Roadtrip Detour: Dojo Bread, Braidwood

Sometimes you come across little hidden gems that you really hope no one else will find out about. There is something so comforting, albeit incredibly selfish, in being one of the only people with the knowledge of something great.

Dojo Bread in Braidwood is one of those places that I hoped would stay hidden and secret forever. But sometime last year when I stopped in on my way to the South Coast, the line was out the door and half way down the lane and I knew the secret was out. Maybe the secret had been out for a long time and I was just holding on in hope that I would never have to wait in line.

The first I knew of Dojo Bread was when Steven randomly won a bread making class a few years back and made his way down to Braidwood to give it a go. He might not have used any of the sourdough skills he claims to have learnt that day, but he did come back with some pretty valuable knowledge – that this little bakery tucked away in Braidwood existed.

It quickly became my favourite place to stop on every roadtrip from Canberra to the South Coast. I am always disappointed if I miss their 1pm closing time and sometimes their opening hours will even dictate what time I want to leave. In my opinion, it is definitely worth leaving an hour early if it means the possibility of a pastry and coffee pitstop at Dojo.

Hidden down one of the little laneways off Braidwood’s main street, Dojo’s tiny shopfront is located in a beautiful old building with a gorgeous little garden out the front. They make delicious bread that is often still warm when you buy it, great pastries and decent coffee. You can grab everything to go or take a little break and enjoy all the goodies while sitting at one of their cozy garden tables.

Next time you’re passing through Braidwood (and it’s before 1pm), Dojo Bread is a must. Open from 9am-1pm everyday, you can find them at Rear Lane, 91 Wallace Street in Braidwood. If you’re into baking delicious things yourself, they also run bread making classes every few months.

Does anyone else have a favourite roadtrip detour?

– Bec x

From Coast to Country: Mollymook & Milton

The Mollymook-Milton area of the NSW South Coast is one of my faves for a few reasons —the beaches, the food, the shopping — and I particularly love how quickly you can go from coast to country.

This is exactly what Mum and I did a few weeks back. My last blog was all about our decadent lunch at Cupitt’s Winery, but that was only one part of our incredibly indulgent weekend.

We took the Friday off work and had a lazy morning packing and drinking coffee before the two and a half hour drive to Mollymook.

From coast… 

Mollymook is a gorgeous little coastal town just north of Ulladulla with beautiful beaches and chill vibes. Friday night we stayed at Bannisters, a boutique hotel located on the cliff of Bannisters Point at Mollymook.

It’s well-known for being home to the restaurant of famous English chef, Rick Stein. That night, we splurged and treated ourselves to a special dinner. We both even made the rare exception to eat seafood for the occasion (Mum and I are usually vegetarians). I can definitely recommend the fish pie – it’s super rich and creamy, but oh so good.

All the rooms at Bannisters have amazing ocean views and it was absolute bliss to wake up to the sun streaming in through the windows in the morning. They serve up a killer breakfast buffet too.

To country…

Milton is literally a five minute drive north of Mollymook along the Princes Highway, but with it’s cute country town main street and green fields brimming with frolicking cows, you would never know it.

It’s definitely one of my favourite little towns on the NSW South Coast. Mum and I spent Saturday browsing the little boutique shops, drinking coffee and eating Pilgrims burgers.

That night we stayed at Narrawilly Cottages in the cutest little cottage on a dairy farm just out of town. We eventually got the fire going and settled in for a cosy night with cheese and wine. We woke up on Sunday to a chorus of cows and managed to get more than a little mud on our shoes when we went for a morning walk around the property.

Mum and I had a great little weekend away, going from Mollymook to Milton and hitting up all the best spots in between. Next time you want a weekend away and can’t decide between coast or country, these two little neighbouring towns on the NSW South Coast have got your back.

– Bec x

South Coast Eats: Cupitt’s Winery, Milton

It was kind of an accident that the weekend we chose was Mother’s Day, but mum and I finally made it to the South Coast for a few days after trying to plan a mother-daughter weekend for what seems like forever.  On the Sunday (Mother’s Day) we had a decadent lunch for two at Cupitt’s Winery.

