Lovedale Long Lunch with Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley

On the weekend of 18-19 May, the Hunter Valley in NSW is set to be abuzz as the Lovedale Long Lunch festival celebrates its 20^th anniversary in 2013. The food and wine event is a progressive lunch held around seven Lovedale wineries over the third weekend in May each year.

For the sixth consecutive year, Redsalt Restaurant of Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley has partnered with Sandalyn Wilderness Estate to bring a range of dishes matched with their Verdelho and Shiraz.

L-R: Lindsay Whaling and Gavin Robertson at Redsalt

Executive head chef, Gavin Robertson and Lindsay Whaling of Sandalyn Wilderness Estate presented a preview of the upcoming menu at Redsalt Restaurant which includes a choice of two main courses, dessert and cheese paired with wine. The menu was chosen to be reflective of Redsalt’s style of food, which uses premium and quality ingredients cooked on the grill.

Atlantic salmon with Thai noodle salad

The seared Atlantic salmon with Thai noodle salad and chilli lime reduction has a summery influence, which can be felt in the Hunter Valley during the month of May. The salmon is dried and salted then perfectly cooked on the grill until the skin crisps before it is turned over and cooked on its side. The dish is a delight and sings the flavours of the fish complemented with a balance of sweet and Asian flavours in the accompanying noodles and sauce.

White Pyrenées lamb cutlets

Meat lovers will enjoy the char-grilled white Pyrenées lamb cutlets with ratatouille and Boulangère potatoes with caramelised balsamic onions. The meat is tender and succulent and invites you to use your hands and nibble on the last morsels.

Cheesecake with berry compote

White and dark chocolate cheesecake with berry compote hits the right sweet spot with a lovely crunchy base,

Cheese Platter

while the Hunter Valley Brie and smoked cheddar cheese selection with fruit chutney and warm lavosh represent the freshness and produce of the region.

Sandalyn Estate Shiraz

The dishes can be enjoyed on the day with the fresh and fruity Sandalyn Wilderness Estate Verdelho or the spicy and medium-bodied Sandalyn Estate Shiraz.

Lovedale Long Lunch Visitor Information:

Saturday Entry Package ($85) includes 2 meal tickets, 1 dessert/cheese ticket, 1 polycarbonate tasting glass, 10 tasting tokens and re-admission on Sunday

Sunday Entry Package One ($65) includes 1 meal ticket, 1 dessert/cheese ticket, 1 polycarbonate tasting glass and 5 tasting tokens.

Sunday Entry Package Two ($85) includes 2 meal tickets, 1 dessert/cheese ticket, 1 polycarbonate tasting glass and 10 tasting tokens.

Over the weekend of 18-19 May, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley is offering accommodation in a deluxe hotel room from AU$315 per night, a two bedroom villa from AU$479 per night or a three bedroom villa from AU$585 per night for stays of two nights or more.

More information and conditions are available from the websites below.

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley: www.crowneplazahuntervalley.com.au
Lovedale Long Lunch: www.lovedalelonglunch.com.au

In the Hunter Valley series (coming soon):
Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley Review
Vista Lounge: Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley
Redsalt Restaurant: Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley
Goldfish Hunter Valley

Gourmantic stayed at the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley as media guests.