With F.O.O.D week approaching in Orange, it’s a hive of activity and if you are a family visiting the area and want to shop up a fabulous basket of goodies, then this list should point you in the right direction. I know what it’s like travelling with kids to an area you are not that familiar with; and you might be thinking you just want to check into your accomodation/house and then tick you ingredient list off in a flash. [Cover feature image credit: Stefan from Cured Orange]
I have lived in Orange for eight years and had a chance to work my way around the block a few times to hunt out the best of the best. I am also a foodie from way back, with half my career spent working on food magazines so it’s no wonder I have settled into a location which presents a cornucopia of fabulous produce and other delights!
As everything can be a little spread out, you just need to know where to go! So here, I have organised this list in a convenient and sequential way to shop in one area before jumping in the car again before picking up other items. These places are on my hot list because they not only offer quality product, but importantly service is friendly and knowledgable too.
Racine Bakery in Orange is always a great way to start early in the morning at 7:00am to pick up your selection of fabulous organic sourdoughs, croissants, cherry danish (if they are there, they disappear quick), and my favourite morning buns which after discovering them at Tartine in San Francisco, I did whisper into Sean and Willa Arantz’s ears that that Orange’s finest bakery must have them too.
Follow them on Insta for their daily offerings, or
Website is here
The Sugar Mill is worth a visit too with their pastry and cake creations; some of them look too beautiful to eat but let me tell you if you have an occasion to celebrate, their cakes are out of this world! I have a soft spot for the carrot cake.
Follow them on Insta here.
Ph: (02) 6361 1529
Cured is highly reputable for producing quality European charcuterie by none other than Stefan Birmilli who a has learnt German techniques from a very young age. You will find many items here do not have preservatives, dairy, and use quality meat products like truffle Duck liver pate, smoked beef, a huge range of cacciatore, local Second Mouse Cheese from Orange and more. If you’re lucky, you might find some pretzel and brezel buns on the counter too, though be early and be quick! (Image credit: Stefan at Cured).
Cured website for more on address (found in Harris Farm arcade)
Harris Farm is right opposite Cured and if you say hello to Sean and team, they will help you out with requests for all types of fish, prawns, coffin bay oysters (although due to floods, Sydney rock oysters may be hard to come by), marinara mix which my kids love in a tomato base pasta dish.
Tip: If you’re flying through Harris Farm, make sure you pick up some Fresh Fodder dips from Orange and my tip is the Smokey Taramosalata but they are all great!
ph: (02) 6361 0999 and ask for Seafood department for special orders and requests.
Scoop Wholefoods is right here in this arcade with Harris Farm and Cured, so if you are looking for healthy and delicious snacks for the kids, this is it as you can serve yourself what you need. You can often find local garlic which is amazing and pungent! Scoop often use local suppliers like Origin Chocolate and others when they can in bulk for quality ingredients.
Ph: (02) 5353 1170
Essential Ingredient I find often has items that are hard to find like beautiful orange peel when I was making an Italian style torte recently and divine rubs for meats (my tip is buy the Gordon Rhodes pulled pork sauce mix; so easy to feed a crowd and so delicious!), and you might even find our local saffron amongst other items if you fancy cookbook shopping; it’s a slice of heaven!
You can check the latest here
Located at: 145 Summer Street, Orange.
Ph: (02) 6361 8999
Red Chilli Deli is just a hop, skip and jump from the Essential Ingredient, and tucked around the corner; it is also stocked with many items you might need while enjoying a stay in Orange. I particularly love the authentic curries and chutney Ayooma makes here.
You can follow what’s cooking and the latest on Insta.
Located at: 36B Sale Street, Orange.
Ph: (02) 6360 1166
If you are looking for delectable chocolate that is special; particularly if you are celebrating an event with family and friends then Canobolas Chocolate Orange, is the sweetest chocolate shop with the expertise who have been in the business a long time sourcing the very finest available in Australia; all in one store!
Located at: 216 Lords Place, Orange.
Ph: 0417 270 129
Essential Ingredient have some of my favourite brands of chocolate like Koko Black here too.
It can be a contentious issue, discussing the best butchers around but let’s face it everyone has their favourites and for me it is without question, Woodward Street Quality meats. I have found that they deliver premium ‘Cowra lamb and beef’, pork and delicious chicken with loads of flavour consistently; emphasis on ‘consistently’. I have always been happy with the welcoming vibe from Jay Parkes and his team. For something impressive, you can even purchase a 50-day dry aged prime rib.
Located at: 145 Woodward Street, Orange
Ph: (02) 6362 2067 or mob: 0417 679 561
The subject of coffee and cafes in Orange is another entire article given the number of choices we have for a good drop. Though I am a regular at Omar’s next door to Woodward Street Quality meats and the Academy coffee beans are what I love to bring home with me for the best brew.
You must swing by Spilt Milk for an authentic gelato treat using many seasonal ingredients as they excite with new flavours daily. SMB also cater to vegans too with creamy textures and you don’t feel like you are missing out on a thing!
Follow them on Insta to check out what they are churning next.
Located at: 45 Sale Street, Orange.
If you like classic, then the Coronet Milk Bar is your gig; stop in for aa bucket of lollies or a good ol’ fashioned milkshake; custard and chocolate are the favourites with my lot!
Located at: 142 Summer Street (or just at end of arcade where Harris Farm is).
For a quintessential experience, it’s always fun to visit the orchards in Orange and pick your own. However, if this is not your jam and you still want to enjoy the local taste of apples, figs and more in season, then these are my go-to places to pick up or have them delivered.
With a heritage that goes back decades in Borenore, the Martelli family know what they are doing and deliver reasonably priced small and large boxes of fruit and vegetables – fast to your door! These are the kind of boxes that you can photograph with ‘no filter’ as everything is glossy and beautiful. You can email them your request or phone.
email: martelliorchards@outlook.com.au
mob: 0402 600 030
If you’d like to choose your own, depending on where you are staying I recommend stopping into;
The Agrestic Grocer – for all things local in the Central West as well as local gin, wine and souvenirs.
Located at: 426 Molong Road, Orange.
The Grocer & Co Organics – organic produce available here as well as amazing spices and teas here too.
Located at: 52 McNamara Street, Orange.
Hillside Harvest – If you are staying up near Borenore or visiting some cellar doors in that direction, a stop in here for supplies like a rich tomato relish or the best olives like ‘Rosnay‘ , it is just lovely; local lovely.
Located at: 1209 The Escort Way, Borenore.
Last but not least, if you are pulling in late-ish and want to settle in with friends and the kids enjoying some local drops, then rest assured you can pick them up efficiently when flying through town.
Orange Cellars offers the largest range of regional wines in Orange as well as local craft cider, beer and spirits. I’ve always driven through and experienced wonderful service.
Visit their website here for more on their range.
The Lane Cellars stock many of the local labels and it is extremely convenient; located in the same arcade alongside Cured, Scoop and Harris Farm.
The Agrestic Grocer – As mentioned ‘above’; if you are here, you might has well pick up a local brew, spirit, cider or wine.
Now you’re all set for a delicious stay – Enjoy!
