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A good way to break a long drive if you’re heading to the Hunter Valley and beyond is a sumptuous feed at Hughzies Lakeside Brasserie in Toronto, less than 2 hours’ drive north of Sydney. This restaurant is perched along the waterfront with several other eateries on the popular Brighton Avenue.

We visited this place for a dinner and our assigned table was by the window, with lots of natural evening light that poured in giving the space a bright and airy feel.

Nothing like starting with a Bruschetta – $4.50 on a balmy night. Served with the right amount of thinly chopped fresh tomatoes, basil leaves and spanish onions on lightly toasted bread with a dash of balsamic, this classic Italian favourite is a winner.

The presentation of the Seared Scallops with a Pea trio; Pea puree, Pea mousse and Pea pods (gf) – $17.50 was splendid. Dunking the scallops into the puree and mousse gives mix of flavours, a hint of sweetness and the neutral taste of the peas make these two an ideal pairing.

The market fish was the pan fried Crispy Salmon with medley of cherry tomatoes, Bocconcini salad and Buttered chats (gf) – $29.90. The salmon skin was cooked to a golden hue, delicate yet crispy skin, retaining the moisture of the flesh and the boconcini salad, fresh cherry tomatoes and chats added harmony to the dish.

Double Cooked Duck with Sour Cherry, Brocolini, Potato Rosti (gf) – $31.90. This was a delightful dish, the meat was very tender and the fat had rendered leaving the meat to fall off the bone. The sour cherries along with the sauce had a brilliantly sweet, yet slightly tart flavour, giving an oomph to the gamey flavour of the duck.

We finished our meal on a sweet note of Dark Chocolate Brûlée with Peanut Brittle and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream – $11. A luscious twist, the ice cream was served on top of the burnt crust. Dark and decadent, a must for the true chocolate lovers. The ice cream will have you melting in delight.

Hughzies is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and it’s Fully Licensed and BYO bottle wine only with $7 corkage fee per bottle.