A WINTER EXPERIENCE FUELING YOUR MIND, BODY & SOUL
Location @cedarspringskiama / Photographer @hayneshayley
When Australian Winter draws near, there's an undeniable shift in the air that beckons us to slow down, savor the moment, and indulge in life's simple pleasures. The crisp mornings and chilly evenings create the perfect backdrop for embracing a season of warmth and comfort. As we bid adieu to the balmy days of summer, there's a collective yearning to trade outdoor adventures for snug indoor retreats. It's a time when our desires align with cozy indulgence, heartwarming feasts, and the joy of simply being.
For us at Mills + Franks, we love spending this cooler climate in our kitchens, cooking and preparing feasts that can traditionally take longer, stocking our fridges and freezers with handmade stocks, sauces and meals that has us prepared for when the busy season strikes again. This Winter, we scoured for inspiration and were elated when Dandelion and Mallow (South Coast based wholefoods caterer specialising in local, ethical and seasoal food production) launched their “Winter Gathering” event.
This hands-on, interactive and intimate cooking class hosted by D&M owner herself, saw 12 women connect over a mutual love of hospitality in the serenity of Cedar Springs Kiama. If you don’t know Karina, speak to anyone on the South Coast who has sourced private catering and it’s no wonder you need to book her months in advance. What a treat it was to spend a day with Karina and Rose, who curated an experience that was wholesome, educational, generous and overall liberating.
The Location
The scene was immediately set, shoulders relax and jaw drops as you drive through the gates and down the driveway with nothing but views of Kiama’s countryside. Greeted warmly by the lovely Anna, who has the fortunate position of managing this retreat-style venue, welcomes you to her family owned, ‘Cedar Springs’. Designed as an entertainer’s dream, this oasis sleeps up to 12 guests across 6 bedrooms and provides a wellness escape with everything at your fingertips, making it unnecessary for you to leave. This was the perfect location chosen for Dandelion & Mallow’s event.
The Experience
The day starts at 9:00am, though you are encouraged to arrive earlier and settle in (plus give yourself time to embrace the stunning surroundings). As all guests arrive, you get to know each other and kick start your day with an ‘Immune Boosting Smoothie’, and an introduction from Karina who shares her story, her values and what the day will be about. Partnering up with another like-minded health-foodie, your experience begins as you start to learn benefits of wholefood ingredients and rewards of making things from scratch. We open our printed recipe books, and stomachs rumble with joy as you soon learn you’re about to be eating…ALL…DAY.
A table is set and styled with natural linens and locally sourced flowers, with a prayer card that is read out prior to enjoying our all-day delicious feast. By 4:00pm our bellies, hearts and souls are full. If anything, it’s overflowing as we had the privilege of being able to take home leftovers!
The Menu
On Arrival
Immune Boosting Smoothie
Morning Tea
Sweet Hazelnut Masala Chai
Carrot, Cardamom and Amaranth Cake
Lunch
to start
Nourishing Green Winter Soup
shared mains
Sausage Stuffed Wagyu Beef Brisket with Horseradish Cream
Spiced Beef Brisket
Pan-fried Cauliflower Gnocchi with Creamy Pesto Sauce
shared sides
Winter Salad with Roasted Radicchio, Avocado, Hazelnut Dukkah
Green Beans, Sauteed Fennel, Capers and Herbs
Roast Pumpkin with Cashew Cheese, Pomegranate and Mint
shared dessert
Apple, Rhubarb and Amaranth Bush Spice Crumble
Raw Chocolate
Extras:
Nut Milk, Coconut Milk, Vegetable Stock,
What other guests had to say…
“Such a magical day spent at Cedar Springs in the kitchen with Karina from Dandelion + Mallow and a group of interesting and inspiring women. The location was stunning, and the ingredients and recipes that were provided on the day were fresh, wholesome and delicious. It was such a great experience to cook together with other women and share stories and laughs along the way, and then sit down together and enjoy the food we prepared. We need more days like these in our busy lives!”
- Paulina, The Berry Tea Shop
Seeking your own Health & Wellness experience?
If you missed out on the Winter Gathering, Karina hosts seasonal events, with the Spring Gathering scheduled on Friday 1st September.
Alternatively speak with our team at Mills + Franks who specialise at curating bespoke experiences across a luxury portfolio of venues in unique destinations.
