Lifestyled by Paula Joye

My parents-in-law live in Mount View in the Hunter Valley. It’s picture perfect – the prettiest spot in the valley.

Literally straight across the road from their property is Bistro Molines (the new digs of Chef Robert Molines of Roberts fame). It’s a little slice of Tuscany in NSW.

The view, the food, the wine is incredible.

The building is an open villa set high on the hill with white table cloth tables peppered around a paved terrace and atrium. The interiors are divine – full go vignettes you’ll want to replicate in your own home – and the space, the vista and the menu changes with the seasons.

Here’s some postcards from my languid lunch in the sun.

Quirky and cool.

Filled with colour.

 Welcome wisdom.

Ideas for your own home.

White wine spells summer. 

 Lemons and late tulips.

 Only the best fries in the world.

 Happiness is food.

Kinda makes you want to redecorate.

 Vongole and handmade spaghetti.

 Roses by the bucket load.

 Fried mozzarella in choux pastry puffs.

 Olive oil for Italy.

Zucchini Flowers stacked.

 It’s the little things.

Easy Summer Salad.

This salad is famous at Bistro Molines because it’s simple and generous in size. Easy to try at home simply layer fresh mozzarella on sliced tomato, top with avocado and add olives and boiled egg to the side.

My favourite dressing is rock salt, lemon and oil.

For a reservations: 749 Mount View Road Mount View NSW 2325 (02)4990 9553