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| The Long Track Pantry, Jugiong |
The Style: The Long Track Pantry describes itself as a piece of heaven on the Hume and for lovers of good food, this isn’t too far from the truth. The only problem with the Long Track is that the secret is well and truly out and on weekends in particular, it is packed to the rafters so if you are planning lunch, book ahead for busier times.
The Long Track is decorated in a warm, rustic style and it is bursting at the seems with cute touches like birds nests tucked into the walls, baskets, flowers and all sorts of goodies. The Long Track’s range of products including preserves, pre-made meals, local oil, olives, honey and the like are all available from the store. There is a tasting board near the door so let loose and try before you buy.
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| Tasting Board, Long Track Pantry, Jugiong |
The Taste: The food offered up changes with the seasons and the menu is never dull. The Vietnamese chicken salad which was on offer over summer was my favourite but the autumn fig, feta and prosciutto salad gives it a run for its money. There is a range of gourmet sandwiches to eat in or take away. For something more hearty, there are pies bundled up in golden pastry as well as a massive Ploughman’s Lunch which has become a mainstay on the menu. The Long Track also caters for kids with fairy bread and simple sandwiches. The thing that everyone who visits the Long Track seems to talk about is the cake cabinet. The chocolate torte is heavy and moist, the hummingbird is delicious and brownies, muffins and many other sweet treats make regular appearances.
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| Ploughman's Lunch, Long Track Pantry, Jugiong |
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| Cherry Tomato Tart, Long Track Pantry |
The bonus: For those who taste the food and wish they could make it, there is good news! The Long Track runs regular cooking classes. I did one of these a while back and highly recommend it. The classes consist of a step by step display on how to make various dishes followed by a sit down meal with the class. The price includes recipes from the day, the lesson, the meal and a glass of wine at the end.
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| Fig, Prosciutto and Rocket Salad, Long Track Pantry |
The price: Entrees $8-9, Mains $15-19, Cakes $4.50-$7.50
The crowd: There is a mix of locals and day trippers who visit the Long Track. The location of Jugiong just off the Hume between Sydney and Melbourne means there are also a few long-haul travellers stopping in for a coffee and a bite to eat. I even spotted Rob Carlton (who recently played Kerry Packer in Paper Giants) tucking into lunch here.
The service: Always friendly and not too slow considering how busy the place can get.
The Location: The Long Track Pantry is located just off the Hume Highway in Jugiong, NSW. There are billboards marking the turnoff on the Hume Highway.
