Must eat
Top End chef David Taylor gives you a taste of the good tucker to be found in the Territory
ADDRESS: Piersenne Road, Yarrawonga PHONE: 8983 1055 OWNER: Denise Jenkins CHEF: Nuchi ENTREES: $10 to $24 MAINS: $10 to $24 Full High Tea: $40 pp OPEN: Every Day Breakfast and Lunch STAR QUALITY: 4.1/5
DARWIN is blessed with some great eating places, and some are discovered in the most unusual settings. Hidden in an industrial shed within a stonemasons yard in the heartlands of Yarrawonga is Finlay’s Joint Café.
Surrounded by rocks of all manner and giant garden statues, the cafe is a welcoming oasis, especially on a hot and muggy day. Wood floors and furniture give an earthy intimacy about the place. Strategically placed faux hedges divide the tables and creates an almost romantic vibe. It’s a large dining hall and care has been taken to keep echoes and chatter noise muffled for us oldies. I got the feeling I was in a converted old woolshed.
You are first confronted with a dazzling display of house made cakes, fudges and Petit fours; those are the mouth sized sweet delights you see in the really fancy-schmancy places overseas. Finlay’s is one of only a few places in town that offer a proper, old fashioned high tea. If you are into food and history it is certainly worth trying. The Victorian era practice of over indulging in the afternoon is alive and well here. You do need to book a couple of days ahead, but from what I saw and have heard it is worth it.
We came in for a late weekend lunch after travelling back from Batchelor so we were hungry and tired. Pleasant and efficient staff assisted us and our lunches were served quickly. I loved the menu, there was so much choice. Breakfasts, burgers of all descriptions, and open and otherwise sandwiches. I spotted curries in a wrap. A must try for next weekend I reckon.
Noted too was the “deadly” duck salad. Tossed egg noodles, beansprouts, shallots and peanut with spicy citrus dressing. I would have ordered that if I knew then that the chef is from Thailand. Another for next time.
Kids are welcome, they have perfect choices like pancakes. Fish and chips and lasagna. For $10, it’s a no brainer.
I did, however, choose a healthy prawn and avocado salad, which was sensational. The balsamic dressing tasted house made and not full of emulsifiers and preservatives. The portion was just right for a hungry fella and very filling. My lunch-bud had a club sandwich. This classic is the comfort food of international travellers everywhere. A high stacked 3 or 4 sliced mountain of goodness, served with the obligatory side of fries. It was as good as any 5star resort. It was just missing the swim up bar and the pool boys to serve you.
Oh, and if you ever have the craving for an old-fashioned milkshake then head this way.
We loved Finlay’s Joint and will come back. There is a relaxed integrity about the place and we all felt welcomed and left very satisfied.