Or it did four days ago when we had a bus trip from Glen Innes out to a property called Ben’s Falls for a Celtic Festival inspired lunch. This was the first of four drives we made down to Glen Innes from Tenterfield. The festival is now over and we are recovering in Glen Innes for a couple of days. So the next few blogs will be a catch up of what has happened.

Ben’s Falls is a retreat, wedding function, party type property about an hours drive north west of Glen Innes. A fairly remote spot on the way to the old tin mining town of Emmaville. The property is built on the side of a ravine looking down into a big water hole below some water falls. The falls are dry at the moment, but would be spectacular when the river was flowing.

There were about fifty people at the lunch from all parts. It was supposedly a Scottish culinary experience with a modern twist to the food.

So there were some interesting canapés, a venison with a touch of chutney nibble, steak ‘n ale won ton, then a colourful salmon tartlet.

Alternate drops of lamb or pork chops followed with roasted root vegetables, greens and gravy.

A little cheese and desert bar concluded the food.

There were a couple of Festival guests in attendance, one was Ali Stoner aka the Rovinghaggis.com she has been a contestant on Masterchef. The other guest was Roberta Muir, another cook. They both gave a chat on modern day Scottish food.

Allthego managed to win one of the lucky draws, Homealone was thrilled to have another Italian (Sardinian) cookbook to put some where.

Looks interesting though, and autographed by Roberta Muir with a personal message to me! Very impressive, although I believe unautographed cookbooks are scarcer and more valuable.

It was a great lunch in an impressive location. We made it back to our motel in Tenterfield in time for a late snack for dinner. The next day would be back to Glen Innes for the Official Festival Opening Ceremony in the Town Square.