Italian Aperitivo, Hush Puppies and Eight Sheep

Living in Daylesford is every bit the fairytale and more. Winter being one of the most magical times; with roaring fires in restaurants and cafes, hot mineral baths warming weary and stressed bodies back to life, over-sized spa pools in all the self-catered accommodation and mulled wine served as frequently as espresso. There’s even mention that snow is just around the corner.  Such an enchanted time, except my 1850’s cottage was built with the insulation of a Gingerbread House. Nights have been hijacked by Jack Frost blowing gale force winds under doors and through non-insulated windows. I’m awake shivering half the night; desperately trying to convince the pussy cats to lay across my feet like a fluffy puffa jacket. Where are menopausal hot flashes when you need them? Clearly two duvets are not going to be enough to keep me warm through Daylesford winter. What I really need is a sheepie underblanket from Woolrest NZ. Imagine the virgin wool from eight merino and down sheep laid out on your mattress underneath the base sheet. Sheepskin slippers for your mattress. Now that's cosy.

Like writers throughout time, purchases are now measured in number of books. Time to head to The Larder to find out if “To Daylesford, with Love” has been flying off the shelves. Flight or Flop will determine whether I'll be ordering the super duper Deluxe Gold Fleece Mattress Slippers with 900grams of wool per square metre and favoured by the Queen. Or the slightly less fluffy, but still toasty warm Double Fleece Mattress slippers.

The Larder has recently gone through a seismic relaunch of their menu, branding (including dropping "Gourmet" from their name) and outdoor seating. I popped into their launch party a few weeks ago and instead of chatting to anyone, stood in the corner with winemaker extraordinaire, Giovanni Fontanella eating Hush Puppies. Giovanni and I instinctively knew that gratuitous talking would take attention away these lightly battered, crispy balls of gooey Gouda cheese. Damn you Hush Puppies for being so delicious.

Deli Delicacie

Book sales check-in coincided perfectly with Larder’s Aperitivo (5-7pm). Larder has always had a chilled out Verona vibe and excellent Italian delicatessen under the ownership of young couple, Luke & Sarah; now they’ve gone one step further. Returning the menu and dining style to local and familial Italian roots. Did I mention that Giovanni is Sarah’s Papa? Sitting down with my Aperitivo tasting board and glass of Fontanella Pinot Grigio, I quietly reminisced about the glorious simplicity of European life; where it’s considered civilised (not frivolous) to stop work at five and enjoy time with loved ones. Mid musings, in walked semi-locals Darren & Sharon, also here for Aperitivo. They haven’t tried Hush Puppies so without further ado, a bowl was ordered even before winter coats and scarves were shed. Once they'd settled into the banquette seats, taken their first few sips of wine and devoured  cheesy balls.. the verdict came back. Hush Puppies deserve a Michelin Star all of their own.

A lively debated ensued over whether Aperitivo is all about time after work to socialize, unwind, and nibble as dinner approaches, with a glass of wine accompanied by a plate of maybe thinly sliced Mortadella, chunks of salami and some crumbled seasoned Parmigiano or Grana Padano. Often (for Italians) Aperitivo acts as a light meal replacing the bigger dining moment. Well that was my theory. Darren was adamant that Aperitivo is a palate opener, gently easing you into the evening meal and pacifying rumbling tummies. (Sharon was Switzerland for the evening). To test both theories, I went all Italian and stayed with my Aperitivo Grazing board ($20 including glass of wine), while my fine dining companions ordered Pasta Fiesta (Aperitivo tasting board, fresh pasta and glass of wine $30). Then the Games began.

No, I didn't eat half a salami! For photographic purposes only.

For me, Larder’s Aperitivo is the Romeo to Fontanellas Pinot Grigio’s Juliet. A match made in heaven; where you fall in love with every mouthful. Certainly the Italians know how to woe the tastebuds. Often all it takes is the simplest of gestures.  For here is a plate that simply comprises traditionally cured Vercchieti salami, Provolene Dolce (semi-hard yet creamy cow’s milk cheese originating from Northern Italy) and locally sourced roasted Red Capsicums. Accompanied by freshly baked, warm Italian bread (Pane Casareccia); crusty on the outside and spongy soft on the inside (Casareccio means homemade). Following with Italian tradition, neither olive oil nor butter is served. Such a perfect combination of flavours and textures. Munching, sipping and chatting with dear friends, reminds me that the Good Life doesn’t always need to be so complicated.

In a lovely relaxed pace, the Pasta dishes arrived. Damn you, Roasted Pumpkin and Goats Cheese Agnolotti (super-sized ravioli) with burnt butter sauce for being so delectably delicate and moorish. Just one whiff of the rich buttery aroma had me casting aside all thoughts of winning the aforementioned debate over Italian dining rituals. Who cares with pasta like this gracing the table? To which Sharon politely pointed out that in fact, this was HER plate and could I please stop eating her Agnolotti! If only I’d ordered Pasta Fiesta!

In a bid to distract myself from thinking too much about Sharon’s Agnolotti, I checked in with Luke to see how many “To Daylesford, with Love” books have sold this week. I might not be on the New York Best Seller list yet, but I can afford a Woolrest Double Fleece underblanket. Yay! With the change, might even splash out on some NZ merino mittens. Finally I can stop wearing my possum jumper to bed.

Who would have thought that my simple quest for eight fluffy sheep would turn into a QI evening with  friends, sharing a bowl of delectissimo cheesy Hush Puppies, falling in love with Aperitivo all over again, and discovering the best Agnolotti this side of Naples. Mission accomplished and just in time for MasterChef.

P.S. Was still bit peckish, so clearly I'm not an Aperitivo-only type person. Took home some of Larder's signature Chicken Liver & Sherry Parfait with a loaf of Ciabatta bread to munch on watching Gary, George and the utterly gorgeous Matt Moran. Good times.

Buona note

If you enjoyed this article please LIKE us on Tweed Tea and Wellies Facebook page here. We'd love that! Also whilst you're at it why not follow us on Twitter @pradagoesrural