Summerside Up: cruising the Poachers Way in an all new BMW 2 Series Coupé! | HerCanberra

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Summerside Up: cruising the Poachers Way in an all new BMW 2 Series Coupé!

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Mr HerCanberra and I recently took the chance to cruise around The Poachers Way as part of the Summerside Festival in a BMW 435i M Sport kindly lent to us by Rolfe Classic BMW. Oh, it’s a hard life. Yes, it is.

I don’t think it’s a secret that I really (really) like good food and wine…so the chance to sample some of our region’s best was too good to resist. Our itinerary took us from Lerida Estate Wines at Lake George, to Capital Wines and Grazing at Gundaroo, then on to Poachers Pantry and Robyn Rowe Chocolates in the Murrumbateman/Hall area…not only did we taste some superb food (and take home a bootful of wine) but we got to explore some parts of the countryside that we hadn’t driven before.

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And that’s where the BMW came in – I usually drive a good, solid little Honda Civic and tend to be in the ‘whatever gets me from A to B’ camp when it comes to cars…but, honestly, it took literally just minutes behind the wheel of the 435i to awaken the ‘car chick’ in me. It is just too cool for words.

So, join Mr HerCanberra and I as we take you on our journey around The Poachers Way…and make sure you read to the end, where we tell you how you can win your very own Poachers Way/Rolfe Classic BMW roadtrip!

MR HERCANBERRA (HIM)

I am a BMW fan.  Love them.  There’s something about the “Ultimate Driving Machine” that just works for me.  I’ll confess at the outset that I have a BMW – albeit an older one – a lovely black 335 coupé…which means that I was pretty happy when Amanda suggested the idea of a day out in a brand new BMW!

A quick history lesson for those that are interested.  BMW has always made sedan and coupé versions of their cars.  So a 3 Series could be bought with 2 doors or 4 doors.  Same goes for the baby of the BMW range, the 1 Series.

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Fast forward to today and they’ve revised their naming so that a 3 Series coupé becomes a 4 Series.  And likewise a 1 Series coupé becomes a 2 Series.  Makes sense when you think about it!

So we’re lucky enough to have spent the day in a brand new 4 Series – a white 435i M sport – which is the top of the range.  This one has been spec’d with all sorts of goodies including M brakes, sunroof, LED headlights.  Note to wife – good job organising this trip!

ME (HER)

In my world, the idea of a whole day of eating and drinking (with a designated driver in a schmicko car) is pretty heavenly. We started our adventure at Lerida Estate Wines, about a 40 minute drive from our inner south home.

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Even though it’s freeway most of the time, it’s a pretty drive, particularly once you get to the Lake George area with its graceful wind turbines on one side and rocky slopes on the other. The time flew by, as Mr HerCanberra entertained me by showing me all the ‘cool bits’ of the BMW (I’ll let him wax lyrical about that).

HIM

OMG the gadgets in this thing are amazing!  Even Amanda was impressed with the amount of technology they have squeezed into this thing!

The 435i has a Head-up display on the windscreen.  Not only does it display the speed (as do some other cars) this one includes satellite navigation instructions, track lists from your iPhone, information about cruise control, the price of fish in China etc…

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The iDrive (BMW speak for the multimedia system) worked beautifully with Amanda’s iPhone, with audio playback via Bluetooth including album art on the display and the car able to use the data services on your phone to access web-based information on the screen…pity all she had on the playlist was Zumba music.

I never thought I would get excited about headlights (sad, I know) but even driving the 435i at night was a new experience thanks to LED headlights that track around corners as you turn.  Pretty sweet.

HER

Lerida Estate Wines is a gorgeous little winery, set on a hillside just off the Federal Highway. It’s popular with cyclists (as we found when we nearly mowed down a couple meandering across the exit road – perhaps post-wine tasting?) and was packed for brunch in the Barrel Room when we arrived.

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John Caine gave us a bit of a taste of some of their wines, including their award winning pinot noirs and Shiraz Viognier, but I have to admit the Zenzi Rosato Frizzante was my favourite. A low-alcohol moscato-style wine, it’s a blend of Viognier and Pinot Gris with a small amount of Pinot Noir…and it’s just so yummy! Perfect for a summer’s night…

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Lerida also has a full size Petanque course onsite, and have mapped a great winery walk from their winery to Lake George Wines, so if you’re out for one of their Summerside Festival events, you can easily while away a day!

We had other places to go, and it was 35 degrees, so we gave the Petanque a swerve…but not before Mr HerCanberra had persuaded John to let him take a picture of the BMW amongst the wine vats. As you do.

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HIM

C’mon, it was a great shot! Let’s be honest, if you are going to drop a lot of coin on a car like this, you want it to look good.  The 4 series doesn’t disappoint.  This one is the M sport edition and drew plenty of admiring glances on the way out of Canberra.