Cupitt’s is a great little winery located on a gorgeous property just outside of Milton. The cellar door is located inside a beautiful old 19th century building, while the vineyard restaurant next door has fantastic views over the vines.

Being Mother’s Day, they had a special three course lunch menu going and delivered a sneaky glass of sparkling to the table for mum as we sat down. The menu at Cupitt’s is French-inspired, a little bit fancy and super delicious. My favourite was definitely dessert, the passionfruit tart with coconut ice cream and soft meringue was a downright winner.

We had the option of paired wines with our meal, but we were driving home that afternoon and are unfortunately responsible adults who would never drink and drive. Instead, we only had one glass each and it wasn’t an easy decision.

Mum had a glass of the Late Harvest Riesling, while I went for a glass of Rosie’s Rosé. I’ve been pretty into my rosé recently and I had heard good things about Cupitt’s take on the pink-coloured wine. If you’re into it as much as me, then definitely get your hands on a bottle of this stuff – it’s crisp and dry, with a little hint of strawberry sweetness.

Cupitt’s make a huge variety of wine – I am keen to get back and have a tasting at their cellar door. And if you’re not into wine, they also brew their own beers.

Cupitt’s Winery is located at 58 Washburton Road, Ulladulla. The cellar door is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm. The vineyard kitchen is open for lunch Wednesday to Sunday, 12 to 2pm and for dinner Friday to Saturday, 6 to 8.30pm. You can also find them on facebook, twitter and instagram.

Happy Mother’s Day Mum!

– Bec x

South Coast Eats: The Rivermouth General Store, Tomakin

In an effort to preserve summer for as long as possible, I am continuing with my coastal theme and sharing one of my new favourite eateries on the South Coast – The Rivermouth General Store in Tomakin.

On the Sunday that we visited, the sun was shining and it seemed that everyone in town had the same idea – soaking up the sunshine in the cute garden courtyard of The Rivermouth. This little cafe is all about the chill vibes and seaside location. You only have to look at their instagram to know that the team behind The Rivermouth love their surfing and coastal lifestyle.

They also love good food and good coffee – my favourite. The menu is fresh, simple and oh so tasty. Local produce is a big feature and they have a killer drinks menu with delicious juices and indulgent shakes. Did I mention their coffee is good too? And I mean, really, who can resist a takeaway cup with a good logo?

You can find The Rivermouth General Store on Sunpatch Parade in Tomakin on the NSW South Coast.

The Sun House at Surf Beach

So you may have noticed that I’ve been spending much of my summer flitting between Canberra and the South Coast.

Matt’s parents, the beautiful Mick and Christine, have recently moved to a property at Surf Beach on the NSW South Coast. Not only does the move mark a change of pace and scenery for Mick and Chris, but it also signifies the beginning of a new and exciting venture as owners of the Sun House at Surf Beach.

The Sun House is luxury and relaxation all wrapped up in a king-size bed and served with a side of complimentary champagne. It’s a private self-contained bed and breakfast perfect for one couple. With a big bathroom, enormous bedroom, kitchen and living room, I’m not being biased when I say that the Sun House is lush.

My favourite is waking up with the sun and spending time getting lost in their beautiful gardens. Palms and ferns are my absolute fave and they are everywhere. There’s a bridge that overlooks one of the ponds, a shady lane of magnolia trees out the front, a rogue pumpkin vine sprouting from the compost and six resident chooks. Of course, there’s also the tennis court and pool.

Inside, there’s the giant bed and private spa, but the main event has got to be the fridge – Mick and Chris always stock up on local produce for their guests. There’s the usual suspects like bread, cereal, bacon and eggs, but there’s something extra special about having the option of making your own pancakes or downing that first early morning coffee straight from your own espresso machine. And if you’re anything like me and you enjoy something sweet with your coffee, Chris has you covered with fresh home baked goods awaiting your arrival.

If you’re looking for some lush accommodation on the South Coast, call 02 4471 1152 and Mick and Chris will sort you out. You can also find them on Facebook.

Note: All photos are by the very talented Canberra-based photographers Damian and Sarah.