How The Duchess Does It

Muse Kitchen is not only an assault on your senses – it is an awakening of your soul. 

A spin-off from the larger Muse, located at Hungerford Hill Winery, Muse Kitchen is set a bit further out in Pokolbin, within the beautiful grounds of Keith Tulloch Winery and in my opinion, does not play second fiddle to its larger rival. In fact, I prefer this restaurant.

The magical hideaway that Muse Kitchen is nestled within, is an Alice in Wonderland like place where you completely forget about the rest of the world and are sure you have happily fallen down the rabbit hole. 

The service here is beyond expectations and you find yourself smiling even before you have ordered. The menu is smart, sophisticated and has a sense of rustic charm making it difficult to decide, and wanting to order everything including dessert. The service is smart and efficient but not intrusive or in your face and if you are a Hunter Valley virgin, the staff will happily recommend a great drop to suit the dish of your choice. Although this is fine dining, there is nothing pretentious about Muse Kitchen.  

Then…. There is the food. The word ‘food’ seems an understatement when describing the art on a plate that is delivered to your table. The aromas that float through the restaurant, leave your mouth watering and you find yourself wishing that each dish ready for delivery is yours. 

We each chose the Wagyu and the Lamb and because it’s a cold day out, these warm country style dishes (Approx. $36 each) are the perfect thing to warm your insides. They arrive in big, deep, stoneware bowls and the fresh crusty bread, warm straight from the oven, is just tempting us to wipe the bowl clean! These dishes would go perfectly with a deep glass of Red, but as it is in the middle of the day, we choose a bottle of the 2015 Keith Tulloch ‘Semi-Dry’ Semillon ($24) which is zesty enough to perfectly compliment the flavours within each of the dishes. YUM! 

A masterpiece for the senses is every dish designed by the Chef at Muse Kitchen. Each ingredient is fresh and vibrant and is beautifully paired so that every bite involves a myriad of flavour combinations. The dishes create a sense of warmth and make you want to share and swap with one another so you can experience everything this restaurant has to offer. 

The Chef at Muse Kitchen is not merely a Chef – he is a magician. We don’t know how the magic is done, and want to know, but also know we will never be able to replicate the slight of hand that results in the enchantment of every dish. 

All in all, do not go to Muse Kitchen if you want a quick on-the-run lunch. Take the time to immerse yourself in this beautiful place and the love within menu. Order a beautiful bottle of wine, share your dishes and take the time to enjoy the overall experience. Muse Kitchen is the inspiration for art with food, and rivals some of the greatest masterpieces of all time. An awe-inspiring experience!

Muse Kitchen
Keith Tulloch Winery
Cnr. Hermitage & Deasys Roads,
Pokolbin NSW 2320
http://musedining.com.au/
http://musedining.com.au/kitchen/contact/
http://www.keithtullochwine.com.au/