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Muse Kitchen

Keith Tulloch Winery, Corner Hermitage and Deasys Roads, Pokolbin, NSW, 2320
Phone
(02) 4998 7899
Website
musekitchen.com.au
Instagram
@muse_kitchen_hv

Read time 4 Mins

Posted 23 Feb 2023

By
Brenda Christian

One of the Hunter Valley’s most highly regarded bistros, Muse Kitchen delivers well-crafted food and cracking wine in a magnificent setting with a laid-back ambience.

Seating arrangement at Muse Kitchen
Why you go

Super food, super wine, super location – not a bad trifecta for starters. Muse Kitchen is always busy and it’s no mystery why. In the heart of Hunter Valley wine country – a pastoral landscape  dotted with quaint cellar doors – its setting is as serene as it’s picturesque. Even from the road the stunning complex, which includes Keith Tulloch’s cellar door and Cocoa Nib Artisan Chocolate Shop, is enticing. But that’s only part of the story.

The French-style eatery is one of the Hunter’s most highly regarded bistros, a one-hatted success story that has been wowing winemakers, locals and Sydney food lovers alike since it opened in 2012. They come for the well-crafted food in a casual setting and stay for the exceptional vino. There’s nothing better than spending a sunny afternoon here, swirling a glass of chilled semillon after some seriously tasty food. In short, a hidden gem.

Why you stayThere’s a handful of highly coveted tables outdoors in the courtyard, a gorgeous spot to eat with its flower-filled gardens, lush hedges, paved paths and views of the vines and mountain range beyond. But indoors is equally charming, decked out in provincial whites with white timber tables and chairs with a jazzy soundtrack. Setting foot inside the two-storey cottage is like stepping into an elegant country home with the chatter of families, couples and groups of friends lazing over a leisurely lunch. It’s a super-relaxed atmosphere and the friendly staff might be able to squeeze you in if you don’t have a booking, but don’t count on it. This place is popular. On Saturday night the vibe takes a turn. It’s the only night of the week when it’s open for dinner and the softly lit restaurant takes on a romantic mood perfect for a first date.
Cocktails at Muse Kitchen
Dish served at Muse Kitchen
What drink to orderThere’s a food-friendly wine list by sommelier Kirsten Brown-Williamson, who really knows her stuff. Want a riesling, but not sure whether a Kabinett Trocken is dry or sweet? She’ll tip you in the right direction. There’s a good selection of local drops, including some well-priced Keith Tulloch wines by the glass and bottle, with some New Zealand, Italian and French wines, too, served in quality Riedel glassware. If you like French fizz there’s Laurent-Perrier by the glass and Bollinger rosé by the bottle. For a full-bodied white, the Bernard Fouquet vouvray from France is a stunner. Red wine drinkers must try Tyrrell’s Vat 8 shiraz-cabernet. As for cocktails, the Gin Goblets are thirst-quenchers on hot summer days – the number with Earp Distilling Co gin, raspberries, finger lime and Strangelove tonic is a real refresher.
What to pair it withChef Josh Gregory’s three-course menu is a drawcard, packed with ultra-seasonal local produce. It’s a pared-back line-up – just four each of the entrées, main courses and desserts – while vegetarians and vegans are catered for with a separate menu. Fancy fish? That might be roast line-caught cod with smoked mussels and a variation on France’s classic buttery Béarnaise sauce. Carnivores won’t go wrong with the wood-roasted pork cutlet with sweetcorn and clam chowder. Vegos give the Roquefort soufflé with wild garlic and walnuts a big tick. For a sweet finish, tarte Tatin – France’s upside-down caramelised fruit tart – is a winner.
Why we love itSo many things to love here. The out-of-the-way location, the relaxed atmosphere, the food and drinks lists that are both as brilliant as the magnificent setting. As a package it’s impossible not to like. And that’s why we keep going back.
Bottles of wine at Muse Kitchen
Dish served at Muse Kitchen
Regular’s tipClued-up locals never leave without visiting Cocoa Nib. Aymee Slaviero makes more than 40 hand-painted chocolates on site and she also makes the best hot chocolate around – who else serves a chocolate ball filled with marshmallows that melts as you pour the hot chocolate drink over? After stocking up on chocolates, head upstairs to the Keith Tulloch cellar door for a wine-tasting on the balcony overlooking the vines.
Who to takeThe ambience is what makes this place great. At lunchtime it’s super-casual so you take the extended family – grandparents, grandkids and everyone in between. On Saturday nights it’s a sought-after spot for a memorable date or anniversary celebration with loved-up couples.
image credits: Shan Rose Photography
Authour image
Brenda ChristianFreelance writer Brenda Christian made a tree change from Sydney to the Hunter Valley and is ticking off the best things about country life, one tipple at a time.
Tags
Drinks DirectoryWineryRestaurantOutdoor areaVego Food OptionsTop notch wine listWheelchair accessibleFamily affairMeal and a bevRegional NSWDate nightCellar Door
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