Mullumbimby Christmas will come early at the Mullumbimby Farmers Market this year, with a feast of live music, lush local food, and family fun planned for Wednesday 23 December. For the first time ever, the market has changed from its Friday slot (which this year clashes with Christmas Day), and there is a huge lineup of entertainment, including live music by Tora and free kids’ activities including Spaghetti Circus workshops all morning, Christmas arts and crafts and a visit from the Big Man in Red himself. Market manager Allie Godfrey said the special Christmas market was the perfect opportunity to stock up on all your Christmas goodies,
and enjoy a fun morning out with the kids. ‘You’ll find everything you need for a local, sustainable and delicious Christmas, including woodsmoked, nitrate-free hams, ethically raised pork and beef, locally farmed oysters, spray-free vegetables and fruits, and Christmas nibbles, as well as last-minute gifts. Why not put together a hamper for your foodie friends with some of our fantastic local produce?’ Q
Mullumbimby Farmers Christmas Market is on Wednesday 23 December. New Years Market is on Wednesday 30 December.
BANGALOW
BALLINA
Ballina RSL Club Spinnakers New Years Eve
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244 River St, Ballina. 6686 2544 www.ballinarsl.com.au Open 7 Days from 8am Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Snacks
Tapas, wine and Live Music Thursday 31 December
Bangalow Dining Rooms
Enjoy our balcony restaurant, intimate dining room and generous bistro food in the pub. With reasonable prices our menu reflects the wonderful local and fresh produce of the region. SMH GOOD PUB Large groups welcome. FOOD GUIDE We also offer off-site catering. 2013 AND 2014 www.bangalowdining.com
Bangalow Hotel Open 7 days Lunch: 12 – 3pm Dinner 5.30 – 9pm All day bistro menu
6687 1144
34 December 16, 2015 The Byron Shire Echo
Doors & Entertainment 7pm Tapas 7.30pm Tickets $59.90 Group of 10 Exactly $57.90pp Entertainment by the Dan Clarke Band Fireworks on the river at midnight
Success Thai Mon-Fri 12-3pm Dinner 7 days from 5pm. 3/109 Jonson St, Byron Bay 6680 7798
Lemongrass Dinner Mon-Sun Lunch on weekdays Closed Tuesdays Shop 3/17 Lawson Arcade Phone orders welcome 6680 8443
SPECIAL $10 LUNCH AND DINNER MENU All your favourites every lunch and dinner Experienced Thai chefs cooking fresh delicious Thai food for you. Fully Licensed and B.Y.O. for wine. Welcome for lunch, dinner and take-away. www.facebook.com/pages/Success-ThaiFood/237359826303469
BYRON BAY
Good Taste Eating Out Guide The only exclusively Vietnamese restaurant in town, this intimate space spilling out into a courtyard offers up fabulous dishes packed full of herbs, spices and varied textures. The traditionally light and healthy style of cuisine ensures the freshness and natural tastes of food are preserved as much as possible. It’s a popular spot so bookings are recommended.
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