Long lunch at The Springs in Peats Ridge
There’s something about the way an experienced chef does a gear change in their demeanour when they describe food, that makes you realise how much of a sensory experience an incredible meal is for both the creator and for the lucky duck taking a bite. The shift from polite to passionate was swift when we spoke to Daniel Capper from The Springs, whose decade long commitment to dishing up incredibly high quality, modern Australian style fare at the Peats Ridge venue has led him to master a little bit of a hinterland secret that we’re busting to share.
With a new owner at the helm alongside new hands-on management, we’re tipping 2024 to be the year you find your new favourite local spot to dine for lunch, and we’re busting to see what new, exciting changes they unveil along the way.
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The Springs, Peats Ridge
A leisurely 25 minutes from Terrigal and an hour from Sydney CBD at the start of Scenic Drive 33, The Springs at Peats Ridge has earned its reputation as a stunning golf course and luxury wedding venue. Honoured with the title of Best Club Reception in NSW at the 26th Annual ABIA Awards, this acclaim can be attributed, undoubtedly, to its sophisticated country ambience and outstanding culinary offerings.
As executive chef, Dan’s super passionate about sharing a seasonally changing menu created from fresh produce that quite simply makes people feel really, really good.
“We want people to share the joy of eating a good meal and having a great experience when they come here,” Dan told Coasties.
“I pride myself on the fact that whether you’re having a snack at the bar with a cocktail, a full three course meal with friends and a couple of bottles of wine or it’s a big wedding, I will always deliver the same high standard of food, regardless of who you are and what you order.”
Take our word for it, he’s fair game. With a glowing track record in high end kitchens in boutique, five-star luxury hotels like London’s Claridges, Vancouver’s Wedgewood Hotel, the Four Seasons in Dallas and even our very own Sydney Opera House, his experience brings a level of sophistication that will certainly make you want to loosen the belt a little as your tastebuds settle in for a treat.
The chic country charm gives a cute nod (if you look out for it) to the ducks often found waddling about the property, with areas named things like ‘The Sitting Duck’ and ‘The Duck Inn’. So it would be amiss for Dan not to lean into the character as well, with mouth-watering meals like the crisp duck leg confit with beetroot, poached pear and anise jus or, if you’re lucky, the menu special of house made duck prosciutto and chicken pate with seasonal fruits like figs or blood oranges.
The Springs Peats Ridge – image supplied
“It’s such a beautiful spot for people to sit and enjoy and watch the world go by, and it’s no wonder they often think, ‘why not’ and stay after lunch for a drink out on the terrace with a glass of wine, it’s just gorgeous here,” Dan said.
The Springs Restaurant is open Friday to Sunday from 11:00am – 3pm with the bar open until 5pm. To find out more, visit their online home here and give The Springs a follow on Instagram: @thespringspeatsridge and @thespringsweddings
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KEEP READING: Your guide to the Central Coast Hinterland
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