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6 June, 2024

TV celebrities Andy Allen and Darren Robertson launch inaugural Bellingen Food & Wine Escape

Three Blue Ducks and The Lodge Bellingen have launched the inaugural Bellingen Food & Wine Escape, taking place from 12-14 July, including a long lunch hosted by Ducks chefs and TV celebrities Andy Allen and Darren Robertson.

The event promises to be a unique blend of culinary experiences, nature and relaxation in the picturesque setting of Bellingen and the first of many under the Bellingen Food & Wine Escape event banner.

Set on 6.5ha of manicured gardens, The Lodge Bellingen is a boutique countryside retreat with uninterrupted valley views over the Bellinger River towards the Dorrigo National Park.

At the heart of the property is Three Blue Ducks’ restaurant which showcases the same passion for simple, ethically sourced, real food that the Ducks are famous for.

Three Blue Ducks Byron Bay head chef Sam Morton has collaborated with lead local chef Dannielle Farrugia to create a menu that is a balance of the original Asian-inspired dishes and several Ducks classic dishes from their other restaurants.

Three Blue Ducks Darren Roberston takes staff through a menu.

“With the menu undergoing a bit of a refresh recently to take it back to our roots, we’re excited to get people back in to not only showcase that, but also the incredible local wine and produce available across NSW,” says chef and co-owner of Three Blue Ducks, Darren Robertson.

“We’re spoiled for choice in Bello when it comes to both, so Bellingen Food & Wine Escape is the perfect opportunity to kick things up a notch and highlight that.

“We’re lucky enough to work with some incredible local wineries and suppliers including Plateau Farm, The Bellingen Smokehouse, New Life Farm, Bello Beef, Klang Farm Organics, and M&J Becker wines, so these events are really an opportunity to celebrate that and chat with people about why we love the region so much.”

Taking full advantage of the breathtaking scenery and renowned culinary offering, Three Blue Ducks and The Lodge Bellingen have teamed up to launch Bellingen Food & Wine Escape with the inaugural event taking place from 12-14 July.

This two-night winter package includes accommodation at luxury boutique hotel, The Lodge Bellingen, daily breakfast for two at Three Blue Ducks. There is also a Wine Masterclass on Friday night with premium selections by M&J Becker paired with a Ducks grazing table.

A long lunch for two on Saturday is hosted by Three Blue Ducks chefs and MasterChef star Andy Allen and Darren Robertson.

Menu highlights will include smoked trout donuts, bone marrow flat bread, mushroom custard, fermented chilli glazed chicken and whole roasted pig.

Dishes from Three Blue Ducks are part of the inaugural Bellingen Food & Wine Escape,

“Anyone that’s stopped in Bello on the way along the east coast knows what a special place it is, particularly in winter. The view is incredible, there’s a great food and drink culture, it’s a haven for fishing and the nearby surf is pretty epic too,” says chef and co-owner of Three Blue Ducks, Andy Allen.

“It’s also a culinary gem, with some of the freshest produce going around and Bellingen Food & Wine Escape gives us the opportunity to showcase that. This is just the first of many events, and we’re excited to start mapping these events out annually to keep Bello top of mind for food and wine lovers as a must visit destination on the culinary map.”

Guests are also encouraged to enjoy bush walks through Bellingen’s lush landscapes and surrounding Dorrigo National Park, explore the historic town, browse boutique shops, take a swim in nearby rivers or the Lodge pool.

For those looking to make the most of the region’s food and drink offering, there are also a range of local dining venues to experience, including Bruno’s, Osteria Fiume, Black Bear, HYDE, Hearthfire Bakery, Bello Brewery and Charlie’s at Church.

Feature image: TV celebrities Andy Allen and Darren Robertson of Three Blue Ducks.

Guests can enjoy a two-night winter package includes accommodation at luxury boutique hotel, The Lodge Bellingen.

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Bellingen Food & Wine Escape The Lodge Bellingen Three Blue Ducks