EAT.DRINK mornington peninsula
2020
From earth to sea, abundance for all to share
All things delicious on the Mornington Peninsula
DOC P:32-33
EAT.DRINK . . . ENJOY
Welcome to the 2nd edition of Eat.Drink, a celebration of the culinary delights found on the Mornington Peninsula and Greater Frankston. Lisa Walton, her partner Archie Mitchell, photojournalist Isabella Rose plus the team at Mornington Peninsula Magazine take you on a journey through our best eateries, wineries, distilleries, cideries, breweries and the dedicated and talented people behind them. This year we have more than 110 foodie hot spots plus amazing storytelling about why this region is an Eat.Drink haven. Gather around communal tables, explore your favourites and experience the new players as we take you through every area and uncover the most amazing venues. Let Eat.Drink take you from earth to sea — there’s abundance for all to share.
OUR COVERS
All covers and above: Photography and styling by Isabella Rose Photographer Food art by chef Mark Poulter Tableware by Made In Japan www.eatdrinkmorningtonpeninsula.com.au
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SECTIONS OUR TEAM PUBLISHER/DESIGNER Lisa Walton PHOTOGRAPHERS Isabella Rose Photographer Steve Brown (landscapes) FEATURE WRITERS Richard Cornish, Max Allen, Isabella Rose, Lisa Walton, Kate Sears, Liz Rogers, Tom Portet CLIENT RELATIONS Molly Mitchell, Belinda Timmerman, Anna Georgiou PUBLISHER’S ASSISTANT Belinda Timmerman SUB EDITOR Geoff Scott DISTRIBUTION Archie Mitchell WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA Jasmine Forecast, Kate Sears ALL ENQUIRIES 9708 8222 JOIN OUR TRIBE eatdrinkmornpen
Published by Morn Pen Mag Pty Ltd ABN 55 621 041 512 11/1140 Nepean Highway, Mornington Victoria 3931 Phone 9708 8222
SECTIONS Mount Eliza Mornington Mount Martha Moorooduc
24-60
Safety Beach Dromana McCrae Martha Cove
64-79
Rosebud Capel Sound Tootgarook Rye
88-99
Blairgowrie Sorrento Portsea
104-113
St Andrews Beach to Flinders
118-125
Somers Balnarring Tyabb Bittern Hastings
128-136
Main Ridge Red Hill Merricks Shoreham Point Leo Arthurs Seat
140-161
Frankston and Surrounds
170-185
MAPS Beer Cider + Spirits Trail Map Mornington Peninsula Wine Map
80-83 162-167
DIRECTORIES Markets 190 Directory 192 Annual Events
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RECIPES Fresh tomato, olive and preserved lemon sauce
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Casarecce with peas
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Gnocchi with broccolini and spiced walnuts
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Apple and mixed berry crumble
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Fettuccine with mushroom and lemon
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WILSONS WINE CELLAR P.53
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CONTENTS Your passport to foodie heaven by Richard Cornish
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A Peninsula brimming with winemakers, brewers and distillers
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FROM SALT WATER Environmentally-friendly aquaculture with Peter Lillie
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FROM INDIGENOUS Respect, understanding and equilibrium with Lionel Lauch
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FROM RICH HISTORY A supermarket success story
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Almost 100 and the show goes on
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THE SEASONS Changing seasons reveal the many facets of the Mornington Peninsula
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FROM FIRE Environmentally-conscious coffee brewing down south
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FROM GARDEN AND SEA Fresh simplicity with Liz Egan
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FROM EARTH Guy Mirabella’s passion for seasonal sufficiency
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Mushroom meandering and truffle hunting
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FROM AIR Mastering the Peninsula’s micro-climate with Gary Mehigan
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FROM BRANCH A glimpse into generational orchardists with Bianca Paganoni
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FROM PIONEER Primary farming on the Mornington Peninsula
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FROM AIR The brilliance of Mornington Peninsula bees with John Winkels
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FROM DEDICATION Hands-on hinterland cherry and avocado-growing with Trevor Holmes
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FROM GENERATION Dedicated peony farming with Jillian Holmes-Smith
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Sorrento’s seaside sophistication attracts thousands at the turn of the century
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Proud Peninsula girl Stephanie Alexander changed the way we view food
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Killers’ legacy lives on at Bushrangers Bay
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Peninsula Uncorked - A glimpse into some of the great local drops
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www.eatdrinkmorningtonpeninsula.com.au
THE MILBRI P.97
MITCH & CO CAFE P.132
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Almost 100 and the show goes on Twelve hundred people surged through the doors of the newly built Red Hill Cooperative Coolstores on Wednesday, March 29, in 1922 to be part of an exciting happening. The long grading room inside was stacked with exhibition stands made from trays and empty fruit cases, which were covered in white paper and bed sheets, while magnificent massive marrows and pumpkins, cornstalks and bags of potatoes rose and spread out alongside sheaves of oats and cases of appetising apples in all their glory.
