More Byron Bay

Cape Byron is the most easterly point of the Australian mainland and the lighthouse is apparently Australia's most powerful. This was taken from Tallow Beach and the green "blob" in the back is Cape Byron! There are plenty of fantastic beaches and unfortunately this was taken just as the day was becoming overcast however I can confirm that when it is hot and sunny, the clear water and stretches of sandy beaches are very welcoming. There is plenty to do from surfing, hangliding and dolphin watching to going inland for yoga and golf. You can choose to stay near the beach or the rainforest.

Budget Accomodation
Belongil Beachouse
- Clean and comfortable, backpacking to private cottages
- Relaxed atmosphere and right by Belongil Beach, 10 minutes walk to the Main Beach in town
- Yoga school is a short walk away
- Onsite cafe serves delicious breakfasts but be prepared to wait, the atmosphere is relaxed
- Must do: Visit the Relax Haven at Belongil Beachouse for a massage and even a float session. The masseuses work magic on sore muscles!

Splurge!
The Byron at Byron
- Wow! You find yourself in a completely different world in this "environmentally sensitive" resort, just check out the website
- Lie back in a lounge chair by the pool as you relax by the edge of the rainforest, soak in your deep, freestanding tub with Sanctum products or lie back and enjoy movies on your plasma TV
- Whilst you're splurging, dinner at "Wild at Byron" is a must. The menu is seasonal; my dinner began with oysters with a sherry and lemon peel vinaigrette and finished with a Sirloin with Cafe de Paris butter. Sadly I couldn't fit in dessert especially when all the tropical sounding items were so enticing. If I go back there I'll have to make room for the degustation menu; the baked salmon with burnt blood orange sauce caught my eye and although there'll be another item in future, I know the alternative won't disappoint.

On the way
We travelled from Coolangatta and on the way back, stopped by Tropical Fruit World. I get excited by the fact that people have bothered to create "giant" objects and the purpose of stopping here was to see the Giant Avocado at the front! You can also admire the wide array of tropical fruit for sale and a park admission ticket even gives you access to things such as the plantation safari and jungle riverboat cruise. Next time...

Byron Bay

OK, so I didn't start in Melbourne but this gazpacho looked amazing and I had a great photo of it! I recently went to Byron Bay which is on the East Coast of Australia in New South Wales. Over here we have "schoolies week" in November which is when the school leavers spend their year's savings on a holiday (usually at a beach location) to celebrate the end of an era.

Anyway when we discovered that we were going to Byron Bay during schoolies week, we prepared to be mobbed by 17/18 year olds! On this day the weather was perfect but as the town was absolutely packed, by lunch time I needed somewhere peaceful to get away from the crowds. "The Balcony" looked inviting and we strolled on upstairs.

Overlooking one of the busiest roundabouts in Byron Bay, the bar and restaurant are at the top of a red carpet lined staircase. The decor was very "Byron" with a stone buddha, candles and flowers, as well as local artwork. Walking in, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a welcoming verandah with timber floors, comfortable lounges and high ceilings.

The lunch menu is mainly tapas and this is where I had the above gazpacho with sand crab. Light and refreshing, the basil added just enough flavour to this perfect sunny day item. I'm not sure if it's a Byron Bay thing but fries always seem to be served with aioli, and the excellent serving at Balcony did not disappoint.


The Balcony Bar & Restaurant
Upstairs, corner of Jonson & Lawson Streets

Welcome

Welcome to Caper Berry Gravy! I don't claim to be a gastronome (no, not a garden creature with a bad tummy) however I enjoy good food and I'd like to share my experiences on this blog because let's face it, who doesn't enjoy good food?

2 facts:
1) I lead a fairly hectic life and probably eat out more than I should. So as much as I'd like to write about great dishes I cook, I am more likely to be talking about what someone else cooked!
2) I live in Melbourne, Australia so most places featured will be Melbourne based. However I like to travel so I hope to also include postings from around Australia and even around the world.

I thought this would be a good first picture to post as naturally fine wine goes with fine food! The photo was taken in McLaren Vale in South Australia and if you could read the distances on the sign post, we're not exactly next door to many cities around the world. Australia is huge and yes, unlike Asia and Europe a few hours of air travel doesn't necessarily get you out of the country. But it is an amazing place and I hope that some of my stories will entice you to visit us soon!