The other day, I had the pleasure of making the beautiful journey out to Goulburn to visit owners, Deb (front of house) and Steve (chef) at their great resturant - 98 Chairs. Although there is an abundance of excellent restaurants within Canberra itself, this resturant was well worth the travel - just like some of Canberran's other favourites like Poacher's Pantry and Grazing.
The day was crisp and the Autumnal colours on the drive were amazing. It felt like no time before I had arrived in Goulburn - which meant that it was easy for a lunch stop, but I would like to make the most of it and come back for a dinner and stay at one of the many hotel, motel or bed and breakfasts a stone's throw away.
The restaurant is located on the main drag in Goulburn so it was easy to find and I loved the atmosphere when I stepped inside. Built circa 1920 the building has been linked to delicious local produce for many years - originally a butchers shop, eventually becoming a Lebanese bakery and then a cafe.
Deb and Steve purchased the building in 2012 and set out to build a little 60 seater, serving free range and organic fare. 15 months later the little 60 seater is now licenced to seat 150.
"It just took on its own personality," says Deb. "We'd knock out a wall and it presented another design idea, we really wanted an open and light space, so eventually all walls came down and we added quite a bit."
I'd say 'quite a bit' whilst still retaining the charm of the building - which is important when you step into a little country restaurant. But you'll find no peanuts on the floor here nor frozen chicken snitzel with store bought mushroom sauce and kilo of deep fried chips here!
Deb and Steve are really serious about bringing fresh, seasonal, local produce to the public.
"Our philosophy is simple but not understated. We both like to enjoy seasonally fresh and nutritious food, we can't enjoy our free time on low energy food. Food should be easy to enjoy through all the senses."
Many patron's are suprised to see that this even extends to the drinks menu - you can't order a Coke-a-cola here. They stock an organic cola instead and this really impressed me. If you are going to believe in something, then really take it with both hands and run with it!
"We compost all our scraps, save our water for the gardens and collect eggs from our chickens - fed from the restaurant trimmings. Local gardens give an abundance of fresh and interesting product, we will either have the growers or street name on the dish containing the local community produce."
Whilst chatting to Deb and Steve, I seriously enjoyed a warp containing roast sweet potato, Swiss cheese, avocado, fresh herb mayo, sprouted greens ($10.50). It came with the cutest kipfler potato chips which were to die for - and it made me question where I could find this simplicity in Canberra?
It would be a great destination for a Mother's Group to stop for lunch and let older children play outside by the garden (secure and away from any roads). It would be a perfect destination for someone who worked from home, to come have a few coffees, order lunch and make the most of a change of scenery - and there is talk of free WiFi coming to the main drag of Goulburn. Or a couple who just wanted to get out of Canberra on the weekend and go for a drive.
So if this appeals to you - the resturant is open for lunch Wednesday to Saturday, 11-3.30ish (no need to book for small groups).
But the thing is I think that it is the dinner menu where this resturant really comes into it's own!
I'd start with the Wild rabbit, pork belly and duck breast terrine with crostini, guava paste & pickled cucumber ($18), followed by the Veal Cheeks, celeriac puree, peas & bacon ($27) and finish with full cheese plate ($22) - containing: the Saint Agur blue, Tarago river triple cream, Gippsland shadows of blue and Ashgrove cloth matured cheddar, served with lavosh bread, honey, chutney & pecan nuts. You could go with the 1⁄2 cheese plate (2 choices) ($12) - but I think if you're going to do it, go all out!
They are open for dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 6pm. If this appeals to you then why not make a reservation today on 02 4821 9800.
"We close 3 days per week to tend to our farm, do paperwork, prep and maintenance and spend quality time with our families and friends. We believe in sustainable values regarding food and environment and more importantly in our teams social life. A well balanced life style will see 98 in good hands for many years."
And now, for the best part! 98 Chairs are offering up GoodFoodWeek reader's the chance to win a bottle of wine with their lunch or dinner purchase.
All readers would have to do is tell me in 25 words or less what their favourite thing about Goulburn is. The competition is open for the month of June, with a winner to be selected on the 1st of July and to be notified by email. And the prize would need to be used in July, August or September.
So, what's your favourite thing about Goulburn??
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