Mornington Peninsula residents had arrived in the morning, their buggies bulging with picnic baskets and billies and their imaginations filled with the anticipation of excellence. The out-of-towners came from Flinders St with their lunches packed to see the orchardists arrange their fruit with pride, while women came together to display their carefully crafted dressed dolls, rugs, framed paintings and baked goods. This first of many annual show days to come was a time to celebrate the diverse craft and produce grown in Red Hill and surrounds. It was also a day that began an almost 100-year journey of commitment to showcasing the Peninsula’s unique culture, history and values. The Red Hill Horticultural Society held its first chrysanthemum show in the Dromana Mechanics Institute in 1896, which sparked an interest in country shows that has lasted up until the present day. From the Red Hill Agricultural and Horticultural Society Show’s grand opening continues over page
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MOUNT ELIZA MORNINGTON
PHOTO: STEVE BROWN
To fish is to survive, thrive and provide. Along the coast of Port Phillip Bay, where the angling boats banter and the yachts hoist their sails, is the place where families gather and visitors connect. Streets meander with their leafy guardians swaying and eclectic villages buzz with the sound of shoppers, diners, music and laughter. This is the space where desired real estate, excellent education and endless entertainment collide to provide a very special life. Coffee culture rules in these villages, with global food and live music venues just around the corner and the Mornington Peninsula winery trail only moments away. Gather your friends to find farm-fresh organic produce and award-winning fine food merchants, wine bars and distilleries, or venture into one of the coastal pubs with seafaring folk to enjoy a Peninsula-made brew. Diversity reigns from the undulating thoroughfares of Mount Eliza and Mount Martha to the windswept salty streets of Mornington and the rural plains of Moorooduc. Industrial estates overflow with art, food and coffee-crafting innovators who are driving the metamorphosis of a region that is determined to expand and stand on its own two very creative coastal feet. Premium Italian, Mexican and waterfront seafood dining delivers while the wide selection of wineries offer up long, lazy tastings and grazings. So close to Melbourne and yet far enough away, come stay with people who understand hospitality. From cellar door to a luxury getaway, there’s more to explore than ever before on the Mornington Peninsula. Cast your line and catch a ride. LIZ ROGERS
YABBY LAKE VINEYARD
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WILSONS WINE CELLAR
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MOUNT MARTHA MOOROODUC
PHOTO: STEVE BROWN
Apple Espresso (P.26-29) Barmah Park Restaurant and Cellar Door (P.46) Be Fit Food (P.54) Benton Rise Farm (P.58) Bronx Napoli 1999 (P.44) Chief’s Son Distillery (P.51) Chutney Bar Mornington (P.49) Commonfolk Coffee Company (P.60) Conscious Cravings Co (P.50) Corner Counter (P.56) D.O.C Gastronomia Italiana (P.32-33) Dromana Estate (P.34-35) Finesse Catering Group (P.57) Flock Café (P.56) Gods Kitchen (P.57) Higher Ground (P.40-41)
Josephine’s at The Briars (P.47) Original Spirit Co (P.59) Peninsula Beverage Co. (P.60) Publician (P.36-37) Pure Peninsula Honey (P59, 138-139) Rebel Donuts (P.43) Ritchies Mount Eliza & Mount Martha (P.58) Somerville Egg Farm (P.52) The Good Food Bakery (P.48) The Rocks Mornington (P.30-31) Tully’s Corner Produce Store (P.26-29) Underground Tacos (P.42) Via Battisti (P.45) Wilsons Wine Cellar (P.53) Woodman Estate (P.38-39) Yabby Lake Vineyard (P.55)
VIA BATTISTI
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The Rocks Mornington The Rocks Mornington is an award-winning waterfront restaurant specialising in seafood. Boasting the most enviable waterfront location that offers panoramic views over the spectacular Mornington Harbour, you can sit back, relax and watch the boats come and go while keeping an eye out for playful dolphins as you dine. Owned by the De Santis family, who have been running successful restaurants in the area for more than 50 years — including Rugantino Restaurant in the 1970s, Julius Caesar restaurant in the 1980s and ‘90s, Via del Mare Restaurant in the ‘90s to early 2000s, D.O.C since 2010 and then The Rocks since 2001 — this venue is an institution. Catering for both locals and tourists, it’s known for serving up only the freshest seafood of the highest quality. You can choose to sit inside the main dining space, which affords you exciting views into the open kitchen as you watch the team of talented chefs hard at work shucking, filleting and creating mouthwatering dishes. You are encouraged to select your own fish, weigh it and converse with the chefs, providing an interactive experience that you would be hard pressed to find elsewhere. Or if you prefer, take a step down into the covered outdoor deck area and you will be rewarded with expansive water views with the Mount Eliza shoreline in the distance and the sea breeze filling the air. The menu is generous and diverse with a variety of choices in The Rocks’ catch of the day list. Fresh mussels collected from the boat only metres away can be cooked in tomato and chilli, or perhaps white wine,
