Some Orange venues are taking the takeaway option during lockdown that extra step by offering a fine-dining experience that can be enjoyed at home.
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After the Agrestic Grocer was forced to cancel its 'Meet the Producer' degustation night which was planned for Saturday, August 21, owner Beau Baddock decided to make the full course - including wine - available via drive-thru pick-up.
Within an hour of the grocer advertising its Cassoulet Au Charcuterie Maison course for two on Facebook, the remaining 20 orders had sold out.
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It's prompted Mr Baddock to consider making the full-course degustation available every weekend.
"The idea was to try and offer something that was a little bit different to all of those [normal takeaway food options].... because, especially with the home-schooling and all that sort of stuff, a lot of people just want to order something in and have it ready and done and not have to worry about cooking or preparing and just put their feet up and enjoy good food," Mr Baddock said.
The full-course meal isn't the only gourmet food the Agrestic Grocer has been offering for takeaway, with the shop recently setting up its own online store with gift hampers.
Borrodell Estate is another fine-dining venue that's been getting on the take-away bandwagon during lockdown.
While the vineyard was able to host its annual sold-out Black Tie and Gumboot Truffle Hunt and Dinner before COVID-19 restrictions came into effect in late June, it has prevented its truffle lunches from going ahead.
And according to Borrodell Estate, they had an "ample harvest" of truffles this year. As a result, the vineyard is selling its truffles by the gram or in a luxe wine and truffle pack.
According Borrodell, their black Perigord truffles come "from the oldest truffle oak trees on the mainland" and are usually sold to Sydney restaurants after being unearthed by Teneka Priestly and her truffle-hunting dogs.
Borrodell's "wine and truffle manager" Luisa Machielse added that the 2021 harvest had produced premium truffles after possibly "the best season we've had".
"We've never had such strong, intoxicating, sweet aromas before. They're quite incredible," she said.
Orange locals can call the vineyard on 6365 3425 or 0438 865 217 to order, arrange an inspection of truffles or pick up.
Slightly further afield in Millthorpe, fellow fine-dining venue Tonic has put together "Self Isolating Game Plan" takeaway meals.
The selection of prepared meals can be picked up from the restaurant and enjoyed at home, with tutorials provided on how to add the final touches.
The menu is updated daily and features local, seasonal produce prepared by Tonic's team of chefs.
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