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