Liquid delights

I'm not sure if I can claim this as a purchase because technically I didn't pay the bill (thank you Father of Boyfriend), but this experience was just too gosh darn good not to write about.

I had the extreme pleasure of enjoying lunch at Berowra Waters Inn and I cannot heap enough praise on this beautiful little hidden treasure. Tucked away in bushland along the Hawkesbury River, it's only accessible by boat or seaplane (jump on a charter at Rose Bay dahhling). The restaurant has their own private ferry, so take the scenic drive through the bush and park at the wharf. Make sure you clear your schedule because this is a long lunch, and don't bother trying to ring anyone while you're there because there is zero mobile reception down in the valley. You will be so relaxed though that it shouldn't matter.

Chef Dietmar Sawyere has composed a DIY mini-degustation menu, giving you the option of four, five or six courses and presenting you with a sumptuous menu of Modern Australian, including a lot of seafood, which makes you wish you could just sample it all. The courses are beautifully spaced out so you can enjoy the scenery and take time to savour each dish, and the kitchen sends out beautiful treats in-between courses that help to punctuate an already superb culinary offering (do I sound like a wanky food reviewer yet?). For an additional charge, you can also have wine matched to each course that you select, so I would recommend nominating someone else to drive.

As for the location...WOW. You're sitting just above the river, down in a valley of amazing greenery. The only sounds are birds and cicadas and the occasional propeller of a sea plane slowly whizzing along. The entire outlook of the restaurant is glass, and the interior is clean and polished, white and light timber, so as not to distract from the view.

All in all this is a special occasion destination. Momentous birthday, wedding anniversary, proposing to your girlfriend. Perhaps a wedding reception if you have money to burn. Be sure to ask if you can have a look at the wine cellar. They keep a selection of 300 different labels, about a dozen of each in stock. It's a collection to make any aficionado drool.

Price: 4 course menu starts at $125, 5 and 6 also an option. More to match wines.
Where: Berowra Waters Inn, on the Hawkesbury River nestled in Berowra Waters valley.
When: Thursday, Friday, Saturday dinner and Friday, Saturday, Sunday lunch.
Why you need to go there: To experience some amazing cuisine in a heavenly location. I promise you will spend your afternoon omitting heavenly sighs.