A Gourmet Picnic in Paradise

August 22, 2011

Less than two nautical miles off the shore of Hayman, resting in the middle of the Coral Sea, may just be the most beautiful place on earth, Langford Island.

It wasn’t what I was expecting at all. It was a beach, but it wasn’t attached to any land, just a strip of golden sand in the middle of the ocean.

A beach chair, towel and umbrella awaited me on the stunning sand spit.

I relaxed into the beach chair and watched people swim and snorkel and admired the turtles that swam closely around the isle.

It wasn’t long before I peeked inside the eskies that had been bought along.

I poured myself a glass of chilled Champagne. It was delicious and wonderfully refreshing. I contemplated waiting a little longer before I ate, but I couldn’t resist.

The great thing about Hayman Gourmet Picnics is not only can you take them wherever you like. You can also design your own picnic box by choosing a variety of scrumptious items off their extensive menu, which are served in a bento box-inspired case.

I started with the king prawns, then the freshly shucked oysters. The rosemary lamb cutlets were beautifully prepared and came with scrumptious Branston pickle.

Next on the menu was a lamington. A sweet treat beloved by Australians for well over a century, this lamington had silky soft sponge and deliciously rich chocolate icing.

I poured myself another glass of Champagne before tucking into the fresh seasonal fruits and cheese and crackers.

If this is what Hayman calls a picnic, I’m looking forward to fine dining!