The 4 series has only been available in Australia for a few months so there are still relatively few of them around, especially a top of the range like this one. The 2 series is due out soon (think a shrunken 4 series) so I’m waiting to see what that looks like – rumour is that it’s going to be something pretty special.

HER

As long as you’re driving, and I’m drinking, I’m up for it. Speaking of which, next stop was Gundaroo, for Capital Wines’ Oyster Bar. I have learnt that oysters are the way to Mr HerCanberra’s heart, so I figured this would keep my designated driver happy…I didn’t realise it would be such a win for me!

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Their Epicurean Oyster Experience comprises a dozen oysters, done six ways, with six matching wines. There’s Oysters in the nude (a la natural) matched with Sauvignon blanc;  Blue Nudes topped with just melted St Agur blue matched with riesling; Oysters topped with Eden smoked salmon & creme fraiche matched with chardonnay; Oysters with soy, mirin and Doodles Creek Wasabi Mayonnaise matched with rosè; ‘Carpet Bag’ Oyster (Bungendore Meats’ Herb and Garlic Sausage stuffed with an oyster with a Kyeema Vineyard Merlot; and Oysters Kilpatrick matched with sparkling shiraz.

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Knowing that we have a four course lunch immediately after, Mr HerCanberra and I decided to split the wines and oysters, and it was just the right amount. Mighty good and we took a few bottles of our fave drops home for good measure.

HIM

As Amanda says, I’m a big oyster fan…and these were fantastic. I think my favourite combination was the Soy and Mirin, but the Carpet Bag was something different and the Kilpatrick had a real kick to them. Really, really good – all of it.

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Our next stop was a mere 60 second walk from Capital Wines (set in the old stables of the historic Royal Hotel, which  Grazing now occupies), although I was rather disappointed we weren’t getting back in the car just yet.

We had Grazing’s Kitchen Garden Assiette, and it was everything you would expect from a menu centred around regional fare that promises to feature produce ‘plucked straight from their vegetable garden’.

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Oh, and there was wine matched to every course, too. You see why Amanda needed a designated driver.

HER

I was so looking forward to this meal – I’d been out to Grazing before, to chat with Chef Kurt Neumann before, but I had never eaten. This four-course meal probably made up for it!

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On the menu was roast baby beetroot and green lentil salad with goat’s cheese fritter and fine garden herbs (above); followed by roast duck with scallop, green tomato relish and globe artichoke puree; then ox cheek with pumpkin, zucchini blossom and micro herbs. To finish, a stunning Garden Dessert Assiette of Lemon Balm Ice Cream, honey toffee fig, wattle seed panna cotta and pickled peach (below).

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It was amazing. So fresh and flavoursome, and every course showed imagination and flair, and showcased the technical skill of Grazing’s kitchen. The Kitchen Garden Assiette is available for lunch Friday to Sunday, and dinner Thursday to Saturday throughout the Summerside Festival, and I’m tempted to go back for another taste of the region.

At this point, Mr HerCanberra bundled my wine-affected self into the Bimmer, and we were off for…gasp…more wine and food at Poachers Pantry.

HIM

Sweet … back behind the wheel!  So, how does it drive? Fast.  It’s got a 3.0L six cylinder with a twin-scroll turbo, no shortage of power here.

The best part was the gearbox – an eight speed with flappy paddles on the steering wheel.  When it’s in sport mode and under full throttle, the car makes this brap noise with each gear change.  Very nice.

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At this point I will mention that Amanda complained of vertigo like symptoms and asked me to stop driving like that.  Which leads me to the brakes.  They are blue with ‘M’ symbols on them and are the size of large dinner plates.  Enough said.

HER

I never thought I would say this, but I may have had too much food and wine in a short period. But in the name of research, I pushed on to Poachers Pantry, where we enjoyed a smoked meat and matched wine tasting.

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I’ve been a fan of Poachers’ meats for years, and am lucky that our local Shoprite regularly stocks the range…but I’d never had them matched with their Wily Trout Wines. We tried chicken breast with tarragon and lemon, ham, smoked duck breast, kangaroo prosciutto, and peppered beef sirloin matched with a selection of wines and, as had become custom, ended up ‘taking away’ some wine.

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Poachers Pantry is a gorgeous place to spend an afternoon, and they’ve got some great events happening during the Summerside Festival: Twilight Tapas from 5pm until late every Friday during February (smoked meats matched with their Wily Trout wine to the sounds of live music); to lazy long lunches each Saturday and Sunday. I’m actually looking forward to getting back there with the kids, where they can wander around the lawn while we watch and sip a wine or two.

