Dine Like a Local Every Day!

Known for its relaxed and casual dining, Cypress Lakes Bar & Bistro provides both visitors and locals with a bright, fun and entertaining spot to catch up with family and friends. It’s this commitment to making the place a local favourite that inspired the venue’s tagline, ‘Where Locals Meet.’

“We thoroughly believe in our tagline,” says Alok Kukreti, Director of Food and Beverage for Oaks Resorts throughout regional NSW

“We believe that we are the neighbourhood joint where we welcome our neighbours – from our local community to anyone who is visiting Hunter Valley – we want them to come in and have a great experience,” he said.

It’s true that the ‘Bar & Bistro’ is an icon within the neighbourhood, opening at the same time the hotel opened 1997. But the drive to live local goes even further than the clientele. “To ensure that we abide by our beliefs we try and use as many local products as possible and to provide the exceptional value to our neighbours, to ensure they come in on a regular basis,” said Alok.

“We serve up a wonderful $20 lunch daily that includes both lunch and a beverage. A great re-charge for locals and visitors to stop and unwind, soak up the golf course views and relax before going on with their day, the ambience is subtle and peaceful. There’s a feeling of calmness and relaxation once you are on the property which adds to the unique casual dining experience.”

The Head Chef leading the culinary brigade at Oaks Cypress Lakes is Praveen Leelavathy, who brings some 16 years of immense experience in the Middle East and India to the kitchen. After working with brands like Kempinski, Sheraton and Emaar properties and alongside Michelin star Chef Jason Oakley, Praveen has taken over the culinary team, adding his unique touch to the menu.

Praveen says that the slow-cooked crispy pork belly served with quince aioli is the most popular item on an extensive menu.

“My personal favourite is the Grilled Fish Taco, but that can change from day to day as we run our daily specials via our interactive board which keeps changing!” he adds.

Changes are certainly afoot at the venue, with the restaurant currently revamping the menu to add more of an international flavour.

“It makes sense,” says Alok.

“Praveen brings with him some amazing international experience, and we want that to be reflected in the menu, with the inclusion of international flavours using local ingredients.”

Cypress Lakes Bar & Bistro is open daily from Midday until 9pm. For reservations call 4993 1555 or visit the website at www.oakshotels.com for more information.