Down the Track Cafe

The exterior of the cafe - indoor and outdoor seating
The exterior of the cafe – indoor and outdoor seating

This was one of my first introductions to Kandos and is a great example of the friendly townsfolk here. Sue and Dave, the proprietors, take great care with their unique business and also make a significant effort in supporting the local community. Now coming here is more like dropping in to old friends rather than somewhere to go for lunch.

IMG_1289The name of the cafe relates to it being the old railway station. The train line unfortunately no longer runs through Kandos regularly, although infrequently there is a tourist service which is a sight to behold. It would be so wonderful if the train still continued through from Lithgow to Kandos.

As the old Kandos railway station, it is in a great location and perfect for a quiet respite and refuel. The building sits alongside the tracks and the interior reflects its railway heritage, with seating from old old train seats and carriage fittings throughout.

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In Winter there is an open fire and in warmer weather occasionally movies are shown on a projector across the railway line. Outside you can view some interesting local sculptures.

A great place to drop in for a good meal, a coffee and some information on the local area, as it also serves as the local Tourist Information Centre. The cafe is located at the entrance to town at the start of the main street just off the Railway Green where the major local events are often held.

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Yum Yum

Dining in the Gallery room
Dining in the Gallery room

One of my favourite places for Yum Cha – and that includes Sydney – is 28 Nine 99 – an unexpected Yum Cha delight in Rylstone.

My favourite - black sticky rice with coconut
My favourite – black sticky rice with coconut

Nestled in the charmingly restored historic Bridgeview Inn is what initially appears to be a small shop with delightful gifts, including exotic scarves and enticing Chinese teapots and cups. It houses a wonderful Yum Cha house owned by the equally wonderful and delightful Na Lan. Forget laden trolleys lurching around piled high with bamboo steamers. Here you get to select from a broad variety of dumplings. My friends and I usually opt for the selection of 8 mixed with an additional ‘special’ piece which for me is always the Black Sticky Rice with Coconut. There’s also a pot of tea from a wide choice but I never go past the Oolong.

The shop can cater for a surprising number of people with a back courtyard, the gallery and even tables in the Community Garden out the back where you can wander to examine the locally grown veg. I’d encourage you to book before  going, particularly for Sunday lunch.

For a great review, read Not Quite Nigella

http://www.notquitenigella.com/2012/04/05/the-art-of-dumplings-29-nine-99-rylstone/

Contact details are

88 Louee Street, Rylstone NSW 2849
Tel: +61 (02) 6379 1984

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