Looking for a short getaway? Nothing screams weekend getaway more than a 48-hour trip to the Hunter Valley. Food, wine, nature – what more could you want for a blissful getaway from the daily grind.
We departed on a Saturday morning, greeted with friendly weekend traffic at 11am and arrived at Amanda’s On The Edge by 2.30pm for the most divine lunch set in quaint estate territory, that is quintessentially ‘the Hunter’.
Overlooking the serene calmness and echoing sounds of birds chirping over expansive lush vineyards, our first course arrives. Seared scallops with a green pea puree, truffle oil & crispy prosciutto ($23.50).

Seared scallops with a green pea puree, truffle oil & crispy prosciutto ($23.50)
As we entertain the perfectly cooked scallops the Pan seared in garlic & parsley butter with crusty ciabatta bread ($22.50) arrives in the most vibrant blood orange bisque. One of life’s greatest indulgences is a big bowl of soup or sauce with crispy bread to mop it all up.

Pan seared in garlic & parsley butter with crusty ciabatta bread ($22.50)
We order a main to share. Three times cooked duck maryland in sauté leek & shallot with plum compote & golden kipfler potatoes ($39.50) arrives at the table as wafts of caramelised plum permeates the clean country air. Crispy dusk skin, succulent tender meat falls away from the bone with golden strands of crispy leek & shallot for added texture.

Three times cooked duck maryland in sauté leek & shallot with plum compote & golden kipfler potatoes ($39.50)
To finish, we opt for the passionfruit and mango sorbet that is utterly refreshing in 40-degree heat and the perfect way to end what is always a fabulous meal at Amanda’s On The Edge.
In the next post we take you to Spicer’s Retreat, which is one of the finest accomodation you can stay at in the Hunter. With a one hatted chef heading the restaurant and an infinity pool to boot, you’ll want to book this stay at your next trip to the Hunter.
Stay tuned…