Firestick Cafe – Pokolbin, Hunter Valley
Cool down lights ^^!; Artistic painting but to be honest I think it is a Rorscach test and I am seeing a… duck
When relatives came over, a good way to entertain them for a whole day is of course a day trip to the Hunter Valley for all those wine tastings! Busing it from vineyard to vineyard is hungry and thirsty work so a stop at the Firestick Cafe for a light lunch was in order. There was quite a few places I had wanted to try (from reading other foodblogs hee hee) but as this was recommended and close to our wine testing this place was chosen.
Mmmmm pizza XD! Hee hee the happy pizza chef looks like he is singing
When we were led to our table we went past the wood fire oven and I spotted these tantalizing pizzas calling out to me saying “eeaattt mmeee”. I made a quick mental note to order the pizzas for sure! Thinking about the pizzas we ordered and Here Comes the Food
Amuse Bouche
A nice airy puff to start off the meal. As you can see everybody was starving and digging into this with a passion and I was fortunate enough to pull off some quick shots hee hee.
Pork schnitzel with crushed potato, rocket and waldorf salad ($24/$36)
I am unsure as to whether this was entree or main size but it was disappointingly small (so probably the entree). The taste however was appreciated with a crumbly coat and tender pork inside. It still loses to places like Bavarian and Unas but it was pretty decent especially since we were all starving hee hee. The salad and potatoes worked very well with the pork with a good creaminess to cut through any monotony of the schnitzel.
Pumpkin, fetta and olives ($23)
The pizzas did not disappoint at all, the dough were beautifully baked with a crispy bottom but also soft and fluffy just as I like it. The chhesseee was nice and stringy and althought I am not a big fan of olives but the feta added a nice salty touch whenever you came across one of them while the pumpkin was soft and slightly gooey.
Confit pork belly, caramelized fennel and gherkins ($25)
Did someone mention pork belly?!?! XD Just look at that fat! My heart was a-flutter at the thought of pork belly and something caramelized on a pizza. Although the taste was not very strong it was very delicious indeed and not too salty thankfully.
Wagyu burger with caramelized onions, tomato, mesclun salad, grilled hearb bread and fries ($23)
When I saw this on the menu I just had to order one for myself to share (cos sharing is caring 
) and compare to the others here in Sydney. Although it is pricier than Plan B it is bigger and look at that generous serving of fries to go with! The wagyu patty was tasty and soft and cooked very professionally, while the caramelized onions enhanced the whole burger immensely for me hee hee. The herb bread is not as good as the brioche of the Plan B but it did add a nice herby flavour to the burger.
Cured duck breast and confit leg with fennel, braised witlof and orange vinaigrette ($26/$39)
The duck was also another highlight of the meal with juicy and tender slices of duck and an accompanying layer of beautifully browned flavouring. From memory, I did not sense much of the orange vinaigrette but that could just be my memory lacking.
Braised goat and baby turnip pie with mesclun salad ($20)
The pie came with a delicious golden brown pastry covering and opened up to reveal chunks (and shreds) of goat, carrots, baby turnip and Jerusalem artichokes (from memory). This was not their best dish but it was still fairly tasty and I loved the flaky pastry most of all.
Pan fried kingfish with corn, potato and cockle chowder ($26/$39)
Kingfish and corn was an interesting combination I must say and I think they managed to make it work. The fillets of kingfish flaked away to reveal a delicious and tender steaks of fish while the corn and chowder added a sweetness to it.
The rocks outside ROCK/Firestick Cafe
A pleasant meal was had by all with decent food and a serene view of some vineyards and a pond.
On our way back from Hunter Valley we also stopped by the Entrance to see the pelican feeding! Can you spot the one with Nemo and Marlin 
?
ROCK Restaurant & Firestick Cafe
(located within Poole’s Rock Winery estate)
576 Debeyers Rd
Pokolbin, 2320
Ph: (02) 4998 6968
FFichiban
November 16th, 2009 at 6:46 am
The pizzas look so nice! Probably go the burger too but it kinda looks raw on the inside.
How were the fries?
November 16th, 2009 at 8:32 am
Would never have thought to pair fish with corn. Looks great. Goat pie sounds interesting and burgers, pork belly and duck confit? *sigh* all my favourite things…
November 16th, 2009 at 9:13 am
Ooh king fish with corn sounds like a really interesting combo. And omg confit pork belly pizza?? Must go nowww! I can’t wait to visit the hunter valley, I haven’t been since I was a kid who was stuck in the back seat of the car while everyone else went wine tasting.
November 16th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
hunter valley is near sydney right? I can’t wait to go Syndey, i’m flying on the 3rd dec! we have to meet up yeah
November 16th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
your pictures get more and more RIDICULOUS!
drop dead beautiful!!!! I vant all ve food!
November 16th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
ahh..I can see why the pizzas didn’t disappoint- they look amazing. No need for meat!
And the duck….no words needed. Nice post!
November 16th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
The fornt pelican has a real “Oh Hai!” expression!
A greta idea for visiting rellies-we usually like to stay overnight so we don’t have to rush back.
November 17th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
Woo nice one!
Food looks great but the art work on the wall looking good, I wants!
hmmmm duck confit…
November 18th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Duck confit, pork belly, and wagyu…it’s a ninja’s wet dream.