NEED TO KNOW
- What: The Residence: Paul Farag at Darley’s
- Where: Darley’s at Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains (5/19 Lilianfels Ave, Katoomba)
- When: Wednesday 11 November–Sunday 20 December
- Cost: From $130pp
- Bookings: Online
On the edge of the Jamison Valley, Darley’s restaurant at Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains occupies what was the summer house of Sir Frederick Darley and his family at the start of the 20th century. When he commissioned it in the late 1800s, they surely never anticipated that it would still be a popular luxury destination almost 140 years later.
Nor, we imagine, could they have guessed that their summer house would end up as a restaurant — let alone one playing host to the flavours of Egypt. Enter chef Paul Farag, who is running a six-week residency at the Blue Mountains favourite from 11 November.
Farag departed as executive chef of Sydney’s modern Middle Eastern restaurant Aalia (which we awarded NSW Restaurant of the Year in 2023) in March. At the heritage-listed estate, The Residence: Paul Farag at Darley’s will see him present a three-course menu spanning a mezze spread, a choice of main with sides, and a choice of dessert for $130pp for just six weeks.
“I want guests to come and experience a different side of Darley’s,” says Farag. “It’s a dining room that has long had a real sense of occasion, and this menu brings the flavours of my Egyptian heritage together with the produce we’re lucky to have here in Australia.”
Standout dishes include raw tuna, burghul and herbs wrapped in a sesame leaf; burnt pepper dip with salted macadamia and marjoram paired with a 24-hour wholegrain pita; dry-aged duck breast with walnut and pomegranate; and an almond cake with fenugreek custard and vanilla cream.
Oysters, a daily steak offering and a whole John Dory with brown butter, lemon and fresh herbs are optional additions to amp up the menu.
“Lilianfels began life as a summer residence, so a chef residency felt like a natural fit,” says director of culinary and creative experience at Salter Brothers Hospitality, Matthew Butcher. “Paul is one of the most exciting cooks in the country, and we can’t wait for guests to sit down to his menu. It’s bright, generous food made for long lunches and dinners in the mountains.”
Salter Brothers Hospitality undertook a multi-million-dollar renovation of the 1889-built Katoomba property earlier in the year, refreshing the 89 guest rooms, common areas and reception, and introducing The Lounge bar and Èliva day spa. Farag’s stint at Darley’s offers the perfect reason to plan a weekend of indulgence in the Blue Mountains; the Culinary Escape package bundles accommodation, dinner and breakfast for two from $754.
The Residence: Paul Farag at Darley’s is offered for lunch Friday–Sunday and dinner Wednesday–Saturday until 20 December. Bookings are available online.
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