WRITTEN BY SARAH LANG

WRAP UP OF NEWS AND HAPPENINGS IN OUR REGION

Well what a gay old time we have had in March! ChillOut Festival and the Lost Trades Fair kept us on our toes over the long weekend. It was spectacular weather and both Daylesford/Hepburn Springs and Kyneton townships were absolutely buzzing. And we think you loved it all too! We were indundated with phonecalls, emails and even a letter about Danny Wootton's fabulous cover of Max Primmer. This month we are finally getting the autumns feels, and apples are everywhere. I really wanted to feature apples on the cover but not necessarily have it as the recipe - cos lets face it, everyone has their own favourite recipe.  So Sallie Harvey invented a completely new dish for us - apple dumpling pot stickers. They are so completely moreish and I kid you not, one whole pan full is not enough. Danny Wootton did get to show me his recipe though - yep he not only shot this months cover but also styled the shot and baked the pie. Now that's talent.

A large crowd gathered at the launch of a new exhibition by Daniel Butterworth on Wed 21 March. Held in the newly refurbished Red Room at the Farmers Arms Daylesford, the exhibition is part of the offering at the newly opened Farmers Arms Art Motel. Not classed as a "pretty painter", Daniels paintings can sometimes be confronting but they always have a story to tell. Over 60 locals, visitors and artist friends listened, whilst owner, Mitch Duncan talked about the ethos behind the new motel and art offering before handing over to the artist himself who, with a quite gentle voice, captured the imagination of the audience with stories about the driving forces behind his work.

The Farmers Arms Art Motel offers 10 studio style rooms and a 3-bedroom cottage. All containing original art for sale. The more significant pieces of Daniels exhibition are on view in the Red Room at the Farmers Arms Hotel. All are available for purchase and will be on view until end of June.

The World's Longest Lunch was held on Friday 16th, with the region boasting no less than three venues hosting a long lunch. All three events were booked out and enormous sums of money were raised for local charities. One of the stars was Caliopi Buck from Frank and Connie's Restaurant in Hepburn Springs. Her dessert of chocolate and rhubarb was a complete triumph. This month sees Caliopi showcasing her family heritage as she turns April into "Greek Month". Regular menu staples like the lamb ribs with chimmichurri will be joined with dishes such as a greek-style ceviche which Caliopi's take on her "popou's" salt fish (Her popou, Frank being the namesake of the restaurant), spanakopita sticks, saganaki and of course, Greek donuts and baklava as well as some Greek beers and wines. Frank and Connie's is open every day for lunch and dinner over Easter and is located at 123 Main Road Hepburn Springs. 

Arguably one of Dayleford's most well-known and well-loved cafe's, Cliffys, has been sold to two couples with strong Daylesford connections. Liam Thornycroft and partner Daniel Matthew along with Michael Condon and partner Samantha Mackley will reopen the cafe after a minor refurb just before Easter. Both couples have grown up in Daylesford; Liam and Daniel also own and operate Dumbo in West Footscray (recently named Top 20 cafes by Age Good Food Guide); and Samantha has spent the past 7 years in tourism marketing at Sovereign Hill. 

"16 years ago, I thought I was the luckiest boy in the world." says Liam, describing his first job as an 11-year old at Cliffy's, "Although I was just washing dishes, I worked with big kids, inspiring adults and wonderful good food. We listened to music I'd never heard of before, and I learnt words I'd never forget: charcuterie, poggie and tallegio." 

"This experience and establishment has always held a very special place in my heart and today once again, I am the luckiest boy in the world - the very proud co-owner of Cliffy's Emporium, Daylesford." 

We couldn't be prouder of you Liam! The team at LOST are proud as punch at the new team and wish you all the very best of success. 

Animus Distillery, in Piper Street Kyneton has reaped some big awards since we wrote about them last month. They have picked up a gold medal at the hotly contested Australian Distilled Spirit Awards 2018 and Trophy for Champion Australian Small Batch Spirit. And as we went to print, we learnt that they also picked up the Gold Medal at The American Distilling Institute Awards 2018. Big kudos to the team. They won with their Arboretum Gin, their complex herbaceous gin made using a range of estate-grown botanicals. We are joining in the celebrations with a delicious cocktail made by this clever crew and featuring their Animus gin.  

Daylesford Cider Company are kicking off Easter with the Embers band playing at their cellar door for the first time on Easter Saturday 31 March. This will also mark the 3rd birthday since Clare & Mackie took over the cidery. There will be live music from 12:30 and lunch from 12noon. Lawn games. Bookings strongly recommended. Ph 03 5348 2275

Got some great news about our region?
Let us know by emailing us at editor@lostmagazine.com.au