The weather report apparently threatened that Saturday would be thunderstorms/flash floods, but apparently the weatherman ain’t that accurate, because we had none of that whatsoever 😛 It wasn’t super sunny, but at least it wasn’t rainy and the weather was pretty warm. Strangely though, we had a severe case of mist/fog in the evening – it was so bad that we were crawling down the road in the car, because we couldn’t see more than a few metres in front of us!

Anyway, started off the morning pottering around some Arts & Crafts Markets in the area, then headed to the cosy Cafe Bon Ton in Leura for lunch. It’s pretty famous and always a must-eat place when you ask anyone (in fact, we went there the last time we were in the area a year or 2 ago), mainly because of the romantic, cosy ambience and delicious food. I made a mistake by ordering the Smoked Chicken Triple Decker Sandwich with Watercress, Lemon Myrtle Stuffing, Green Tomato Chutney. It was nice, but nothing amazing because I mean, it’s a sandwich! That’s the very reason why I never order sandwiches, they’re just generally pretty boring. But I felt like being (vaguely) healthy and regretted it afterwards. Chris was smarter in his choice of Braised Beef Shank Pie with Smashed Peas, Red Wine Reduction, Spicy Tomato Relish – it was very hearty and more-ish and absolutely delicious if not super-filling.

Completely random Christmas set-up we saw as we were driving

Arts & Crafts Markets

Arts & Crafts Markets

Cafe Bon Ton

The cosy interior

Organic Hot Chocolate

Smoked Chicken Triple Decker Sandwich with Watercress, Lemon Myrtle Stuffing, Green Tomato Chutney (AU$13.50)

Braised Beef Shank Pie with Smashed Peas, Red Wine Reduction, Spicy Tomato Relish (AU$19.50)

We then made the 1 hr drive to Jenolan Caves, for a special event, Chorus In The Caves. It was awesome!! The caves provide a cathedral-like sound quality, but all natural of course. Was really amazed that it sounded so good without any musical instruments whatsoever. It was fun huddled up in the cave and listening to them.. then having a cave tour afterwards. It was definitely an experience, especially since it was a special event that the Chorus were performing. Next time, we’ve decided we’re going to go cave spelunking – digging/climbing around in the caves wearing a jumpsuit and a helmet with a light on the front. So fun!!

The beautiful drive to Jenolan Caves

Looking over the mountains

1+ hr later.. right at the bottom of the mountains

YAY we’re here!

Chilled out in the car for a few mins since we were early

Super touristy shot

Waiting around for the guide to arrive

Going up the stairs into the cave entrance

Squeezy little walkway in the caves

Pretty formations

Peeking through

Scary!

DON’T GET LOST

Crazy bright flash. And yes, only crazy me would go climbing caves carrying a Balenciaga bag 😉

Seated and waiting

The Chorus!

“Happy Together”

“Bohemian Rhapsody”

“It’s Raining Men”

“O Come All Ye Faithful”

Out safe and sound. Haha!

Saw a cute lizard on the way out

Dinner was at The Swiss Cottage, a little place I hunted down online because of its fantastic reviews. It was so hidden away on an obscure road that we were initially a bit disheartened, as the road outside look totally deserted. It’s a stand-alone restaurant so Chris actually said “Errr.. we’re leaving if no one’s dining in there” but we were floored when we stepped in. It was like stepping into a different world – a warm, cozy little slice of Switzerland! It was decorated everywhere we looked and jam packed with diners and bustling with activity. It looked awesome and our stomachs immediately did little cartwheels of delight in anticipation 😛

The service was absolutely spectacular. Incredibly friendly and so so efficient, the food came out within a few minutes! The menu is contemporary Swiss food and totally decadent… which also means it’s totally unhealthy but we’re on holiday, so who cares 😉 I opted for the Veal A La Creme – Swiss traditional meal of Veal emince with button mushrooms in a creamy white wine sauce, with rosti which is really similar to beef stroganoff but I preferred this one more I think. The rosti was crisp on the outside but lovely and fluffy on the inside. Chris had the White Farm Rabbit in a wonderful basil sauce, served with rosti which I initially was a bit iffy about trying.. I mean, it’s a bit weird to eat rabbit? To be honest though, it’s like chicken but with a very subtle game-y flavour. Very nice but had little bones in it (like a chicken wing) which was annoying. We also randomly added some Herb & Garlic Bread to our order because Chris heard someone at the next table saying it was awesome, haha. It was! It came piled with lots of chives and garlic and butter.. mmmmm.

Dessert was the total stunner though, Hot Swiss Chocolate Pudding topped with Lindt Chocolate and Vanilla ice cream. HOLY CRAP!!! The pudding was a butter pudding of sorts, incredibly moist and juicy.. and the liquid Lindt chocolate was poured on top so it soaked into the pudding as well. It was mind blowing. One of the best desserts I’ve had and if I’m ever in the Blue Mountains area again I’m definitely going back for more 😉

Crazy mist/fog descended on us in the evening

The Swiss Cottage

Cozy interior

It was packed!

Veal A La Creme – Swiss traditional meal of Veal emince with button mushrooms in a creamy white wine sauce, with rosti (AU$25.00)

White Farm Rabbit in a wonderful basil sauce, served with rosti (AU$26.00)

Garlic & Herb Bread (AU$3.00)

Hot Swiss Chocolate Pudding topped with Lindt Chocolate and Vanilla ice cream (AU$15.00)

Our cute bill-bearing cow