garlic and parsley is more your style. Barbecued whole calamari, freshly shucked oysters, sashimi served on ice as well as a live saltwater tank is a dream come true for any seafood lover. Pick your own lobster or mud crab and sit down to a totally indulgent feast. Not all the menu is seafood, however, with a variety of proteins including steaks, lamb and vegetarian options as well. There is a Japanese and Asian influence with a delicious buns and dumplings section; expect tempura eggplant bao, tempura soft shell crab sliders and prawn and scallop siu mai dumplings along with a raw section that highlights the chef’s sashimi skills. Beverages are sourced both locally and abroad, and don’t forget to check out the Rocktails, a selection of divine cocktails perfect for sipping as you watch the blue sky gently turn into a gorgeous pink sunset. In partnership with the Mornington Yacht Club, The Rocks also offers a brilliant event space that includes an enormous balcony overlooking the water. Events are tailored to suit your needs using a restaurantquality menu that will have your guests gushing about it for months afterwards. The function room seats up to 100 guests or 250 stand-up canapes-style. Worth a look when planning your next event. Opening hours: open seven days for breakfast and lunch, 8am-3pm; dinner 5.30pm-late (closed Sunday nights July/August only)
The Rocks Mornington I 1 Schnapper Point Dve, Mornington P: 5973 5599 I www.therocksmornington.com.au therocksmornington
SAFETY BEACH DROMANA
PHOTO: STEVE BROWN
With its roots planted firmly in European sensibilities, this stretch of the Mornington Peninsula brings continental connections, boating enthusiasts and flathead-seeking fanatics to its captivating shoreline. Here the yachts sail from sunrise to sunset as schools of whiting swim beneath their hulls and stingrays meet and greet at Dromana Pier, cavorting in the blue-green shallows. This is one of the earliest parts of the Peninsula to be settled, with the grandeur of Arthurs Seat towering above, its forest skirts splayed down towards Port Phillip Bay. Here, history glistens as McCrae Homestead celebrates Indigenous and first settlement relationships and the McCrae lighthouse stands strong with its metal arms bracing against the saltwater wind. Life in Safety Beach, Dromana and McCrae is family-friendly yet full of young cafÊ-culture adventurers. The industrial zone has become a mecca for beer, cider and distilleries while the biking crowd spend their weekends out and about. World-class food stores flourish and global eateries open their arms, while inland, rural life thrives with exceptional wineries, cellar doors and restaurants serving up paddockto-mouth selections. Head back towards the bay to Martha Cove and the living is elegantly informal with a brand new centrally located grocery, cellar and restaurant. Find your way today. It’s easy - just turn the pages and follow the Wine, Food, Farmgate and the Beer, Cider and Spirits Trail Map to escape. LIZ ROGERS
PIER STREET KITCHEN
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JIMMYRUM DISTILLERY
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McCRAE MARTHA COVE
PHOTO: STEVE BROWN
Bass & Flinders Distillery (P.79) Café Del Sol (P.78) Jetty Road Brewery (P.72-73) JimmyRum Distillery (P.77) La Onda Latin Mex (P. 76) Laneway Espresso Dromana (P.66-67) Martha’s Grocer (P.70-71) Martha’s Liquor (P.70-71) Martha’s Table (P.70-71) Peninsula Gourmet Emporium (P.74) Pier Street Kitchen (P.75) Ritchies Dromana (P.78) TWØBAYS Brewing Co (P.79) Zero95 Pizza Bar (P.68-69)
LA ONDA LATIN MEX
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Laneway Espresso Dromana Meander down the light-filled laneway to discover something a little different in Dromana. It’s a much adored laneway, and rightly so. Rustic brick work contrasts with the mural-adorned walls across the way. If you take a seat at one of the mismatched vintage tables staggered along the laneway, you’ll even steal a glimpse of Port Phillip Bay. Or step through the other front entrance off the footpath at Laneway Espresso Little Treasures to find an eclectic assortment of antique collectables, retro art pieces, and artworks by local artists to complement your coffee date. Browse the antique treasures for sale or admire the personal items from owner Jim Mavrogiannis’s home collection, such as the shelves filled with vintage radios and records. “The idea was to make this café your third home,” said Jim. “Your first home is your house, your second home is your workplace, and now you’ve got a third home here at Laneway Espresso Dromana.” That being said, it has become the third home to countless customers who stop Jim in his tracks to say hello. Despite this, Jim still remains down to earth and of course fuelled by his love for coffee. Anyone can see that Jim is passionate about the food his venue plates up, and it’s contagious, much like his laugh that echoes throughout the unique venue. It’s a comfortable atmosphere that has all the coffee drinkers and brunch fanatics feeling at home and kicking back. They don’t just come for the food, they come for the atmosphere and it’s a beautiful thing. Without a doubt, food is the talking point, with friendships started over mutual admiration of freshly made smashed avocado with cherry tomatoes and feta with dukkah and a balsamic glaze, or the roast pumpkin served with Danish feta, onion jam and poached eggs finished with roasted nuts. Conversations at the large vintage share tables flow with the music, so we believe Jim when he tells us that couples have met at his very own communal tables. “Atmosphere is so important. The vibe has to be right. You’ve got to enjoy where you are. It’s everything that I ever wanted; the design is how I envisioned it. I like the way it is and I’m happy that it works so well.” It’s the epitome of café culture here, with every last detail thought out — from Jim’s assorted collection of vintage teaspoons to the quirky sugar jars and vibrant watering cans filled with plants. It all came to fruition, even the layout of the trendy space complete with a kids’ corner. Here at Laneway Espresso it’s about doing something different, from the croissant burger to the standout coffee, which has received awards from Bean Hunter for the past three years. Jim knows taste and flavours and how they work together, whether it’s food or decor. His staff make it their mission to make a connection with all the customers who walk down the laneway — together, all of the elements draw people in. That’s just how they brunch.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 6.30am–5pm, Saturday to Sunday 7am–5pm.
