Delicious New Menu at Chisolms Restaurant, Jenolan Caves
Many of our visitors don’t realise that hidden away, upstairs in historic Jenolan Caves House hotel, there is a world-class restaurant - Chisolm’s.
Open every night of the year, Chisolm’s can seat 150 people. So it is perfect for special occasions, such as weddings and anniversaries. Completed in 1923, Chisolm’s is known for its architectural magnificence. Guests glide up the grand staircase to Jeremiah’s Bar. To the left, tall timber double doors provide a tempting view through etched glass windows into the magnificent grand dining room. It features open fireplace, grand piano, soaring columns and wide bay windows that stretch way up to lofty ornate ceilings, typical of the Art Deco era.
In 1927, when Chisolm’s was new, it hosted royalty, when the Duke and Duchess of York (who later became King George VI and Queen Elizabeth), accompanied by their royal retinue, enjoyed a 15 course dinner. A copy of the full menu for that very special night, signed by their Royal Highnesses, still hangs in Chisolm’s.
Although Chisolm’s has had illustrious guests, the current menu aims to please a much broader range, from tourists to romantic couples to families. The menu changes seasonally, and Head Chef, Steven Fogerty, and his culinary team, have created a delicious selection for Spring and Summer. This menu is high-end, tempting for special occasions, but with mid-range prices.
Innovative entrées include Prawn, Scallop & Barramundi Ceviche and Caesar Salad, with Tea Smoked Quail. The Pan Fried Whole Baby Calamari with Lemon and Caper Butter is particularly mouth-watering. Mains include Braised Lamb Shank, or Char Roasted Beef Sirloin, for lovers of tradition. For something non-traditional, try the sensational Twice Cooked Duckling. Helpings are filling, without being overwhelming. If you have room for dessert, you should not leave without trying the Green Chilli Panna Cotta, with Orange Vanilla Syrup. You will absolutely come back again.
The wine list is interesting and regional, with wines from Orange (Angullong and Mortimers), Mudgee (Farmer’s Daughter), and the Central Ranges (Pocket Watch and Chain of Fire). Finish off your evening with a relaxing Port or a Cognac.
Chisolm’s Restaurant is named after Miss Chisolm, who worked in Caves House hotel for many years, until 1965. Chisolm’s is rumoured to be haunted by her ghost – one of many at Jenolan.
So, give Chisolm’s Restaurant in Jenolan Caves House a try, on your next special occasion or the next time you visit the caves. On the ‘Legends, Mysteries and Ghosts’ tour, Jenolan Caves tour guides try to frighten, with stories of the ghost of Miss Chisolm tucking guests into bed in Caves House. But if you spend the night, you will be so tired from exploring caves followed by an excellent dinner that you won’t care who tucks you in.
