‘Where I Eat’ is a series of stories profiling where Orange’s best chefs like to dine out in the city. This is number nine …
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In the final part of this series one of the most well-known chefs to feature has chosen one of the most commonly cited restaurants as his favourite.
When chef Michael Manners heads out to eat with wife Josephine Jagger-Manners the two take a short stroll down the road from their house to Charred Kitchen and Bar.
Almost once a week the duo responsible for Orange's first hatted restaurant, Selkirks Restaurant, have a casual lunch at Charred's B-Side Cafe or a drink and snack from the bar.
Around once a month when they head there for dinner, Mr Manners said their favourite dishes include the salmon, as well as the lamb and beef dishes cooked in the oven the restaurant's name comes from.
Mr Manners said they like that they can walk their Jack Russell up and sit out the front, they like the wine list and they like that chef Liam O'Brien "just does really good food."
"It's original. It's tasty. It's well balanced and it's beautifully presented," he said.
It's original. It's tasty. It's well balanced and it's beautifully presented.
- Michael Manners on Charred
Mr Manners said there's good beers on tap and the wine list gives him a chance to try new things, so he lets his mood and Sommelier David Collins guide his alcohol selection.
Having hung up his apron for the last time at the now closed Selkirks 11 years ago, Mr Manners said he's enjoying his catering gigs with Ross Hill Wines and The Convent differently to when he and Mrs Jagger-Manners, who "did everything except the cooking", ran a Good Food Guide Best Regional Restaurant.
"When I cook now I'm fresh, invigorated and happy to do it," he said.
Pointing to Charred, Lolli Redini Restaurant, Racine Restaurant, and Tonic, Mr Manners said the high end dining options in Orange contribute to its tourism appeal.
"They're all quiet different which is fabulous. If you want to be a food and wine destination it's very important," he said.
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