HIM

By this point I was getting fed up of watching her drink nice wine while I sipped water. So I was a bit excited about our final leg – Robyn Rowe’s Chocolat d’Or. It may look like a small shed by a dam, but step inside and you could be in a Parisian Chocolatier.

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We decided to try the Chocolate Assiette with Sparkling Shiraz for her (yes, she found more wine), and a Chocolate Glace for me. We tried everything the Centenary Sea Salted Caramel, Hazelnut Praline, Orange Créme Truffle, Chilli Chocolate, Caramel Raspberry Framboise, Aramatoquie Poire, (Pear), and a chocolate cup filled with homemade ice cream with a chocolate ‘spoon’.

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Given how much we had eaten, dinner would not be required…

HER

Robyn Rowe is the Canberra food industry’s Maggie Beer – she’s so sweet that you just want to hug her, and she’s so talented! I love her ‘Chocolat d’Or’ because not only do you get to sample her amazing chocolates, but you can see her at work in her kitchen.

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A selection of her decadent treats and a glass of local Jeir Creek Sparkling Shiraz was the perfect end to a brilliant day discovering just how good we have it in this region when it comes to food and wine. I was totally tempted to call the babysitter and book a room at Country Guesthouse Schnonegg just up the road! Alas, it was Sunday afternoon and the commitments of the coming work week called, so it was back into the BMW for our trip home.

HIM 

Well this part is pretty predictable – I loved the 435i and was loathe to give back the keys! It’s a cracker of a car, a little bit more grown up than my 335.  The BMW technology has come a long way over recent years (mine is a 2007 model with plenty of k’s on the clock) and it’s got me thinking about when to upgrade.

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Now to persuade Amanda that we need to swing another roadtrip when the all new BMW 2 Series Coupé lands.  Honey, how about an M235i in white?

This is a sponsored post.

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71 Responses to Summerside Up: cruising the Poachers Way in an all new BMW 2 Series Coupé!

Michelle B says: 14 February, 2014 at 11:18 am

Hahaha oh this totally made my morning, what a great recap of your day! I did have to laugh when I Mr HerCanberra’s comment about the only music on your playlist being Zumba music, and sympathised (but also giggled) when he said you asked him to ‘stop driving like that’ – which gave him an excuse to write about how nice the brakes are (have to agree with him about BMWs, they are beautiful cars to drive). I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again, I am totally awed at how much you managed to eat and drink on this outing, but I would have done the same, too good to resist! Those pics of the food have made me really hungry!

Libby Oakes-Ash says: 14 February, 2014 at 12:38 pm

Answer no 1
Less Rules
More Firward Thrust -Coupe Line
More Space-the interior
More Expression – Doublekidney grille
More Soorts car- the rear spoiler
More Character- The headlights
More Statement- L shaped rear lights
Mire Performance

Love anything to do with the Poachers away but really love the three activities of the Summersude festival

Burn else Excursiobs on Horseback
Poachers pantry- live music on the Terrace
Periods estate Wine, rhythm and Song a jazz experience

Thank you Souch for the opportunity to enter.

Libby

Vicki says: 14 February, 2014 at 1:20 pm

Love the whole story and agree with Michelle – Drew’s comments are priceless!

Less rules, more performance.

Capital Wines – Oyster Bar
Country Guesthouse Schonegg
Grazing – Twilight Nights

Sally Johnston says: 14 February, 2014 at 1:25 pm

“LESS RULES. MORE PERFORMANCE. The first-ever BMW 2 Series Coupe.

1. Twilight Horse Ride at Burnelee Excursions on Horseback
2. Canberra District Riesling Tasting at Jeir Creek Wines
3. Pinot Noir Master Class at Lerida Estate

What a prize!
Thank you 🙂

kate @ livinglovinglaughing says: 14 February, 2014 at 2:08 pm

Oh goodness, I will be dreaming of this awesome prize all weekend now!!

“Less Rules. More Performance. The first-ever BMW 2 Series Coupe.”

1. Poachers pantry – Live music on the Terrace

2. Overnight stay at Schonegg

3. Twilight Horse Ride at Burnelee Excursions on Horseback

Kevin says: 14 February, 2014 at 2:20 pm

Less rules, more performance

Poachers pantry – Live music on the Terrace
Tallagandra Hill – Tastes of Summer
Lerida Estate – Wine, Rhythm & Song – A Jazz Experience

Jenny Blasi says: 14 February, 2014 at 2:26 pm

“Less Rules. More Performance. The first-ever BMW 2 Series Coupe”

1. Meet the Locals – Winemakers at City Cellar Door
2. Lerida Estate Winery Tours & Tutored Tasting
3. Lerida Estate Pinot Noir Master Class

Karen Emms says: 14 February, 2014 at 2:34 pm

“Less Rules, More Performance – the first ever BMW 2 Series Coupe”.

