The crocodile was described as “like a robust chicken” by my international dining companion. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Aranya Acres is a new restaurant at Wamboin, taking over from Contentious Character. And sunny autumn days are perfect for a drive in the countryside followed by a leisurely lunch. How could I resist?
Despite being located at a vineyard, there’s no house label, but Sapling Yard’s Carla Rodeghiero is using the winemaking facilities, which can be viewed through large windows from the bar. Our server explained that rather than acting as a cellar door for a single wine, they want to be a place where people can come and experience many different wines from across the Canberra region. We chose a Sapling Yard Riesling and Gamay, which came in proper wine glasses, so the red glass was more like a fishbowl.
The menu features quite a few native Australian ingredients, and Chef Praneel Singh has combined them with a multicultural flair to create a cohesive menu. One dish that immediately caught my eye was the southern fried crocodile entree, and considering I was dining with an Aunt visiting from the UK, it was a no-brainer – we absolutely had to order it.
The crocodile pieces had been battered and deep-fried, with a generous dusting of grated parmesan. A pickled watermelon salsa and fresh lime accompanied the crispy bites. Aptly described by my Aunt as “like a robust chicken”, the crocodile has something of a chew to it. My best description is a mild flavour with a steak-like texture. There was a dusting of spiced salt, and overall it was pretty good; perhaps a gimmick, but a delicious gimmick nonetheless.
Native ingredients are featured on the menu, such as the flaky barramundi, which comes with a lemon myrtle dukkah. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Continuing the Australian theme, my Aunt ordered the barramundi for her main dish. I chose the forest mushroom risotto. The barramundi was flaky and juicy, served with a coconut sauce, olives and a lemon myrtle dukkah on top of the crisp skin. The dish may have been better served in a bowl to avoid the sauce running messily around the plate, but it was refreshing and delicious.
My risotto was a deep, beetroot pink and topped with wild-harvested saffron milkcap mushrooms – a seasonal favourite of mine. These mushrooms have a meaty texture and were beautifully sautéed in butter. Oyster and king brown mushrooms had also been stirred through the risotto, a nice addition to each spoonful. There is always a risk that a risotto might be claggy or stodgy, but this was lovely and creamy, each grain of rice distinct. A hazelnut crumb topped it all off nicely with a bit of crunch.
The forest mushroom risotto was a menu highlight – creamy, filling and perfectly autumnal. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
We also shared the winter vegetables as a side dish. I’m not sure that zucchini and green beans really count as winter veg, but I’ll forgive them during the long autumn season. They had been cooked to al dente and tossed with flaked almonds. Leisurely though our lunch was, I sadly didn’t have time for dessert.
There’s a wood-fired oven with pizzas available on Mondays and Thursdays. The team here is looking to become a local favourite in the Wamboin area, rather than relying solely on weekenders. They’re running a trivia night, have live music on Fridays, and there are plenty of events coming up. There’s even a Winter Ball in June!
Both owners previously worked at Contentious Character, so they know the space and the community, and I reckon they know what they’re doing.
Pass the croc!
Aranya Acres is located at 810 Norton Rd, Wamboin, NSW. They are open for lunch and dinner Monday, Thursday and Friday, and for lunch on weekends. Check out their events, and follow Aranya Acres on Instagram and Facebook.
Original Article published by Lucy Ridge on Region Canberra.