Several top Mountains eateries are getting behind the premier food event, Good Food Month, in October, and gourmets in the region will be the winners.
Pam Seaborn, chair of Plate Up, the food and wine advisory group in the Blue Mountains, said being identified with the culinary event, where restaurants around NSW showcase special menus, was "invaluable and reinforces our culinary credentials".
"This strong line-up is exciting and what a great time to experience our regional food and wine in our leading food establishments," Ms Seaborn said.
One of the 13 food establishments involved in the regional Good Food program is the not-quite-three-year-old restaurant, Vesta, in Blackheath.
Co-owner David Harris said he signed up for his second appearance in the annual event to give more locals and out-of-towners a chance to try top-end food.
Vesta will do an Austrian-focused four course meal with wine and cocktails, by Paris-born chef Misha Laurent, which focuses on his European heritage.
Last year their Tuscan evenings were booked solid and he said, "we anticipate this year will be just as popular".
"At Vesta [which means Goddess of the Hearth] we get to execute an event which is unique and separate to the usual offerings that we do. A lot of research and preparation goes into the dinner at Vesta and the locals can be sure that they get a great evening of excellent wine and food."
Mr Harris came to the Mountains in 2011 "to escape the confinement of the city and traffic".
"We were blessed to get the the old Vulcans site, the original bakery of the village housing the unique Scotch oven and in turn a wonderful restaurant space," he added.
His 40-seat restaurant now regularly serves 300 customers weekly and the midweek option of $45 for a 2 course and $55 for the 3 course is popular.
Other eateries involved in the event include Silvermere's Nineteen23 at Wentworth Falls, Bistro Niagara and Darley's Restaurant at Lilianfels in Katoomba among others. (See full list in the ad in this week's Gazette).
"The Mountains has an incredible pool of talent and differing styles so is recognised as a great place for produce, food and wine," Mr Harris said.
Good Food Month kicks off on October 1 and runs until Oct 31. It is supported in the region by Slow Food Blue Mountains.
