Time to Roam Magazine Issue 13 - February/March 2015 | Page 52

| on the roam flavours Land of Milk and Honey There’s an old saying among the farmers of Lismore, if you put a pin in the ground and come back a few weeks later you will find you have a pick. BY GABRIELA OPORTO, FOOD WRITER Nimbin Hotel Best of the Pubs Nimbin Hotel 53 Cullen St, Nimbin NSW 2480 Ph: 02 6689 1246 International flavours The Loft The rich volcanic soils, high rainfall and warm temperatures of the Northern Rivers really do produce an incredible variety of foods. Dairying has been the economic mainstay for generations and Lismore is home to Norco, one of Australia’s oldest farmerowned milk processing businesses. Today Norco owns a massive ice cream plant in Lismore, producing most of the ice cream sold in supermarkets under various house brands. The Lismore area also produces most of Australia’s home-grown coffee and macadamias. Depending on the season, popular local farmers markets are brimming with a wide range of fresh and organic local produce including avocadoes, tropical and stone fruits, coffee, blueberries, limes, pecans and herbs. There’s great local pork and beef as well – NSW’s “Beef Capital”, Casino is 20km up the road. When it comes to eating out, the cosmopolitan make-up of Lismore and Nimbin ensures there’s a high standard and delicious range of options. Old Pie Truck Local institution Banzai Japanese 34 Molesworth St Restaurant offers authentic traditional Japanese cuisine in a peaceful river-side cafe setting. Mecca Café - 80 Magellan St Lismore’s original licensed retro diner-style café, serving great milkshakes and more since the 1930s. The Richmond Hotel 36 Woodlark St, Lismore NSW 2480 Ph: 02 6621 9098 Black Sombrero - 136 Keen St Lismore’s newest dining sensation, offering authentic Northern Mexican food, prepared from scratch on the premises. Friendly service and great sangria and cocktails too. Food Festival Lismore will host its first “Eat the Street” Food Festival on Saturday, March 14 from midday to 8pm. It promises a wide a wide range of alfresco dining experiences, shopping and arts. A festival not to be missed. 52 timetoroam.com.au The Channon Butter Factory Tavern 51 Terania St, The Channon NSW 2480 Ph: 02 6688 6522 The Eltham Hotel 441 Eltham Rd, Eltham NSW 2480 Ph: 02 6629 1217 Fine Dining The Loft - 6 Nesbitt Lane, Lismore Try the loft for a great paddock to plate experience. Some of the best local produce, beautifully prepared and served. It’s almost a local secret, hidden away in a laneway. On Wheels One for Roam readers who love a pie, Lismore’s Old Pie Truck is locates outside the old Post Office in Molesworth St. The pies are first class. Gabriela Oporto Gaby is a qualified nutritionist and passionate foodie who has travelled around the world and