Laneway Espresso Dromana I 167 Point Nepean Rd, Dromana P: 5981 4624 lanewayespressolittletreasures lanewaydromana www.eatdrinkmorningtonpeninsula.com.au
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ROSEBUD CAPEL SOUND
PHOTO: STEVE BROWN
It is well worth the drive to discover a world where flamboyant beach boxes sit squarely, staring out to the bay from the sandy shoreline while holidaymakers swim, picnic and play the day away. This part of the Peninsula, where the clouds whirl in orange, pink and purple and the teatrees and banksias bundle, provides pier-sauntering summertime fun for out-of-towners with carnivals and Bay Trail wanderings. It also offers up some of the best fine dining alternatives with top-end operators settling in the area and sharing their artistry. Coffee, cocktails and cuisine have come into their own in this tucked-away part of the Peninsula, where dedication to all things delicious is steadfast and simply not up for negotiation. The gourmet burger selection is vast, while perfectly pulled pork and haggis get the nod too. Rosebud, Capel Sound, Tootgarook and Rye are not to be underestimated. Beneath the backdrop of Arthurs Seat and the slight sleepiness of a winter seaside region sits a cluster of villages that offer crafted cider and roasted coffee, delectable generational grown produce and world-class dining. All of this is surrounded by vineyards, the sea and a skyscape that can only be described as exquisite as modern Australian cuisine and French and Italian flavours come together. Some of the best home-grown spuds you’ll find are thrown in for good measure. This is the zone where casual sophistication rules, grown from Mediterranean settlement and an understanding that life is far too short not to jump right in and experience the best. Join us and celebrate excellence. LIZ ROGERS
THE HOLY BEAN CAFE
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VERAISON RESTAURANT
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TOOTGAROOK RYE
PHOTO: STEVE BROWN
Blue Mini Eatery Emporium Events (P.90-91) Boneo Road Roasters (P.92-93) Hawkes Farm (P.99) Mubble Rye (P.111) Old Apple Shed (P.98) Sacrebleau French Café (P.99) The Holy Bean Café (P.94) The Milbri (P.97) Unica Cucina E Caffé (P.96) Veraison Restaurant (P.95)
THE MILBRI
www.eatdrinkmorningtonpeninsula.com.au
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Boneo Road Roasters They’ve got your beans! Small-batch, in-house coffee roasting Espresso, filter, press, cold brew or stove top Proudly using ethically sourced coffee beans. Take home the taste… With the Mornington Peninsula market being very particular about its coffee, Blue Mini owner Tracey Ross has developed what was initially a hobby into another string to her bow. Launched in 2017, Boneo Road Roasters is a small-batch, inhouse coffee roaster. Located on site at Blue Mini and featured on the eatery menu, Boneo Road Roasters coffee is proudly roasted from ethically sourced coffee beans. Purchased through direct relationships with growers around the world, this arrangement ensures that the beans are grown and farmed under ethical and sustainable conditions with a commitment to building skills locally, providing job security and growth opportunities for local workers. The Blue Mini house blend, called Exhilarate, is a medium or omni roast that’s perfect for home use, with a smooth and fullbodied flavour rich with caramel notes. No visit to Blue Mini is complete without trying the exclusive coffee-tasting experience by Boneo Road Roasters. Featuring cold-drip coffee brewed over five hours, an Exhilarate espresso, a delightful homemade mocha brownie, chocolate-coated coffee beans and provisions to make your own affogato, it’s a tasting experience that is all things coffee. More than just coffee, Blue Mini also has a range of teas to excite the palate of any tea-lover, with blends ranging from traditional favourites to unique taste fusions exclusive to the brand. Just like the coffee, it is used in-house at the Blue Mini eatery and is available to purchase and enjoy at home. Open daily 7am-4pm
Boneo Road Roasters at Blue Mini I 2 Colchester Rd, Rosebud P:5981 2520 I www.bluemini.com.au/boneo-road-roasters blueminicafe boneoroadroasters
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BLAIRGOWRIE SORRENTO
PHOTO: STEVE BROWN
