Sweet Lolli!

I was in Orange this Easter long weekend and decided to book way in advance to secure a dinner table at  Lolli Redini, regarded by the locals as an institution.  What makes Simonn and Leah's restaurant so special is that they have managed to create a feast for the senses.  Their food has been described as sexy and sensous!

I passed by the restaurant in the afternoon and even at 2pm, there were quite a few people eating outside and enjoying the sunshine.  The Hawke's General Store which is also part of their business stocks interesting and a variety of brandnames from clothing to homewares.

This restaurant is a collborative family project and was set up in 2001.  It has grown from strength to strength, using local and organic produce and has won the SMH's One Chef's Hat Rating 8 times now... being awarded is one thing but maintaining their chef's hat is an achievement in itself.


The restaurant was already nearly full when we arrived at about 7pm.  The service was prompt and we were seated towards the front of the restaurant.  The decor is filled with red hues with colourful cushions stacked against one side of the wall.  Paintings adorn the walls too.

It was really hard to decide what to eat as everything on the menu together with their daily specials sounded so good!

Mum and I finally decided on the 2 courses but we will share an entree and a dessert each.  For entree, we shared a seafood bisque, brought out in 2 divided servings.  The bisque was really smooth and the prawns and the scallops were cooked just perfect.

For mains, I had the caramelised sweet belubula pork belly, seared sea scallop, kumera puree and green apple and mint salad.  What a fusion of taste... the sweet pork belly, cooked slowly until the meat is tender blended with the slightly tangy green apple and mint salad ... ahh.. it was divine!  One could not fault the food, the taste was exquisite and each mouthful really combined well.

Mum had the snapper fillet with asparagus and a truffled potato mash .. I thought I could check the menu when I came home but the menu was slightly different.  The snapper was cooked well and although mum said she couldn't finish it, she polished the whole dish up.

For dessert, I opted for the almond frangipane tart served warm with quince and caramelised fig with a fig leaf ice cream... (although, it might not be fig leaf...as I can't remember which type of ice cream).  Anyway, wow, the tart itself, with a delicious crispy crust and the almond and frangipane filling was... wow!  I've never tasted a tart quite like this... not heavy but it just melds in the mouth... not too sweet either balanced by the quince, figs and the ice cream... I wished I could have seconds!  I was very tempted to go back the next day to get a takeaway tart!!  Must say one of the best tarts I've had...!  More, please!

I can now see why this restaurant is calling out for me to pay another visit...  bear in mind, their public holiday surcharge is 15% ...