The
Good Life
Hummingbird Bistro Byron Bay At Hummingbird Bistro, the essence of European cuisine comes to life in a charming and intimate setting. Nestled in Bay Lane (Byron’s ‘Eat Street’), the bistro is a culinary haven that transports diners to the heart of Paris and the soul of Italy. Owners Wizz and Ash take pride in their dedication to delivering an authentic and unforgettable dining experience. Honing her skills at the prestigious, two-hatted Rosetta in Melbourne, Ash’s culinary artistry is inspired by the rich and diverse flavours of French and Italian cuisine. Their menu is a curated celebration of classic dishes and innovative creations. From the rustic simplicity of an Italian pasta to the refined elegance of French culinary decadence, every dish is crafted with passion and precision. Step through the doors of Hummingbird, and you’ll find yourself immersed in an ambiance that mirrors the romantic streets of Paris and the quaint charm of Italian villages. The carefully designed interior creates an inviting and intimate atmosphere, making it the perfect setting for a romantic dinner, a gathering of friends, or a special celebration. The commitment to excellence extends beyond the plate; the Hummingbird team is dedicated to providing impeccable service, ensuring that every visit is a memorable culinary journey. ‘We believe that dining is not just about food; it’s about creating moments and memories that linger long after the last bite,’ say Wizz and Ash. ‘Indulge in our carefully curated wine selection and let our knowledgeable staff guide you through the perfect pairing for your meal. Whether you’re a seasoned food enthusiast or a casual diner, our diverse menu and warm hospitality cater to all palates.’ ‘We like to feel that Hummingbird European Bistro is more than a restaurant; it’s a destination where passion for European cuisine meets the art of hospitality. Join us as we invite you to savour the flavours, embrace the ambiance, and experience the
Wandana Brewing Co.
Q 2/9 Bay Lane, Byron Bay. Open normal trading hours over Christmas. Closed Christmas Day. For bookings, please text 0408 358 309. Web: Hummingbirdbistrobyron.com.au Fb: Hummingbird Bakery Bistro IG: hummingbirdbyron
Wandana is a small local brewery situated on the outskirts of the eclectic township of Mullumbimby. Its family-friendly tap room and beer garden is a perfect place to kick back with friends whilst gazing out over the paddocks at the iconic Mt Chincogan. Wandana recently upgraded its beer garden with a huge camouflage net and misters, to make the hot summer days more enjoyable. Another new addition to the beer garden is its permanent food truck ‘Sunset Eats’ – offering gourmet burgers, nachos and more from lunchtime onwards, made with locally sourced ingredients. Lovingly crafted small batch beers are all made on-site and in full view of visitors – if you’re in luck you might get to taste an upcoming brew directly from the tank. The brewery has many pilot brews on tap, which are new, interesting beers that cannot be found anywhere else. So, there’s always something new to try. The kids’ room is filled with toys, so families are taken care of, and it’s dog-friendly too. You don’t have to just love beer to show up – there are cocktails, wines, cider, glutenfree beer and non-alcoholic drinks on offer too. Wandana has more and more, a complete offering, yet keeping its relaxed vibe. The Wandana Tap Room is open on Wednesday from 1.30pm, on Thursday to Sunday from 12.30pm. Extra trading days over the Christmas holiday period.
(dip) is excellent’, he tells me, ‘stirred through some pasta. It’s very easy.’ He says to heat it up with the pasta and, as all their dips are dairy-free, adding ‘a good sharp
cheese too, if that’s to your taste.’ Their best-selling Basil Pesto – of which they’re currently making vast quantities of given it’s the season for basil – is equally wonderful stirred through pasta, and, Rob tells me, ‘it’s especially good with gnocchi, or plonked on your favourite pizza, in drops.’ Furthermore, it can double as a dip – apparently many customers use it that way, as part of a platter. Rob’s other ideas include sprinkling their Chermoula Spice Blend over pumpkin and sweet potato with lots of olive oil, and baking on very high, for a roast vegetable salad. ‘Throw some rocket over,’ adds Rob, ‘some roasted cubed beetroot, and maybe some feta and you’ve got an easy
Caramelised peaches, zucchini & ajoblanco – another delicate dish from the Hummingbird Bistro snack menu. John Dory Fish Bites, tarragon mayo, roasted capsicum and olives.
magic of dining in the heart of Europe, right here in Byron Bay.’
Spice Palace Victoria Cosford I really cannot imagine having any of Spice Palace’s beautiful dips and pestos left over – until I remember how the Christmas period is traditionally one of excess, and definitely leftovers of everything. So I asked Rob Cullinan, one half of the Spice Palace couple – Duska Jefed being the other half – if he had suggestions for avoiding waste as far as their products go. I asked the right man: Rob, background in food magazine editing, had loads. ‘The Roasted Pumpkin and Toasted Macadamia
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Q Takeaway beers and growler fills are available seven days a week. 20 Manns Road, Mullumbimby www.wandanabrewingco.com.au @wandanabrewingco @wandanabrewco
make-ahead-of-time salad.’ Yum! Or, as balm to all the ‘heavy, sugar-rich foods being served up at this time of year’, he suggests steaming a massive bunch of greens, adding olive oil, freshly squeezed lime and finishing off with a generous sprinkling of Dukkah. As for those lovely glass jars that house the dips, ‘We love the feedback we get from customers who fill them with treats for their beautiful homemade Christmas gifts,’ he says. Q Spice Palace are at New Brighton Farmers Markets every Tuesday from 8 to 11am and at Mullumbimby Farmers Markets every Friday from 7 to 11 am.
'ĕĈĕŔćĕſ ǩǮǽ ǩǧǩǪ The Byron Shire Echo 19