POP-UP FOOD REVIEW

by A. Tablehopper

Flaxton Gardens - 313-327 Flaxton Drive, 4560

I am an ‘average joe’ who enjoys good food, not a food critic by profession, so excuse my lack of fancy terminology! I have not been paid to promote anyone – I am simply sharing my opinion on the hinterland eateries I visit, for their service/ambience and presentation/flavour. 

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Flaxton Gardens. One of those venues, popular for weddings, that looks so elegant and grand, you wonder if the pricing will be exorbitant. I can happily report that ‘no’ is the answer when considering the excellent quality of the dishes.

I went with two friends, and luckily we chose a day where the sun was shining! Parking was easy, right next to the venue, and the entrance made us feel like we were stepping into a grand hotel.

There is a verandah with the shade of a large marquee, and a terrace and manicured garden which looks out to the sweeping coastline. There is also seating inside, for those who prefer not to be in the elements. We sat outside as we were acclimatised to the weather, thanks to our morning walk to the beautiful Kondalilla Falls. 

We were welcomed by smiling, friendly staff and our order came about 10-15 minutes after we placed it.

The presentation was excellent (as the photos show) and we all ordered different meals so we could compare.

I had the Organic Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad, with baby gem lettuce, bacon, egg, spinach and the ‘Flaxton Garden’ Caesar dressing. Everything tasted super fresh, with the flavours complementing each other, and my egg (cooked to perfection, not too hard or soft), and was cunningly disguised in breadcrumbs, which I’ve never seen before.

My friends had the Wagyu Burger, with Maple bacon, cheese and chips - “tender and rich meat, with a smoky flavour”, and the Tamarind Beef Salad, with green papaya, lychee and pickled ginger – “a creamy, subtle flavour, and very tender beef, with a tangy, sweet hint reminding me of Thai food”.

So there you have it – three decent portions, three happy eaters, in a beautiful setting with friendly staff. We will be back!