This is the part of the world where land and sea come together in perfect harmony. From the limestone corridors of Sorrento’s history-laden buildings to the foreshore where holidaymakers have played by Port Phillip Bay for years, visit once and you’ll want to stay for ever. In droves they came. Boatloads of pleasure-seekers from Melbourne in the early 1900s, up from the paddle steamers to a town where wandering up and down in your finery was the main attraction. From the sparkling front beaches to the rugged coastal ridges and rock pools of Bass Strait, visitors still dare to dream of a lifestyle full of sun, surf and sand and the sampling of Peninsula-grown and crafted cuisine that stands alone on the world stage. From holiday shacks to grand residences, this resort-style region still attracts seasonal partygoers, beachcombers and fine-diners alike. Hospitality is exactly what it says it is: meet and greet restaurateurs, providores and paddock-to-plate innovators serving up their best throughout the seasons, whether you’re at the pub watching the sun sink or at an intimate dining destination. Come visit this land of sweet treats, Sicilian and French selections and long ‘petit déjeuners’ by the bay. Come to the place where the back beach churns, the ferry roams and the dolphins play. Make your own history. We are waiting. LIZ ROGERS
SORRENTO TRATTORIA
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PORTSEA
PHOTO: STEVE BROWN
Hotel Sorrento (P.110) Le Capucin (P.113) Moonraker Charters (P.108) Mr Morce (P.109) Mubble Sorrento (P.111) Panda Blairgowrie (P.106-107) Ritchies Sorrento (P.112) Sorrento Trattoria (P.113) The Vanilla Slice CafĂŠ (P.112)
MUBBLE
www.eatdrinkmorningtonpeninsula.com.au
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Hotel Sorrento Standing proudly on the Sorrento clifftops overlooking the sparkling waters of Port Phillip Bay, Hotel Sorrento combines modern luxury with old-world charm. With an award-winning restaurant, several exclusive bars including a new rooftop bar, cocktail lounges, event spaces and premium accommodation, it has something for everyone. Set in the heart of Sorrento, within walking distance of picture-postcard beaches and a short drive to the world-renowned Mornington Peninsula wine and golf region, Hotel Sorrento is an ideal location to base yourself. Whether it’s for a business conference, private event, weekend away, or a quiet drink with friends, Hotel Sorrento has the space for you. As a family-owned and operated business for nearly 40 years, it prides itself on serving sumptuous and seasonal dining. With a focus on local produce, Hotel Sorrento combines new and innovative dishes with favourite classics. The menu reflects the change in seasons and the quality produce on offer in Victoria. If you are looking for contemporary, coastal cooking in a relaxed setting then Hotel Sorrento is for you. Hotel Sorrento Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Hotel Sorrento I 5-15 Hotham Rd, Sorrento I P: 5984 8000 www.hotelsorrento.com.au I Hotel Sorrento hotelsorrento_
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Mubble The most creamy and decadent ice-cream and sorbets you will ever taste are at Mubble, all handcrafted in-house using the finest ingredients imported from Italy. This modern and spacious boutique ice-creamery has set new standards in quality with an inspired range of flavours to suit even the most discerning icecream connoisseurs. Based in the picturesque seaside town of Sorrento, this family-owned and operated business has more than 150 flavours to its repertoire. There is always something new and exciting to try, with flavours changing daily and ranging from the ever-popular classics to the more unusual and exotic flavour combinations. You will be spoilt for choice as you are challenged to pick your favourite, with offerings such as Salted Caramel, Ferrero Rocher, Caramelized Pear, Lemon Lime Bitters, Pavlova, Pistachio, and Mud Cake, to name only a few. There are also dairy-free, glutenfree and vegan options, so no one has to miss out. Mubble also makes refreshing juices and smoothies using real fresh fruit, all available in an environmentally friendly range of biodegradable packaging. There are even stylish and fun reusable drink bottles available for purchase so you can top up every day and help save on waste. If you can’t make it to Sorrento, drop into Mubble’s Rye store, where their freshly made ice-cream is delivered daily.
