Leura

Flemish Flavours 

Yesterday, being Mother's Day, I was spoilt with a sumptuous lunch at Flemish Flavours, Leura in the upper Blue Mountains.  My son Bo came and drove Ken and I up the Mountains to this fabulous Belgian Restaurant where he had booked a table for a Mother's Day lunch.  It is located within a heritage listed Mountains mansion in a commanding position at the top of The Mall in Leura.  Although we have driven down The Mall in Leura many times, I have never paid particular attention to this glorious house at the top of the hill, probably because you would have to crane your neck upwards to get a good glimpse of it.  The garden is enchanting and in warmer weather dining can take place in the grounds and also on the verandah.

The house was initially built as a fine country retreat and  has cosy wooden interiors, typical of the 19th Century, creating an Old World charm.  Comfy Chesterfield Couches line the entrance foyer and the walls are panelled with polished timber.

Stunning views to the distant escarpments at Katoomba overlooking the Jamison Valley can be seen from the garden at Flemish Flavours.  

The garden was ablaze with Autumn colour.  However, random plantings of trees throughout the garden has resulted in a diminution of the visual experience.

There was a garden of these pink flowers beaming brightly in the autumn sunshine.  I'm not sure what they are but think they are Bergenia, or common name pigsqueak.  They grow well under trees and in shady spots in gardens.

This was my main meal - brisket (free range) with glazed spring carrots, sweet potato wedges, spinach, tiny toms and thyme jus.  The meat just melted in my mouth, it was so tender. My first course was Pork pate, cornichon and sour dough while Ken had Boudin noir (black pudding).  His eyes lit up when he saw that on the menu!