The Humans of the Brochure attended the  Poacher’s Way function tonight out at Poacher’s Pantry, a short drive out of Canberra.

Poacher’s Pantry is a smokehouse, restaurant and wedding venue and I assumed that for the Poacher’s Way event, we would be learning about their ‘way of life’.  Silly me.

Poacher’s Way is actually a collective of regional “artists, chefs, winemakers, galleries and rural retreats”.  (quote borrowed from the Poacher’s Way website)  Each unique, memorable and inspiring in their own right- these businesses are linked together by a passion for what they do. 

(Here is a Human Brochure grappling with a paper brochure:)

In fact many of the people we met tonight left their corporate jobs to follow their creative dream. Susan Bruce from Poacher’s Pantry told me, ‘Poacher’s Way is a 12 months of the year experience’,   There is so much to be part of and to experience.

Our evening was a just  tantalizing glimpse into the eclectic genius of the businesses that make up Poacher’s Way.

We sampled some of the delicious tastes from Poacher’s pantry itself. http://www.poacherspantry.com.au/

Lamb Shoulder tarts:

Duck Pancakes with Hoisin Sauce:

There was an incredible edible (!!!) garden created by Mel and Hanns.  Well, actually by the time my camera found it, quite a bit of it had been eaten!

One of the culprits demolishing the edible art:

I  didn’t get a chance to talk to the representatives from Silo bakery, but I tasted some food from their table.  The bread is hearty and rich, while still being soft.  The cheese was bitey and I couldn’t stop eating it.  I felt like Heidi out of the novel Heidi.  :)  Silo Bakery is in Kingston, Canberra http://silobakery.com.au/

While I didn’t meet every member of Poacher’s Way, I did chat to several.

The Bungendore Wood Works Gallery has such a variety of products.  Even wooden earrings! 

They create one of-a-kind pieces as corporate gifts.  The Governor General once ordered a gift for the Pope from them.  The Gallery is housed in a gorgeous building if memory serves correctly.  And breakfast in their Café Wood Works is delicious and a necessary part of the visit.  http://www.bungendorewoodworks.com.au/

Also in Murrumbateman is Country Guesthouse Schonegg .  I am already in love with this place.  Schonegg is Swiss German for ‘pretty corner’.  They truly are in a pretty corner of the world.  Adventurers can base themselves here as a gateway to other Poacher’s Way experiences, or you can just come for a spa weekend.

Evelyn from Country Guesthouse Schonegg meets Erna, our 101 selfie queen.  :)

Personally, I am going to go there for the Black Forest pancakes.  Who’s in?  http://www.schonegg.com.au/

Robyn Rowe Chocolate is based in Murrumbateman too.

Robyn studied chocolate making in Belgium.  She combines age-old European chocolate techniques with innovative Australian flavours sourced locally. 

The chocolates are Fair Trade.  I loved the smooth texture of the different fillings. Lime Coconut Zing.  So good!!!

Her Centenary chocolate for Canberra’s special birthday is sea salted caramel.

There are no words for this Decadent Dollop Chocolate Sauce…..

Robyn assured me that the 3 most important things when tempering chocolate are time, temperature and movement.  I am looking forward to going out to Murrumbateman so I can see her in action.  http://www.robynrowechocolates.com.au/

Old Saint Lukes Studio  is a pottery and gallery out at Gundaroo. Ian and Moraig McKenna are both gifted potters in their own right each  with very  unique styles.  Falling ash from their wood- fired kiln adheres itself to their ceramics creating amazing effects.

This pot lay on seashells on this side in the kiln…

…and got the texture from falling ash on this side.  http://thepoachersway.com.au/host/old-st-lukes-studio/

They keep Jolly Miller cider (made by local Ron Miller) on tap.

The Crowes Restaurant’s chef Tim produces amazing food; I know- I sampled it.

Tim’s Smoked Chilli Oil is a fantastic present idea for chilli lovers. 

I wanted to buy the biggest bottle available of his Garlic Oil:

Sam Burns, Jake and Dan from Two Before Ten in Canberra are passionate about being innovative with coffee.  They continue to experiment with how it can be served in fresh and exciting ways.

Tonight I tried their Cold Brewed Coffee.  So good!  This is where the Ground Coffee beans are soaked in water overnight.  Basically a steeping process.

I also sampled a 101-a heady mix of Cold Brewed Coffee, Tequila and freshly squeezed apple juice. Refreshing!

Travis downs a 101!

Two Before Ten operates out of  Canberra House and are open for breakfast  from 6:30 am.  http://www.twobeforeten.com.au/

This tiny taste of Poacher’s Way left the 101 Human Brochures buzzing.  Many of us are already planning our own little group jaunts out to each of those areas for day trips to explore further. 
Choose YOUR own adventure- the Poacher’s Way.  http://thepoachersway.com.au/home/