Road Trip To South Australia

A few weeks ago we decided to take a road trip to Adelaide. Just under 3000km’s in all. Yes, we are fortunate

enough to have contacts in Adelaide’s Norwood district, the Italian heart of the city.With the Central Market and Barrossa Valley and Adelaide Hills on the way, how could we not go?

Beware - you might stay longer than you thought!

Heading south on the Hume on a rather bleak wintery morning, we pulled over into Jugiong. South of Yass, this is a picturesque village just to the left of the highway. It would only take five minutes to drive through the township, but beware… once you stop you will not leave without adding another hour to your journey. The Long Track Pantry is situated towards the south end of the village and is housed in an old cottage. The front verandah is

scattered with benches and iron sculptures, whilst the side verandah has ample outside seating for warmer days. Entering the cottage you are taken aback with a bench laden with tasting dishes of succulent jams and preserves. The sourdough bread, offered in abundance for tastings, only serves in prolonging your entry to the shop. Each wall is laden down with shelves of local delights including local olive oils, vinaigrette ( make no mistake, to leave here without purchasing a bottle of Blood Plum Finishing Vinegar would be a crime – pour a little of this divine blend over a simple salad or freshly boiled new potatoes and your guests will worship your culinary skills), preserved lemon, jams and relishes. Local wines including Two Italian Boys, from Griffith and highly rated, home made jams and marmalades ( the apple pear and ginger jam is a hot seller), a wide range of dressings, toasted muesli – gluten free, and so the list goes on. A freezer cabinet overflows with ready made meals waiting to be taken home and be heated, then eaten on a cold winter’s evening – rustic pies, tarts (try the cherry tomato and herb) are available. Included in this selection are gorgeous looking trays of thick rich desserts. Freshly baked loaves of sourdough and ciabatta are delivered on a Thursday and Friday

from Brassierie in Sydney. Get in early if you are serious about buying some. On the counter, at the far end of the shop, is an array of freshly baked cakes – the apple and walnut, a favourite with regulars. There is always one gluten free choice in the selction. The main room itself is decorated in a somewhat

reminiscent Shaker style. Timber, pure crisp linens, space and clean simplicity. An adjoining room houses an array of kitchen and household paraphernalia. This list only touches on some of the items stocked at The Long Track. Go and discover for yourself.
We can assure you, you will not be disappointed.

The cafe is licensed and offers an interesting array of dishes on the menu.

Of course you cannot leave without visiting the vegetable shop and winery next door. Not only high quality wines and vegetables are on offer in these two establishments, but also a variety of artworks including huge iron fruit sculptures.