Dining at Biota
A short drive (105 km from home) is the town of Bowral. We stayed at the very historic Berima Manor, once owned my a female doctor in 1925, a rarity in that age, and then donated it to the Red Cross in the 1940s ala Downton Abbey Season 2 style.
Before heading to our hotel, we dropped by the Centennial Vineyards where we had some free wine tasting of their award winning Pinot Noir. I was tempted to sign up to their wine club but eventually held back. They have a very gourmet looking restaurant but was fully booked for lunch. For a while, the manager was seriously contemplating to fit us in but we decided not to take the risk.
On the way to the hotel, I spotted the Biota Dining Restaurant. I tried to book this restaurant before leaving the vineyard but I was told they were booked and advise that they get booked about 4 weeks in advance. They have a lounge menu which we were welcome to try.
Anyway, we were still too early to check-in and so we walked across to Biota, thinking lounge menu may not be so bad. When we got there, I asked if there is any last minute cancellation we could swoop in – and what do you know – we’re in luck. We had the 3 course degustation and we were given fresh sourdough bread and salmon jerky on top of it. Jeanne loved the bread. The service is great and the food is as expected as well. I saw a lot of mixed reviews for this 2-hat restaurant which perhaps made me lower my expectations but I would certainly bring Jessica and Celine here given the chance.
 Berida Manor Lobby |
 Centennial Vineyard Restaurant |
For the rest of the afternoon, we took a quick nap then went for a swim on their indoor pool. The weather outside is a bit gloomy and was raining. At the spa we met a couple, Steve and Joan, and were friendly with. Just as well we met them again at dinner at the hotel that night and breakfast the following day.
Jeanne and I also borrowed a bluray of “Olympus Has Fallen” and watched that when we went back to our room.
The Knight and Sir Rommel
The next day, it is again pouring. After breakfast we drove back to Centennial Vineyard to buy a bottle of Pinot and a Maggie Beer cookbook for Jeanne. Then we drove to Mittagong to see a Model Train exhibit. We didn’t stay long because I notice one of my rear wheel is half-flat. This is very disconcerting because I use nitrogen on my tyres and the only reason why they would get flat is if my tyres have a slow leak. I spent some time ringing tyre companies nearby and all of them are closed on a Sunday.
We drove back to Sydney with my half-flat, stopping on a service station to pump it back. Just before reaching home, I swing past the regular tyre service shops we use and they are all closed on a Sunday – sooo frustrating 🙁
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