1. Wine, Rhythm & Song; a jazz experience @ Lerida
2. Oyster Bar @ Capital Wines Epicurean Centre and
3. Faulty Towers Dining Experience @ Flint

Wine, Jazz, Oysters, a good laugh, ambience, great food, unsurpassed scenery and an epic driving machine and feat of engineering – life couldn’t get any better than that!!

Hana says: 14 February, 2014 at 2:40 pm

What a prize!
As a newbie to Canberra I have so much to explore, as I haven’t yet found a job I have no money to explore with 🙂

1. Less rules. More performance

2. A morning trail ride, a twilight night at Grazing and the Golden Summerside package at Schonegg sounds perfect.

trentyn says: 14 February, 2014 at 2:57 pm

Someone would just have a blue fit if I won this for them 😀

1. “Less Rules. More Performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series Coupé.”
2. Fawlty Towers Dining Experience, Twilight Horse ride, and Lantern Cinema.

Thanks for this opportunity and the reviews!

Anna says: 14 February, 2014 at 7:50 pm

The Summerside festival sounds fabulous!

‘Less rules. More performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series Coupe.’

1. Golden Summerside Accommodation Package at Country Guesthouse Schonegg.
2. Kitchen Garden Assiette menu at Grazing.
3. Bread wine and cheese at Silo

Anna xx

Lauren says: 14 February, 2014 at 9:44 pm

less rulesMore performance

1- an overnight stay at schonegg
2-poaches twilight tapas
3-twilight horse riding

It was a very hard to choose. It was very hard not to add choose the chocolate making/tasting.
What an absolutely amazing competition.

Goodluck to everyone.

Amanda B says: 14 February, 2014 at 10:05 pm

Answer: Less Rules. More Performance. The first-ever BMW 2 Series Coupe.

OK. Weekend sorted:

Friday 21 February 2014: 1700 hours: Collect magnificent 2-series BMW coupé from Rolfe Classic BMW. Wow. Just a little bit excited.

1. Friday 21 February 2014: 2030 hours: Arrive in style at Flint in the Vines with cozy rug and cushions at the ready for moonlight movie – Roman Holiday. Love Audrey Hepburn.

2. Saturday 22 February 2014: 1600 hours: Enjoy an afternoon of opera and song with wine and canapés at Opera at Lerida. Especially looking forward to sampling a glass of 2012 Zenzi Rosato Frizzante. Feeling good about all proceeds from the event going to ‘Ending Poverty for Women and Girls through Economic Empowerment’ in support of the Australian National Committee for UN Women.

3. Sunday 23 February 2014: 1100 hours: Brunch at Poacher’s Pantry. Can’t wait to try the grilled Welsh rarebit! Leisurely make our way back home via the meandering roads of picturesque Hall.

Monday – massive dose of reality when it’s back to work. By that time, our wonderful weekend will be but a distant memory, when the silent sounds of the Poacher’s Way make way for the hustle and bustle of city life once again.

Jess B says: 15 February, 2014 at 10:30 am

Less Rules. More Performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series Coupé.

So many amazing things to choose from… but I managed to narrow it down to three.. This would be an amazing weekend!
Twilight Horse Ride
Pialligo Regional Dinner
Wine, Rhythm & Song – A Jazz Experience

Diana says: 15 February, 2014 at 4:49 pm

LESS RULES. MORE PERFORMANCE. The first-ever BMW 2 Series Coupe.

1. Twilight tapas
2. Twilight Horse Ride
3. Overnight stay at Schonegg

Can’t wait for a fantastic and relaxing weekend ! Goodluck !

netty says: 16 February, 2014 at 10:27 am

Wow! What an amazing prize! My ’98 Mazda is pretty much the newest car I’ve ever driven. I would happily leave it at home for a weekend!
Imagine….Less rules. More performance!

Were going to Grazing for lunch today but it would probably make the list again…
But to narrow it down to three:
An overnight stay at Schonegg sounds amazing
Those oysters….wow! Capital wines epicurean centre
And since my fella has never done a wine tasting (i know!?) Clonakilla would be a necessary stop.

Thankyou! Fingers crossed

TrickyT says: 16 February, 2014 at 12:51 pm

Less RULES. More PERFORMANCE. The first-ever BMW 2 Series Coupé.

My Poachers Way Experiences would start with a ‘Golden Summerside’ luxury package at Country Guesthouse Schönegg – who could resist delicious Gold Bar chocolates handcrafted by Robyn Rowe, breakfast and the fabulous NGA Gold and the Incas: Lost Worlds of Peru exhibition!
We would then enjoy stunning South Coast Wapengo Lake oysters at the Capital Wines Epicurean Centre Oyster Bar, freshly shucked and matched to chilled wine.
Last but not least, a lazy Sunday afternoon at Tallagandra Hill taking in the sounds of acoustic guitar while tasting the delights of Morocco and enjoying a glass of wine.

