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. Dinner: Tues-Sat from 6pm. 48 Sale Street (02 6361 7748) lolliredini.com.au

The School House Restaurant: Head chef Shaun Arantz prepares French-inspired modern Australian dishes in a setting with views across Mayfield Vineyard. Lunch: Sat-Sun from 12pm. Dinner: Thurs-Sat from 6pm. About 10km out of Orange on the Icely Road (02 6365 9295) www.mayfieldvineyard.com

Union Bank:  Stylish wine bar, cellar door and restaurant. Lunch: Mon-Sun 12pm-2.30pm. Dinner: Mon-Sat 6pm-9pm. Does not take bookings. Corner Sale and Byng Streets (02 6361 4441) www.unionbank.com.au

Old Convent: Josie Chapman. Fresh regional produce simply prepared -- cafe style. Brunch & lunch Sundays only 9am-4pm, and by arrangement at any time for booked groups of 15 or more.
Convent Road (02 6365 2420) www.oldconvent.com.au

Tonic: Tony and Nicole Worland. Situated in the historically important and well-preserved town of Millthorpe, about 25 minutes from Orange. Brunch & lunch: Sat & Sun. Dinner: Wed-Sat.
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. Lunch: Fri 12pm-3pm. Dinner: Tues-Sat from 6.30pm 179 Anson Street (02 6361 1179)  

Manners & Borg: Prepared meals, charcuterie, speciality sausages, antipasto, sauces and salads by Michael Manners and Michael Borg. Mon-Fri 9am-6pm. Sat 9am-2pm.
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