Opening Hours: Over summer: 7 Days 10am-11pm Off-season: Sun-Thurs 10am-6pm; Fri-Sat 10am-9pm
mubble I 69 Ocean Beach Rd, Sorrento, 2381 Pt Nepean Rd, Rye I P: 5984 4944 I www.mubble.com.au www.eatdrinkmorningtonpeninsula.com.au
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ST ANDREWS BEACH
PHOTO: STEVE BROWN
There’s a place where Bass Strait thunders and the sky hits the land with a tap. Tea-tree leans away from the wind and the sand dunes roll and clap, their ancient forms heaving to the swell of the sea below. From the sunkissed sands of St Andrews Beach to Cape Schanck and on to Flinders, where an ever-changing climate rules, this is where the board riders come to surge and dance perchance to catch the perfect wave. Seals and birdlife cluster across the rocky outcrops of Cape Schanck, covering them with commotion, creation and devotion, and to the west the sandy soil stretches out with the vibrant colours of celery, lettuce, leafy greens and carrots. These are some of the largest market gardens in the state, a kaleidoscope of delicious nutrition. This is a wonderfully wild area ideal for environmental existential wandering. From the historic township of Flinders, where the fishing is fine and so is the sourdough, to St Andrews Beach, where a brilliantly brewed bevvy brings its own rewards, the extra drive to this special part of the Mornington Peninsula is well worth the trip. Vintage pubs and vibrant cafes buzz with conversation and award-winning cattle graze on luscious green pastures throughout the region while multi-million-dollar resorts like RACV Cape Schanck attract fine-diners and lovers of artistic expression. To drive is to arrive in this most beautiful place full of grace and natural splendour. Once here, revive and come alive in hot springs and stay on for cocktails while watching the world turn on the distant horizon. You are away. Stay a while and surrender. LIZ ROGERS
PENINSULA HOT SPRINGS
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TO FLINDERS
PHOTO: STEVE BROWN
Flinders General Store (P.124) Flinders Sourdough (P.124) Peninsula Hot Springs (P.125) RACV Cape Schanck Resort (P122-123) St Andrews Beach Brewery (P.120-121)
RACV CAPE SCHANCK RESORT, BY ALISON HOELZER
www.eatdrinkmorningtonpeninsula.com.au
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St Andrews Beach Brewery
In December 2o17, St Andrews Beach Brewery opened its doors to the public, revealing a worldclass brewery and venue of the highest standard. Offering the finest craft beers, a selection of the Peninsula’s best wines and a relaxed menu of great-tasting food, this incredibly unique setting definitely exudes the ‘wow’ factor. Previously a racetrack and stables for the Australian racing industry’s legendary Freedman brothers, this extraordinary complex has been ingeniously transformed into a one-of-a-kind, modern-day brewery.
By a stroke of good fortune, Andrew Purchase — who built the racetrack — was ready to take on his next venture at the same time as the property was up for sale. Having previously co-owned a brewery in France, Andrew already knew what it would take to get this endeavour across the finish line. With his winning enthusiasm he inspired co-owners Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry to jump on board with his ambitious plan and the rest is history. Embracing the existing equine infrastructure, the team have meticulously and cleverly re-invented the property. The former 1200m
racetrack has now become a seriously large fruit and vegie garden complete with 8000 apple and pear cider trees. Old racing stables are now home to the current livestock, which include pigs, sheep and free-roaming chickens. Upon entering what was previously the main stable area, you are met with a beautifully manicured beer garden providing plenty of outside seating. Lining each side are private open-air stalls that were indeed just that — stalls that once housed some of Australia’s most prominent and successful racehorses, including the world-famous Makybe Diva. Stroll along the paved walkway framed by square arches and you’ll find yourself at the main building, where an open-plan space with a full-length bar is backdropped by an enormous bank of windows that allow you a direct view into the working brewery.
such choices as oysters, chilli cheese kransky, and pulled beef brisket sliders get you out of the starter’s gate, while large share plates are great to enjoy among friends. There are sensational salads such as green tea soba noodle salad or Cypriot village salad for those who love a healthy option, and the mouthwatering burgers and sensational pizzas are hard to resist. Reflecting the easygoing nature of this coastal location, St Andrews Beach Brewery is designed as the perfect place to unwind and relish good friends and conversation over delicious food and quality beverages. Opening hours: seven days; hours are seasonal so visit website for details
All St Andrews beers are unpasteurised and brewed on-site using the finest aroma hops and heirloom variety malt. The beer range is inspired by the property’s rich history and currently includes 6 Furlongs, Box 54, The Strapper, The Farrier, Race Day and The Apprentice. Full of character, each delicious brew has a story behind it, so grab a tasting paddle and explore these award-winning beers for yourself. A well-considered and tasty menu serves up the perfect food to complement your beer-tasting journey. Informal-style food prepared with quality ingredients provides something for everyone. Small plates offering