Anna B says: 16 February, 2014 at 3:18 pm

“Less Rules. More Performance.”

I know my MrCanberra would get a kick out of driving the BMW Series Coupe around town and out of it as he takes me to these these 3 Summerside Festival events:

1) Brunch at Poachers Pantry
A love for their smoked meats was established after taste testing them at the Food & Wine Festival this weekend.

2) Gundaroo Outback Show
Camels, working dogs, bullock team, etc – YEEEHAWW yes count me in!

3) ‘Kitchen Garden Assiette’ 4 course menu at Grazing
I am keen as a bean to try this, as it is one of my all-time favourite restaurants (definitely worth the drive out).

What an amazing experience HerCanberra is offering! *crosses fingers*

Bindii says: 16 February, 2014 at 3:40 pm

Less RULES. More PERFORMANCE.

Sounds just like my man!!

The three things I want to do – I want to drive a BMW, I want to drive a BMW car, I want to drive a BMW!

Actually I want to eat drink and be merry – oh it’s my birthday next Saturday. HINT.

Carissa says: 16 February, 2014 at 3:58 pm

Less Rules. More Performance. The first-ever BMW 2 Series Coupe.

I would start the day in Canberra by dropping in to 2 before 10 to let my hubby start his day the right way and experience the roasted coffee’s they make there. Then I would head to the Poacher’s Pantry to sample their matched tastings and end with Robyn Rowe’s delicious chocolates. inbetween of course would be the wineries and I’d happily spring for the night at Schoneggs to top it all off.

Taryn says: 16 February, 2014 at 5:08 pm

“Less Rules. More Performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series Coupé.”

I”d pick a stay Country Guesthouse Schönegg with their ‘Golden Summerside’ package
Eat soooo many oysters at the Oyster Bar
And dinner at Grazing

Your visit looks amazing!!

Rachi says: 16 February, 2014 at 5:24 pm

I’m normally too lazy to enter competitions but this one is way too good not to!

“Less rules. More performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series Coupé”

It’s hard work choosing 3 out of all the amazing things on offer for Summerside Festival but here goes:
1. Friday pm: Pick up that pretty car and head to Pod Food for Pialligo Cheese & Wine tasting event.
2. Saturday: Lunch at Grazing’s Kitchen Garden Assiette (then cruise around town of course)
3. Sunday: As a self confessed Riesling addict I would have to go to the Canberra district Riesling Tasting event at Jeir Creek (not before cruising around Murrumbateman area visiting few other wineries while we are there).

Great prize and great post! You and Drew should do co-written posts like this more often 😉 This was a super fun read! x

JodieMcA says: 17 February, 2014 at 9:14 am

“Less rules. More performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series Coupé”

Start the day with a horsie ride (1)
then rest a little on my backside –
Twilight Tapas (2) to eat my fill
and Lantern Cinema for a filmy chill (3)

Love living life the Poacher’s way!

Justine says: 17 February, 2014 at 4:18 pm

What a great competition, one that is something for him and her in so many ways.

Step 1, i went to the Rolfe Classic BMW website and my answer is:
“Less rules. More performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series Coupé.”

Step 2, i went to the Poachers Pantry website and looked at what experiences the Summerside Festival had to offer and i would love:
1. Schonegg Guesthouse Golden Summerside – Accommodation Package
2. Lerida Estate Winery Tour and Tasting
3. Twighlight Nights at Grazings

Any of the experiences on offer would be amazing and a child free weekend just for Mumy and Daddy would be just divine.

Erin says: 17 February, 2014 at 8:29 pm

Oh wow – how exciting!

“Less rules. More performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series Coupé.”

My husband would freak his freak, and I’d choose:
– Live Music in the Barrel Room (my youngest brother has gotten in to watching live jazz and says it’s amazing)
– Silo Bakery – Bread Wine & Cheese (I’ve recently rediscoverd my love of cheese after almost 7 years without it), and
– Chocolate Making Demonstration and Tasting (my friend did a Lindsay & Edmund one and loved it, so I could compare with her)!

Julie says: 18 February, 2014 at 9:29 pm

“Less rules. More performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series Coupé.”

Twilight Tapas at Poachers Pantry
Grazings Kitchen Garden Assiette
Pialligo Cheese & Wine Room

Alexandra says: 18 February, 2014 at 10:04 pm

“Less rules. More performance. The first ever BMW Series Coupe.”

1. Morning trail ride
2. Twilight tapas at Poachers Pantry
3. Fawlty towers dining experience

Judi Purnell says: 19 February, 2014 at 9:03 pm

Step 1 “Less rules. More performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series Coupe”
Step 2 Schnoegg Guesthouse for the accommodation, Grazing for the food and Poachers Pantry for their Wily Trot wines!

