Left to right: Dee Napier, Lesley Russell and Josie Chapman

The Orange district has a well-deserved reputation for fine food, with the F.O.O.D. (Food Of the Orange District) celebration, held each April, now one of Australia's most popular gastronomic events. Orange's winemakers also have a reputation for producing distinctive wines, gaining from the district's high altitude (around 900 to 1000m) and long growing season.

Recommended restaurants (bookings essential):

Lolli Redini: Chef Simonn Hawke. This stylish restaurant offers an innovative menu inspired by the richness of local produce -- with an Italian influence.
48 Sale Street 02 6361 7748 lolliredini.com.au

Tonic: Tony and Nicole Worland. Situated in the historically important and well-preserved town of Millthorpe, about 25 minutes from Orange.
Cnr Pym & Victoria Streets, Millthorpe. 02 6366 3811

Selkirks Restaurant: Cameron and Ewan MacPherson. Fine regional cuisine in elegantly appointed surroundings. Licenced. Celebrated sommelier: Tara Pentacost.
179 Anson Street 02 6361 1179

Old Convent: Josie Chapman. Fresh regional produce simply prepared -- cafe style. Open for brunch and lunch Sundays only, and by arrangement at any time for booked groups of 15 or more.
Convent Road 02 6365 2420

The School House at Mayfield: Head chef Shaun Arantz prepares French-inspired modern Australian dishes in a setting with views across Mayfield Vinyard.
About 10km out of Orange on the Icely Road. 02 6365 9295 www.mayfieldvineyard.com

Union Bank: Wine bar, cellar door and restaurant open seven days (but closed Sunday night).
Corner Sale and Byng Streets. 02 6361 4441 www.unionbank.com.au

Manners & Borg: Prepared meals, charcuterie, speciality sausages, antipasto, sauces and salads by Michael Manners and Michael Borg.
Rear of 166 Summer Street; enter from Woolworths Car Park. 02 6362 2792

Orange Regional Cooking School: Lesley Russell. Lesley's classes range from dinner party classics to "Cooking for Blokes".
169 Hill Street. 02 6361 3336 www.learntocook.com.au