St Andrews Beach Brewery I 160 Sandy Rd, Fingal I P: 5988 6854 I www.standrewsbeachbrewery.com.au www.eatdrinkmorningtonpeninsula.com.au
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SOMERS BALNARRING TYABB
PHOTO: STEVE BROWN
Welcome to the Western Port side of life, where secluded enclaves of she-oaks and banksias sway and wide open beaches with rocky ridges rage against the waves rolling in to shore. Here the relaxed rustic lifestyle governs, its limitless outdoor diversions a backdrop to the ever-evolving collection of creative wining and dining options. These authentically Mornington Peninsula hamlets may snooze beneath the cumulus nimbus in the winter but come spring and summer the mangroves begin to sing and visitors swing to the beat of eclectic destination and boutique shopping, award-wining artisan produce and café life that can only be described as delectable. This is old steam train and cool store country. Proudly packed apples once left the heart of the hinterland in the 1920s and travelled through Balnarring and Bittern to arrive at Melbourne markets. These days each village in the region has its own unique offering, from brilliant butchers, bakers and artistry makers to international dining degustation dripping with individual flavours. Wind through this age-old district to drop into one or more of the wonderful wineries as the sunlight flickers through the trees and the breeze carries you to your next port of call. Which will it be? Italian, French, Japanese or heritage-inspired deliciousness? Somers, Balnarring, Bittern, Hastings and Tyabb attract sea and tree-changers and those who are searching for endless summers spent surfing, swimming and roaming — but they are much more than this. They are home to artisans who need to achieve excellence, from presenting home-grown produce perfectly on the plate to hospitality that is generous and gregarious any time of the year. Eat.Drink it in. LIZ ROGERS
BARN AND CO
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ORITA’S 2 RESTAURANT
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BITTERN HASTINGS
PHOTO: STEVE BROWN
Barn and Co (P.131) Fontalina (P.130) Is Blue (P.134) Le Bouchon French Cuisine (P.135) Mitch and Co Café (P.132) Orita’s 2 (P.134) Ötzi (P.149) Phase Two (P.135) Ritchies Balnarring (P.136) The Heritage Balnarring (P.133)
LE BOUCHON FRENCH CUISINE
www.eatdrinkmorningtonpeninsula.com.au
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Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm One of the ‘must do’ attractions on the Mornington Peninsula, Sunny Ridge Farms is Australia’s largest strawberry producer, planting an astounding five million plants a year, all by hand. Enjoy the opportunity to get among the harvest fields, strolling at your leisure while handpicking your strawberries, the sweet fragrance of ripened berries lingering in the air. This is an experience that everyone will love, whether you come as a family, a couple or just pop in on your own. An activity for young and old, there is nothing better than collecting your own produce directly from the source. Youngsters will be filled with delight, eyes wide open with surprise as they discover large, bright red strawberries hidden beneath the leaves. Afterwards, indulge yourself with a delicious dessert or one of the many sweet treats available in the café. All the ice-creams are homemade in-house, but we definitely suggest you try the strawberry ice-cream or sorbet, both of which are made from berries grown on the farm. The Retail Emporium has a vast array of jams, syrups, chocolates and other locally sourced products and gifts available for purchase. Pre-picked and packed strawberries and raspberries are ready to go for those who don’t want to pick their own, as well as freeze-dried strawberries that are great all year round. For the uninitiated, freezedrying is a highly specialised dehydration process that maintains the integrity of the strawberries, ensuring they still have wonderful colour, texture, flavour and nutritional value. Most importantly, strawberries make spectacular dishes, so make sure you buy extra to take home. Mouthwatering recipes are available on the Sunny Ridge blog, which is always being updated with new ideas and helpful tips. Sunny Ridge’s Queensland operation has its growing season from May to October, so you will still have your choice of fresh Queensland strawberries available in Victoria during this time. Committed to sustainable practices and utilising natural and organic farming methods wherever possible, Sunny Ridge has achieved a total ‘no wastage’ result on its raspberry production farm, with all its raspberries either being sold or made into jams. It hopes to achieve the same result with its strawberry production soon. Being environmentally responsible is a major part of its mission and it is extremely excited to announce it is currently sourcing cardboard punnets to be used for its U-Pick activity to replace the plastic containers. Stay tuned!