This was my fave post ever I adore BMWs, Canberra and it’s wonderful surrounds.
P.S I don’t mind good food and wine either!

Alana says: 19 February, 2014 at 10:44 pm

First question easy… Second, well too many delicious options, but I made the hard choices 🙂
1. “Less rules more performance. The first ever BMW 2 series coupe”
2. Twilight tapas, Pinot noir master class and summer side epicurean breakfast!

What an amazing staycation

Nicole Herberts says: 19 February, 2014 at 10:55 pm

“Less rules. More performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series Coupé”

1. Morning trail ride
2. Fawlty Towers dinner
3. Schoenegg overnight stay

Good luck to me… What a great weekend!

Lauren Allen says: 19 February, 2014 at 11:03 pm

Less rules. More performance. The first ever BMW 2 series coupè.

1. Meet the locals – city cellar door
2. Robyn Rowe chocolate making experience
3. Poachers Pantry twilight tapas

Claire says: 20 February, 2014 at 6:54 am

Less rules, more performance.

The car sounds brilliant btw, thanks for the thorough review! Heads-up display would be cool to experience.
I would love to visit Robyn Rowe (always meant to, but never been yet), Poachers Pantry (it’s been a long, looooong time), and Grazing. Without the kids.

Very jealous of your outing, oh to dream!

Sara Gillett says: 20 February, 2014 at 8:38 am

“Less rules, more performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series Coupe.”

1. Wine & Cheese Master Class
2. Schoenegg overnight stay
3. Twilight Trail Ride

Sounds amazeballs! And it’s all in our backyard. 🙂

Hannah says: 20 February, 2014 at 9:41 am

‘Less Rules. More performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series Coupe.’

Simple really…

Live Music at Lerida
Twilight Tapas at Poachers Pantry
A night at Schonegg

Bliss!

Shelby Canterford says: 20 February, 2014 at 3:16 pm

Vrooom! “Less Rules. More Performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series Coupé.”

I would like the Poacher’s pantry live music on the terrace, Robyn Rowe’s chocolate assiette (for the designated driver), and then finish with Lerida’s live music on Sunday. Mind you it was a hard job to narrow it down to 3.

Maarit says: 20 February, 2014 at 4:56 pm

Less Rules. More Performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series Coupe.

1. Lunch at Pod Food
2. Dinner at Grazing
3. Night at Schonegg

Kylie says: 20 February, 2014 at 4:58 pm

Less Rules. More Performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series Coupe.

Dinner at Grazing, a night at Schonegg, and a late lunch at Poacher’s Pantry the next day!

Lisa says: 20 February, 2014 at 5:01 pm

“Less Rules. More Performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series Coupe.”

A night at schonegg, followed by lunch at poachers pantry. Pod Food later that night for dinner! AWESOME!!

Donna says: 20 February, 2014 at 5:02 pm

Less Rules. More Performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series Coupe.

Schonegg, Grazing, Poachers Pantry!!!! Yes Please!!!

Belinda R says: 20 February, 2014 at 5:45 pm

Less Rules. More Performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series Coupe

1. Country Guesthouse Schönegg
2. Robyn Rowe Chocolates
3. Eden Road wines

What a fantastic prize!

Todd M says: 20 February, 2014 at 5:49 pm

What a great time you had!

Less Rules. More Performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series coupe

My three choices in order are, the country guesthouse Schonegg, Poachers pantry and Silo bakery.

Lucy L says: 20 February, 2014 at 8:39 pm

“Less Rules. More Performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series Coupe.”

1. SILO BAKERY for the finest bread and pastries in Canberra.
2. ROBYN ROWE CHOCOLATES for handcrafted deliciously smooth, glossy and creamy chocs.
3. TWO BEFORE TEN to finish off with a passionately created cappuccino.

Alyssa Handy says: 20 February, 2014 at 8:41 pm

1. Less Rules. More performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series Coupe

2. – Twilight nights at grazing
– Shiraz master class Eden road wines
– Robyn Rowe chocolates summer side assiette

How do you choose just three!

Lindsey says: 20 February, 2014 at 8:46 pm

Less rules. More performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series Coupé.

Pialligo cheese & wine room at Pod Food
Chocolate making demonstration & tasting at Robin Rowe Chocolates
Twilight Tapas at Poachers Pantry

🙂

Anya says: 20 February, 2014 at 8:59 pm

Oh, an opportunity not to be missed!

Less rules. More performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series Coupé.

1. Feb 21: ‘Roman Holiday’ @ Flint in the Vines – Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck, Italian sun… What can possibly be better for a Friday night!

