108 COU NTRY ST Y LE JUNE 2017
After years spent working in Melbourne and Paris, chef Steve Rogers and his
wife Sarah moved to the Macedon Ranges in 2008 to start a family, then opened
Kyneton restaurant Midnight Starling three-and-a-half years ago. Steve believes
the region has lots to offer visitors, including beautiful countryside, outstanding
produce, and more than its fair share of highly regarded restaurants.MACEDON RANGES, VICTORIA
STEV E ROGERSCobaw Ridge] is making and selling
amazing wines under his own label.
Are there any notable providores?
The charcuterie at Piper Street Food Co.
is a must and Powlett St. Ices produce
fantastic ice-cream and sorbet.
What local produce is worth seeking
out? The black truffles from Georgie
at Aussie Trufflat Aussie Truffle Dogs in Trenthame Dogs in Trentham and and
pasture-raised beef frompasture-raised beef from Sam Sam and and
MMiranda Wiranda White at Sidonia Beef. hite at Sidonia Beef.
Is there a good farmers’ market in
the area? The Kyneton Farmers’ Market
is held on the second Saturday of the is held on the second Saturday of the
mmonth at St Paul’s Park on Piper Street. onth at St Paul’s Park on Piper Street.
Keep an eye out for Anna Kelly fromKeep an eye out for Anna Kelly from
Plains Paddock LamPlains Paddock Lamb —b — she has great she has great
produce and is alwproduce and is always good for a laugh. ays good for a laugh.
Can you suggest some natural
attractions to explore? Nearby Turpins
Falls — when it’s flowing — and Bald
Hill Reserve are both worth a look. Hill Reserve are both worth a look.
In Kyneton itself, the CamIn Kyneton itself, the Campaspe paspe
River WRiver Walk is always good.alk is always good.Can you recommend some local
restaurants? Du Fermier in Trentham is
a favourite. Annie Smithers cooks rustic
French farmhouse food using produce
she grows in her kitchen garden.
Kazuki’s Restaurant in Daylesford
offers an exceptional dinning experience.
The food is inspired by owThe food is inspired by owner-chef ner-chef
Kazuki Tsuya’s Japanese heritage Kazuki Tsuya’s Japanese heritage
and the produce around himand the produce around him..
What’s the best place for children?
Pizza Verde in Kyneton is a good place
to take the kids for an early dinner.to take the kids for an early dinner.
Do you have a favourite café? The
TrenthamTrentham Collective — Collective — they have they have
great breakfast and lunch mgreat breakfast and lunch menus, enus,
and the service is always friendly.and the service is always friendly.
Best coffee? Monsieur Pierre in
Kyneton serves Allpress coffee.Kyneton serves Allpress coffee.
What’s your pick of the local wines?
Bindi Wines in Gisborne is a favourite
—— M Michael Dhillon produces wonderful ichael Dhillon produces wonderful
pinot noir and chardonnay. And Joshua pinot noir and chardonnay. And Joshua
Cooper [the son of the wCooper [the son of the wineminemaker at aker atCLOCKWISE, FROM RIGHT
A beautiful table setting at
Trentham’s Du Fermier,
where Annie Smithers
serves rustic French food;
chef Steve Rogers at
Midnight Starling in
Kyneton; the restaurant
serves classic bistro
fare, such as this roasted
spatchcock with petits
pois à la Français.