Location: Take a leisurely drive to the township of Buchan, nestled in the valley of the Buchan River, yes its famous for its caves and rightly so, but before you go into the caves reserve, pause in the township and on the left, that’s the high side, you will find a quaint café called Callemondah.
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There is ample street parking outside and entry is gained via a well-defined slope into another world. Take this step back in time as you enter, take a seat in the variety of chairs from a number of era’s and marvel at the array on nick knacks on shelves all around you. On a good day, walk through into the well laid out alfresco area adjoining the café, which includes an all acessible spotless wash room, and you can again enjoy the range of old implements and furniture around you, whilst enjoying the elevated view over the township and valley. Service is from the small but functional counter and meals/coffee served to the table by friendly owners who are keen to show off their fare.
Menu: Callemondah is a country café, and it provides simple well prepared and very tasty fare from the menu, or from any specials that are available on the day. Lunch has a good range for a small café, a range of Foccacias, Wraps and Frittatas. Vegetarian and gluten free options are available. Should you still be hungry try one of the cakes, or scones, delicious as they are, but you might need a walk around the caves reserve afterwards as the servings are generous. There is a kids menu of most of the simple favourites and even has ‘Fairy Bread’ now not many cafes serve that these days, but how the kids love it. Take away is available from the menu.
Experience: Our visit was on the spur of the moment on a beautiful sunny day, so I was happy to have a quick bite for lunch and I must say that the Perri perri chicken wrap was very tasty and hit the spot perfectly. It was generously filled with succulent well cooked chicken mixed in a perri-perri sauce and plenty of mixed fresh salad. The wrap was lightly toasted and just right, not chewy and heavy and yet not crispy. On a previous visit, I had eyed off the range of cakes and just had to try one, utterly extravagant and VERY ‘naughty ….but VERY nice’. On this occasion I was tempted by the savoury scone with butter and a real tangy relish, and the scone…HUGE, but still light and tingled my tastebuds. Home cooked says the sign outside, yes and I want to live there! This was simplicity at its best, country food and service in a country location, tasty and good value, what more can you ask?
Summary: A very enjoyable tasty totally satisfying lunch stop, which started out really as just for a coffee, and good coffee it was, we had two rounds. I could have lingered longer quite happily, the atmosphere created by the collectables, some of which are for sale, and even with some books close to the door, which I tried to hide from my bookworm wife ! Ideal for small groups, (but please book ahead), and for those who wish to gain strength before tackling the Caves, or to regain strength after a visit, either way you will not be disappointed. How about staying right next door in the Guest House, then you can really experience this magnificent little village so much underrated.
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