2. Feb 22: Oyster Bar @ Capital wines – their epicurean tasting was mind-blowing, no doubt this foodie paradise is just as exciting;)

3. Feb 22-23: Golden Summerside overnight stay in Schoenegg – what a great way to wrap up the weekend with this luxurious stay and a (now legendary) Gold of Incas on Sunday!

Many thanks!

Sam says: 20 February, 2014 at 9:16 pm

What a fun sounding prize!! Thanks for the interesting articles and te chance to win:) Less rules. More performance. The first ever BMW Series 2 coupe..
Overnight stay in Shonegg! Horse riding! Dinner at grazing! “Less Rules. More Performance. The first-ever BMW 2 Series Coupe.”

RITA PELLE says: 20 February, 2014 at 10:13 pm

Step 2 – Less rules. More performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series Coupe.
Step 2 – visited the Poachers website and I would love:

Schonegg Guesthouse Golden Summerside overnight stay
Lerida Estate Winery Tour and Tasting
Twighlight Nights at Grazings

thanks for this great competition. Good luck to all.

Felicity Colwell says: 20 February, 2014 at 10:44 pm

Answer 1:
Less rules. More performance!

Really?? I can only choose 3?! 🙂

Answer 2:
1. Poachers pantry
2. Dinner at Grazing
3. Schonegg overnight stay

Kylie says: 21 February, 2014 at 7:23 am

Brilliant competition – it really showcases what the Canberra Region has to offer.

Less rules. More performance.

I’d kick of the weekend with a trip out to Gundaroo for the Dinner at Flint. Then on Saturday cruise out to Murrumbateman for a day meandering through the wineries before a twilight horse ride. I’d top that off by relaxing overnight with the Guest Schonegg which is a sensational place to stay.

Thanks!

Dimity says: 21 February, 2014 at 7:35 am

Less Rules. More Performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series coupe

1. Pod Food Pialligo Cheese & Wine Room
2. Robyn Rowe Chocolates Chocolate Making Demonstration & Tasting
3. Grazing Twilight Nights at Grazing

Fabulous prize, and great inspiration for a weekend trip!

Erin Ryan says: 21 February, 2014 at 8:33 am

“Less Rules, More Performance – the first ever BMW 2 Series Coupe”.

1. Schonegg Guesthouse Golden Summerside overnight stay
2. Grazing Twilight Nights at Grazing
3. Morning trail ride

Maria Cristina Arganese says: 21 February, 2014 at 8:41 am

With ongoing cancer treatment not much to laugh about
But I think faulty towers dining experience and
an overnight stay at schonegg with poachers twilight tapas might just do it

Charissa says: 21 February, 2014 at 11:57 am

What a great competition. I really enjoyed reading your post – my husband is a big fan of oysters too, although I’m pretty sure driving the BMW would be the highlight of this prize for him. This also means I would have a happy designated driver, so it’s a win-win!

Less rules. More performance.

1. Twilight Tapas at Poachers Pantry
2. Capital Wines Oyster Bar
3. Dinner at Grazings

Good Luck everyone 😀

Mel says: 21 February, 2014 at 12:18 pm

Answer 1; less rules more performance.
Answer 2; Robyn Rowe go plate making demonstration and tasting

Capital wines twilight cellar door

Twilight horse ride.

Fingers crossed 🙂

Stephanie Dileo says: 21 February, 2014 at 1:33 pm

Less rules; More performance.

1. Saturday afternoon takes me to Clonakilla to taste some iconic red wines,
2. Retire to a funky apartment at East Hotel on Saturday night,
3. Enjoy a lazy, long Sunday lunch at Grazing with fresh, regional produce.

Jacqui says: 21 February, 2014 at 1:59 pm

Less Rules. More Performance.

Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Mo,
By BMW (kid free!) I’d love to go,
Fuel up at Silo, cruise to Clonakilla,
Then to Schonegg for a sleepover…and a gourmet platter dinner.

Thank you

Melinda Gonczarek says: 21 February, 2014 at 2:13 pm

Less Rules, More Performance. The first-ever BMW 2 Series Coupe.

1. Twilight Horse Ride at Burnelee Excursions on Horseback.
2. A night at the new East Apartments, soaking in the atmosphere in Canberra’s newest, hippest and eco-friendly venue.
3. Pinot Noir Master Class at Lerida Estate (hopefully with some of Jim’s humour thrown in and the incredibly handsome french winemaker that once worked there…)

Thanks HerCanberra 🙂

Laura Haddock says: 21 February, 2014 at 3:19 pm

This entry is for my Mum who definitely deserves an indulgent getaway! My mum always says that the best gifts are experiences and this would be the perfect way to say thank you for everything she does for me.

