I just received an email from Caveau in Wollongong - the only restaurant to receive a 'hat' in the Sydney Morning Herald Best Sydney Restaurants guide. Enjoy! I'm drooling from Brisbane, QLD.

or view the online version here.

Valentine’s Day at Caveau Thursday 14th February 2013 Three course early bird menu – 5.30pm sitting ($110pp including french champagne on arrival and a red rose per couple) Entree Cured ocean trout, tomato jelly,  shellfish foam and pea mousse line or Warm confit duck salad, seared foie gras,  fig puree and Peking style dressing Main Roasted lobster tail, crushed purple congo potatoes,  braised pork cheek, grape tomatoes, baby fennel and lobster jus or Black angus fillet mignon, pommes  anna, spinach and bernaise sauce Dessert Bouche D’Affinois (cheese) with sultana paste and house made walnut bread or Belgian chocolate mousse and raspberry pave, shaved white chocolate and fresh peach ________________ Eight course tasting menu ($180pp including French champagne on arrival and a red rose per couple ) Three freshly shucked rock oysters with smoked kingfish and ponzu Cured ocean trout, tomato jelly, shellfish foam and pea mousseline Prawn and scallop escabeche, citrus fruits, saffron, basil and shaved fennel Warm confit duck salad, seared foie gras, fig puree and Peking style dressing Roasted lobster tail, crushed purple congo potatoes, braised pork cheek, grape tomatoes Black angus fillet mignon, pommes anna, spinach and bernaise sauce Bouche D’Affinois with sultana paste and house made walnut bread Belgian chocolate mousse and raspberry pave, shaved white chocolate and fresh peach Bookings essential.  Please email finedining@caveau.com.au Caveau 122-124 Keira Street Wollongong, NSW. There is parking at the back of the restaurant (Keira Lane), or  street parking in and around Keira Street. For a map of the restaurant location, click here.  www.caveau.com.au

Coming soon to Illawarra Food Reviews

At the start of each season I will be offering a basket of locally sourced food products produced or sold in the Illawarra region.  You may own a cafe or restaurant and wish to promote a new seasonal menu. Or a food producer or  business  that stocks locally sourced produce for your deli, bakery or butchery.

Please contact me if you are an Illawarra business that sells food and you are interested in providing information about new products and samples for Illawarra Food seasonal baskets.

I will be donating some gift baskets filled with local fare to local fundraisers such as the Support Amber appeal. A business card with the details of each supplier and items donated will be included.

Read more about the local fundraisers on my Vanessa Pike-Russell Photography website