OASIS by the River, the Camden Haven’s newest restaurant has already attracted plenty of attention, not only from locals, but an Australian media personality too.
Just over a fortnight ago local chef Brendon Lynch and business partner David Slattery opened the restaurant on Ocean Drive North Haven. They have had solid bookings since.
TV presenter (she was the first host of MasterChef), journalist, writer, blogger and former editor of Cosmopolitan magazine Sarah Wilson dined at Oasis recently and was amazed at what she found.
Sarah was on an overnight stay at the Diamond Waters Treehouses in Dunbogan and enjoyed sharing a few dishes from the evening menu, along with a serve of Armstrong Oysters for entree.
“I ate the lamb rack and kangaroo - both cooked to perfection,” said Sarah.
“It’s a surprising foodie hotspot off the beaten track. A great place to taste the wonderful produce of the region.”
Oasis, the former Relish by the River restaurant, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner most days. While breakfast and lunch is casual, yet delicious, the team step it up a notch (or three) for the evening menu, creating an intimate, comfortable atmosphere with a mouth-watering menu of fresh, seasonal, local offerings.
Camden Haven Courier journalist Kate Dwyer dined at Oasis recently, along with Sarah and Kerry McFadyen owner of Diamond Waters Nursery and Treehouses.
“We’re really able to offer the gourmet lifestyle here in the Camden Haven,” said Kerry.
“Brendon and David have a great menu and we loved that they accommodated our trio sharing main meals so we could sample more than one! We felt very special... and it was delicious. We will be recommending our guests at the Diamond Waters Treehouses, who are after something exceptional, to head to Oasis.”
Just to whet your appetite breakfast menu highlights include crispy bacon, grilled tomato, seared mushrooms, thick, fresh toast, eggs Benedict, eggs Florentine (smoked salmon, balsamic reduction), Bircher muesli, to name just a few dishes.
For coffee (Lavazza is the chosen brand to serve) there are all the varieties from a strong espresso to a decaf, chai and organic teas.
Chilled drinks will quench the thirst - including spiders (bringing back memories of childhood).
The lunch menu is extensive - from starters and light bites to delights from the grill. Try the sourdough with marinated fetta with a balsamic reduction, a Turkish open melt, a Certified Australian Angus Beef burger, seafood or a tender scotch fillet. All sauces and condiments are made in the restaurant.
The evening meal is something special, at a reasonable price.
Entrees include twice cooked confit of duck breast served with witlof salad, pan-fried orange, molasses and raspberry dressing.
The Camden Haven’s own Armstrong Oysters are a feature served natural, Kilpatrick or with mango, Cointreau, coriander and mild chilli.
Mains feature various meats cooked to perfection as well as options for vegetarians and other special dietary requirements.
“Our top three mains are the rare kangaroo fillet, the fresh Barramundi and the rack of lamb,” said David who will often be the one to greet you at the door.
The lamb rack is encrusted with toasted pine nuts and fresh rosemary. The Barramundi is served with a prawn bisque, snow peas and an avocado, tomato and Spanish onion salsa. The kangaroo is served on local beetroot and horseradish with hand-cut potato wedges.
Desserts, including sticky date pudding, chocolate marquise and apple and fig tart, are all made on site.
The restaurant is fully licensed and offers a great selection of beer (including the local Black Duck selection brewed in Herons Creek), wines, spirits and cocktails.
To book your table at Oasis by the River contact 6559 6918 or call in and chat to the team on Ocean Drive North Haven.