“Less Rules. More Performance. The first-ever BMW 2 Series Coupe”

Her weekend away starts by escaping the city and checking in to Schonegg Guesthouse Golden Summerside for an overnight stay. The next morning starts with a mandatory walk (my mother is an avid explorer). Then its time for a Shiraz Masterclass at her favourite Eden Road Winery. After a delicious morning its onwards to Gundaroo for delicious ‘Kitchen Garden Assiette’ four-course menu at Grazing. (maybe with a stop off at Capital Wines Epicurean Centre)

Who says you need to travel far for a wonderful weekend away!

Cassy Jewell says: 21 February, 2014 at 3:26 pm

“Less rules. More performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series Coupe.”

1. Brunch at Poachers Pantry
2. Dinner at Grazing
3. Overnight stay at Country Guesthouse Schonegg!

Louise says: 21 February, 2014 at 3:52 pm

Rolfe Classic BMW sentence is:

“Less Rules. More Performance. The first-ever BMW 2 Series Coupe.”

So many fantastic choices, but I think what myself and my trusty food and wine loving friend (who I don’t get to see enough of due to both our busy lives) would love to do is,

Go to Poachers pantry and sway to some Live music and nibbles on the Terrace

Do a Lerida Estate Pinot Noir Master Class because we both adore Pinot Noir

And lastly, Have a delightful overnight stay at Schonegg Guesthouse

Generally just enjoying a bit of downtime with a good friend with a snazzy car would be a God send right now! Thank goodness its Friday!

Imogen says: 21 February, 2014 at 3:53 pm

“Less rules. More performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series Coupe.”

A trip out to Murrumbatemen for a good look (and taste!) at Robyn Rowe chocolates… then overnight at Country Guesthouse Schönegg. Finish it off with a long and lazy lunch at Grazings the next day, and I’m a happy Canberra girl.

Louise says: 21 February, 2014 at 4:05 pm

“Less rules. More performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series Coupe.”

1. Brunch at Poachers Pantry
2. Dinner at Grazing
3. Overnight stay at Country Guesthouse Schonegg!

All with my three beautiful girlies !!!

Elyse martin says: 21 February, 2014 at 4:07 pm

1) “Less Rules. More Performance. The first-ever BMW 2 Series Coupe”
The way life should be I think! 😉

2) we would love to do:

‘How to taste wine’ master class

Dinner at grazing

Twilight horse ride

Thank you!!

Jacqueline Apps says: 21 February, 2014 at 4:11 pm

Less rules! More performance 🙂

I am not going to lie, it was tempting to say chocolate making three times!

1. Chocolate making with Robyn Rowe (omg stop it!)
2. Twilight tapas at Poachers Pantry!
3. Shakespeare in the Vines

I can’t think of a better way to enjoy canberras surrounds!

Thank you and good luck everyone xx

Jacqueline Apps says: 21 February, 2014 at 4:14 pm

Oh no! I meant to write “Less Rules. More performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series Coupe”

Sarah Kate says: 21 February, 2014 at 4:26 pm

Less Rules. More Performance. The first ever BMW 2 Series Coupe.

Poachers pantry – Live music on the Terrace
Tallagandra Hill – Tastes of Summer
Lerida Estate – Wine, Rhythm & Song – A Jazz Experience

Alex Ball says: 21 February, 2014 at 4:44 pm

1. Less rules; More performance.

2.
How could I resist taking the flash wheels out for spin! dinner at East Hotel’s OX Eatery will do the trick. A quick getaway on Saturday morning with a brew and pastry from Silo , and hot foot it to Flint for lunch and sampling some of their delicious drops. Let the wine tasting begin! The afternoons wine tour will take us to Eden, Shaw, and last, Clonakilla for their sumptuous reds.
Dinner’s awaiting at Poachers (via Robyn Rowe of course) and we bed down at Schoenegg for the night.
Time to wind down in Sunday, starting with a canter at Burnelee, then setting offon the back roads for a late lunch (or as I call it, dunch) at Grazing.
And back in Canberra for Monday morning brunch at Pod Food to ease back into the week.

Amanda Whitley says: 24 February, 2014 at 12:07 pm

I’m so sorry to keep you all in suspense! I had a rather busy weekend with Commando Steve (never thought I’d utter THAT sentence!)

So, the lovely folk from Rolfe Classic BMW and The Poacher’s Way have put their heads together to decide a winner and they have selected Jacqui and her fabulous poem as the winner! I’ll be in touch, Jacqui!

Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Mo,
By BMW (kid free!) I’d love to go,
Fuel up at Silo, cruise to Clonakilla,
Then to Schonegg for a sleepover…and a gourmet platter dinner.

But, for everyone else, your efforts are also rewarded – Poacher’s Pantry has a $20 gift voucher for each of you – what better excuse for a road trip to Hall!

Thanks so much for your entries and enthusiasm xxx

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