SUNNY RIDGE STRAWBERRY FARM
U-Pick (November-April): open seven days 9am-5pm (last entry for U-Pick 4.30pm); closed Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday Off-season (May-October; no U-Pick available): open Friday-Sunday 11am-4pm plus public holidays and Victorian school holidays
Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm I 244 Shands Rd, Main Ridge P: 5989 4500 I www.sunnyridge.com.au sunnyridgestrawberryfarm www.eatdrinkmorningtonpeninsula.com.au
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FRANKSTON
PHOTO: STEVE BROWN
Greater Frankston has been the hub for creatives, purveyors of fine food and movers and groovers since Joan Lindsay wrote Picnic at Hanging Rock at Mulberry Hill. With artists such as Harry McClelland, who held court with his artistic band of bohemians at what is now known as McClelland Park, this is the place where dreams and schemes gather. Jump forward to today and this ever-changing city by the bay is now home to award-winning restaurants that deliver international flavours and urban-edge café creators who provide contemporary and adventurous dining alternatives to foodie fanatics. The streets are dotted with delicious coffee and dining choices and art from the likes of slightly surrealist Lucy Bonnin and photorealist Smug, while summer comes alive with waterfront activities, performing artists and Frankston residents living the good life to the gentle hum of the gateway to the Peninsula. Culture and community are at the core of Frankston and surrounds. Whether it’s the hip crew getting together at one of the many bars and cafes sprouting up along Kananook Creek and opening farther inland, or the stellar arts precinct that provides world-class music, art exhibitions and performance alternatives, this is a region that’s ready to generate and activate. Big business has come to town and so have choice, selection and reinvention. From Korean to European to modern Asian cuisines plus the delivery of premium Peninsula wines and freshly brewed beer, get set to be wowed by a ramped-up version of a city with a view to Melbourne’s skyline hovering on the horizon. The vibe is cool, conversational and friendly. That’s Frankston. LIZ ROGERS
DAINTON BEER BREWERY AND TAPHOUSE
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THE CHEEKY SQUIRE
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AND SURROUNDS
PHOTO: STEVE BROWN
Bayside Entertainment (P.184) Dainton Beer Brewery and Taphouse (P.176) Flourish Café (P.185) Geonbae Korean BBQ Restaurant (P.172-173) Ginseng Modern Asian Cuisine (P.178) McClellend Sculpture Park+Gallery (P.181) Nature Café Bar (P.177) One Pear Tree (P.185) The Big Fish Fish Market (P.184) The Cheeky Squire (P.179) The Craft and Co Farm (P.183) The Deck (est 2013) (P.174-175) Vero Pasta + Wine (P.180)
GEONBAE KOREAN BBQ RESTAURANT
www.eatdrinkmorningtonpeninsula.com.au
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Geonbae Korean BBQ Restaurant
The Korean barbecue is a quintessential part of the Korean dining experience, one that sees gogo-jip (meaning ‘meat houses’) found on every corner in their homeland and frequented regularly by everyday Koreans. Geonbae brings this unique cultural and dining experience to life, creating an authentic setting that offers diners a true taste of Korean cuisine. The restaurant design itself is typical of what you would find in Korea. Warm timbers are used in the flooring, tables and panelling that form the many private booths lining the wall. Exposed bulbs hang from the metal ceiling, creating a sea of mesmerising ambient light. The distinct industrial feel is enhanced by the gleaming stainless-steel flues that descend from the ceiling and hover at the ready over each dining table. Heading up the kitchen is exciting young chef Yeonju Lee. Originally from the large port city of Busan in South Korea, she spent many years perfecting her craft in Korean establishments before travelling to Australia. Bringing with her a wealth of traditional knowledge and time-honoured culinary skill, Yeonju Lee leads a team of all-Korean chefs. Together they create magnificent dishes that are rich in history, generous in flavour and full of vibrant colour. Your food will be cooked at the table over your own barbecue, the sounds and aromas of sizzling juices building your anticipation while knowledgeable staff provide you with an interesting background on Korean food and culture and the history and significance of each particular dish. One of the core values behind Korean cuisine is that it should be social and shared. There should be many dishes, and the banchan (small side dishes) are just as important as the main dishes of meat and seafood. Traditionally, it is beef, pork and chicken that is cooked on the chargrills, and grilling the meat takes on a specific art form. Known as son mat, meaning ‘taste of hand’, food is cut by hand into precise sizes and shapes that are not just for visual appeal but are absolutely vital in ensuring that each morsel of food is cooked to perfection. You can choose from banquet menus, allowing you to immerse yourself in the full experience, or sample a few dishes of your own choice. Try some bulgogi, which translates as ‘fire meat’ and is a dish made of marinated thin slices of pork or beef, or perhaps some galbi, which is traditionally made using beef short ribs. There are many little side dishes as well, with the most famous being kimchi, which is a Korean staple that consists of salted or fermented vegetables. Many complementary side dishes are thrown in and you will certainly not go hungry here! The beverage list contains an extensive range of Korean beers and soju (Korean rice wines) as well as quality red and white wines and spirits. If you haven’t tried a Korean barbecue before then Geonbae will ensure that your experience is one to remember, so grab some friends or a loved one and treat yourself to a wonderful feast. Opening hours: every day including public holidays 11am-11pm; closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Geonbae Korean BBQ Restaurant I 4 Kananook Creek Blvd, Frankston P: 9783 9067 I www.geonbae.com.au GeonbaeFrankston Now also at 27 Marine Parade, Hastings check website for more info www.eatdrinkmorningtonpeninsula.com.au
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THE FOODIES GUIDE TO THE PENINSULA Restaurants, wineries and cafĂŠs, wine touring map, beer, cider and spirits trail, recipes and amazing stories about why the Mornington Peninsula is a mecca for foodies.
Celebrate our pristine environment, the market gardeners, fishermen, farmers, chefs, brewers and all the wonderful places to eat and drink. ISSN 2652-3086 Volume 2, 2020 RRP inc gst AUS $19.99