An authentic paddock to plate restaurant with an ethos of local and sustainable eating has just opened in The Tweed, a stone’s throw from beautiful Kingscliff Beach in Northern NSW.
Taking up residence at Farm & Co – an organic working farm and shopfront stocking organic produce and flowers in the heart of Cudgen, the recently revamped restaurant offers a shared table menu showcasing fresh produce, seasonal ingredients and sustainable wines.
Acclaimed restaurateur Mark Wilson of PLB Group (Lolita’s Mexican Cantina, Osteria Weddings, Ancora Weddings, The Acre Boomerang Farm and previously Taverna and Spice Den) has partnered with hospitality heavyweight Rachel Duffy (former General Manager of icebergs Dining Room and Bar and founder of esteemed Cabarita newcomer No 35. Kitchen & Bar) to bring this new iteration of Farm & Co to life.
The duo are joined by wine specialist Tim Coleman (who previously managed Rockpool Sydney) and experienced hospitality all-rounder Amy Brown (former chef and events manager at Rick Shores) who will be managing the venue. Amy has been developing Farm & Co’s menu together with PLB Group Executive Chef Armando Enriquez Icaza offering a dining experience powered by fresh seasonal produce coming direct from the organic farm and other local and organic producers.
We were recently treated to a preview and diners can expect an array of dishes designed to share, which will change seasonally to highlight the produce in abundance on the farm. We feasted on the likes of Byron Bay Stracciatella with confit heirloom tomatoes and crispy XO oil, housemade ham hock terrine, wood fired lamb shoulder with spectacular smokey potatoes, charred broccolini with sunflower hummus and more farm to table favourites. The menu is paired with an impressive beverage list including sustainable wines, innovative cocktails and a great selection of non-alcoholic options.
We dined alfresco, overlooking sweeping views of the surrounding paddocks of fertile red earth, macadamia orchards and sunflower fields. After such a feast we were eyeing off the hammock strung between trees in the paddock beckoning us for an afternoon siesta.
The restaurant team are working closely with Farm & Co owners Michele and Ian Kettle to build on their success as well continue sustainable practices. “We are right smack-bang on an organic farm to source produce from, while being surrounded by a region filled with amazing growers and artisans. The whole project is really exciting, and we look forward to bringing something new to the region to complement the now thriving food and beverage scene on the Tweed.” Mark said.
Farm & Co Restaurant offers impeccable service, a generous farm to plate shared menu and sweeping farm views providing a relaxed but indulgent day out. Opening to the public on 2 September 2022, the restaurant will be open Friday – Sunday for lunch. Reservations recommended.
The Farm & Co team are onto a sure-fire hit and this new restaurant is set to become yet another dining destination in The Tweed. Make it a gourmet getaway and book a stay in The Tweed here.
The writer was a guest of Farm & Co Restaurant.Images: supplied, Sally Scott
