Blue Wren

An experience to savour! Inventive, Unique and Imaginative.

Blue Wren, Where Food is art.

A first timer to the Mudgee region, myself and my wife, decided to visit the very best Mudgee had to offer. Blue Wren had been suggested by a friend, who was very clear from the get go. 'Blue Wren is GREAT! - Be ready for something a little different’. And with such high expectations, The 5 course menu delivered - Each dish skilfully created by the chef and individually plated to ensure you first eat with your eyes, then, the food, not only challenging flavours, but with the help of modern tools, it delivers far, far more than expected.

We entered the dining room, and were told that we would be dining at the Chef’s table for the evening, which instantly peaked our curiosity. A unique experience offered by Blue Wren, to be seated at the kitchen, as the chef talks us through the dishes and prepares our meal, right there, in front of us - an amazing educational tool to involve diners, not only as a conversational piece, but as entertainment for the evening.

The decor of Blue Wren is modern, yet warm and inviting. Wine bottles line one side of the dining room, reminding us that Blue Wren also houses a vineyard with Shiraz, Verdelho and Merlot grapes, while the opposite side of the dining room has a view out toward the vineyard.

As we sat and made small talk, we were handed cards, outlining the history of Blue Wren, as well as one card for each of the courses, given prior to serving the dish to help the tastebuds prepare for the culinary delight that was to come, a nice personal touch.

We started the meal with some bread cooked in duck fat, along with marinated olives. Wow. Simple, yet so flavoursome. This was followed by the crispy skin salmon and poached egg on a bed of truffle polenta. which was heavenly. This was followed by Duck breast, pickled vegetables and a duck liver ice cream which the chef, bruleed the top of, to create a crust over the top, a textural contrast to the silky duck liver, served to resemble a dragon fly with accompanying croutons. I have to say, it was great!

The meal continued with Pork Belly, a thyme and rosemary barley, pork neck croquette and a scallop with caviar, followed by a Beef dish with smoked potato puree, pieces of crispy black pudding and red wine butter, giving it just enough richness, with a horseradish snow cutting through to give a distinct contrast of flavours.

When dessert rolled around, we were at a point in the night where we had thought we had seen it all. Then. What looked like the most beautifully plated dessert I have seen was put before us. A mix of raspberry and blueberry sorbet which tasted like they had been picked fresh of the tree, a sweetened liquorice custard, served with beetroot meringues, chocolate mint and a chocolate soil (Who knew this was a thing). All there is to say is Wow.

Thank you for delivering. Thank you for living up to the high expectations we had for you, and Thankyou for a truly memorable night and a lasting firsts impression of good food in Mudgee.

Great wine at an amazing venue

Awesome dinner with ok price!

Do yourself a favour and book a table in advance for your trip to Mudgee. It's popular and often booked out so ring in advance.

The food was fantastic - it worked with interesting flavours and elements but wasn't completely over the top. Every single course was delicious, well-balanced and special. The calibre of the food was better than a lot of fine dining establishments I've been to in Sydney but without a huge price tag. Additionally, the wine pairing was superb and I really enjoyed a number of the varieties they had on offer.

The food is backed up by a gorgeous atmosphere and intimate feel. The Chef, Host and staff are all lovely. Friendliest people you will meet and you can't help but be swept up by the enthusiasm and passion they have for their work.

Wholeheartedly recommend Blue Wren and will tell anyone to make sure it's on their to do list when in Mudgee. It was by far the best restaurant I've tried there.