country cool

'You can't cash cool'...
On a trip back to my parents country residence last long weekend. A quaint little town that sits cosily amongst rolling green hills and the Glenelg River, casually swirls gently and almost unnoticed through the main street - Casterton is it's name. A destination spot that is easily missed but once visited never forgotten. Casterton is approximately 4 hours south west of Melbourne and 5 hours south east of Adelaide. A long and arduous drive that can be broken up if you know where to go.

First stop from Adelaide, moving south east, is an old town with lots of character called Naracoorte. Population approximately 5K, which in this district is called a small city. But what this little South Australian town lacks in size makes up for in style and sophistication. The recent addition of Mr. Jason Van Leuven l'Artisan Bakery Patisserie has got the towns tongues wagging about chocolates and all things 'ohh la la' - French! Mr. Van Leuven is a pastry chef and along with his Parisian wife are educating this sleepy little town all about decadent French pastries, tarts and home made breads. I was lucky enough to sample some of his home made treats, whilst staying at my sisters farm in Naracoorte. Flakey & buttery pastries filled with chocolate are nestled amongst fine French tarts, and for something savoury, a baguette on the go was a fine order. The staff were friendly and eager for us to taste the freshly imported French chevre and the remainder of the cheese selection. yummmm. A definite i to dot is this remote location.

The delicious home made food mixed gently with the country air made me feel in a state of melancholy. Longing more and more for time home with family and to a slower paced lifestyle that my Sydney home did not satisfy.

Driving south east from Naracoorte to Casterton through the lush Coonawarra region past Rymill's, Wynns, Hollicks and the many more stylish new Boutique vineyards that have sprung up like Spring. We arrive into the town I once loved for its relaxed and 'oh so free' upbringing and disliked because as a 16 year old adolescent, wanted nothing more than to be 'anywhere but here'! The city lights soon beckoned and coaxed me out of my safe cocoon to venture off into study and a new life.

Casterton is most notable for being the Birthplace of the Kelpie dog, a title the local folk are extremely proud and honoured to bear. The long weekend in June, marks this towns biggest celebration and joined by local schools, communities and businesses all working together to create the biggest Kelpie weekend in Australia! The festivities include Kelpie high jump, a hill climb and of course the highly anticipated Kelpie auction. With the most expensive pure bred and fully trained Kelpie sold for a whopping 9K to one lucky farmer.

If glamour is your thing, then don't despair the town also puts on an annual Kelpie ball in the local Town Hall, with the who's who of local and far far far away land coming to dance the night away.

The town has recently welcomed the opening of a new country living style cafe. Penny is a local chef and wife to a local farmer, and 'Say Grace Cafe & Larder' is her new and exciting venture. In a small town (population 1,800) that has seen the opening and closing of many cafes, Say Grace is definitely here to stay. Local produce adorns the glass cabinet from Meredith dairy cheese to local western district produce. The counter top is alive with eye popping sweet meringues dipped in chocolate, freshly baked fruit scrolls are my Achilles heal and sit teasingly still steaming hot from the oven. The slices and tarts are always a favourite afternoon treat and would give any Nana a run for her money in the 'best baked treat' at the local show.

Say Grace is open for breakfast, lunch and on special occasions dinner. This is a true 'cafe' diamond in the rough and the warmth and simplicity to Penny's cafe food is one to write home about. Quality coffee and deliciously simple good fare have my old country town singing its praise. These little regional pop up cafes have proven that you can indeed teach an old country dog new tricks!

love amie x