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):

Union Bank:  Stylish wine bar, cellar door and restaurant. Lunch: Mon-Sun 12pm-2.30pm. Dinner: Mon-Sat 6pm-9pm. Order at the counter. Bookings for Friday & Saturday nights only. Corner Sale & Byng Streets (1300 721 731) www.unionbank.com.au

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

Racine Restaurant: Head chef Shaun Arantz (formerly of The Schoolhouse Restaurant) prepares French-inspired modern Australian dishes in a setting with views across La Colline Vineyard. Lunch: Fri-Sun from 12pm. Dinner: Thurs-Sat from 6pm. 42 Lake Canobolas Rd (02 6365 3275) www.racinerestaurant.com.au

Fiorini's: Simple but delicious Italian food from sisters Patrizia and Marina, in a charming rustic setting. Lunch & dinner: Fridays and Saturdays. Lunch only on Sundays. Cnr Canobolas Rd & Lake Canobolas Rd (02 6365 3863)

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 30 minutes from Orange. Brunch & lunch: Sat & Sun. Dinner: Wed-Sat.
Cnr Pym & Victoria Streets, Millthorpe (02 6366 3811)

Old Mill Cafe: A cute cafe also in Millthorpe, this is a great place for a good simple meal and great coffee. Fully licensed & BYO. Open 10am - 3 pm Tues - Fri  ~  9am - 4 pm Weekends  ~ Thursday - Saturday Evenings. 12 Pym St, Millthopre (02 6366 3188) www.orange-nsw.com/TheOldMill.html

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

Mayfield Vineyard Restaurant: A beautiful cosy restaurant, open for private functions and winter dinner specials. 10km out of Orange. Icely Rd (02 6365 9293) www.mayfieldvineyard.com