mornington peninsula
2022
from earth to sea, abundance for all to share
ALL THINGS DELICIOUS ON THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA
EAT.DRINK . . .
enjoy
Hip, hip, hooray, we are out of lockdown and ready to enjoy dining out again. Welcome to Eat.Drink 2022 - the 4th annual edition of our sensational, locally-produced book, celebrating the culinary delights found on the Mornington Peninsula and Greater Frankston. Lisa Walton, her partner Archie, and the team from Mornington Peninsula Magazine once again take you on a journey through the region’s best eateries, wineries, distilleries, cideries and breweries. We chat to the incredibly talented people behind these venues. It’s 2022, time to revisit your favourites and explore the new players as we take you to over 110 foodie hot spots on a journey of deliciousness. From earth to sea, there is abundance for all to share www.eatdrinkmorningtonpeninsula.com.au
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SECTIONS our team PUBLISHER/DESIGNER Lisa Walton PHOTOGRAPHERS Isabella Rose Photographer Steve Brown (landscapes) WRITERS Richard Cornish, Nikki Fisher, Max Allen CLIENT RELATIONS Molly Mitchell, Anna Georgiou PUBLISHER’S ASSISTANT Hannah Scott DISTRIBUTION Archie Mitchell WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA Sinead Fay, Hannah Scott
sections Frankston and surrounds
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Mount Eliza Mornington Mount Martha Moorooduc
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Safety Beach Dromana McCrae Martha Cove
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Rosebud Capel Sound Tootgarook Rye
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Blairgowrie Sorrento Portsea
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St Andrews Beach to Flinders
124-125
Somers Balnarring Tyabb Bittern Hastings
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Main Ridge Red Hill Merricks Shoreham Point Leo Arthurs Seat
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map Mornington Peninsula Wine Map
directories Markets 170 Directory 172
ALL ENQUIRIES 9708 8222
covers
JOIN OUR TRIBE
Styling: Chef Jacqui Selleck @inhousedining and Isabella Rose Photographer
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Photography: Isabella Rose Photographer @isabellarosephotographer Food created by chef Jacqui Selleck Recipes for these dishes can be found on pages 14-17
Published by Morn Pen Mag Pty Ltd ABN 55 621 041 512 14/1140 Nepean Highway, Mornington Victoria 3931 Phone 9708 8222
Front cover: Butter poached lobster tails with tangerine pearls Inside cover: Asparagus and black truffle with poached egg Page 3: Quince and shiraz glazed kangaroo loin Back cover: Saffron poached pears with Belgian chocolate sauce Inside back cover: Seafood supplied by The Big Fish Fish Market @thebigfish_fishmarket
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CONTENTS Eat.Drink and be merry by Richard Cornish
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Our 2021 vintage by Max Allen
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Tedesca Osteria: a farmhouse restaurant by Richard Cornish
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The seasons with recipes
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Take a seat in jacqui’s kitchen by Nikki Fisher
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From the vat, the queen of pinot by Richard Cornish
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FROM SALTWATER Peninsula’s piers are without peer by Richard Cornish
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Distillers display an adventurous spirit by Max Allen
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FROM GRAIN Home-grown wheat that can’t be beat by Richard Cornish
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FROM INDIGENOUS Exploring indigenous heritage through food by Richard Cornish
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FROM SHELL Native oyster brought back from the brink by Richard Cornish
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FROM EARTH Freshness and flavour from the farmgate by Richard Cornish
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FROM VINE Forty years at Moorooduc Estate by Richard Cornish
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Trophy-winning wines of the Mornington Peninsula
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One perfect day with Paul Mercurio by Richard Cornish
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Red Hill Show celebrates a century
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Marieke Brugman’s art of food by Nikki Fisher
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There’s more than one way to wet your whistle by Max Allen
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frankston
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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, art and dining choices, 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. And don’t forget the extensive outdoor dining options in Frankston and Seaford. This will be
the year of dining out, so come and enjoy this city at the top of 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 everywhere 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.
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AND SURROUNDS
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Arancini 4 All 32 Beach Café Seaford 34 Dainton Brewery & Taphouse 26 Dava Thai Towerhill 34 Flourish Café 35 Frankston Arts Centre 175 Geonbae Korean BBQ Restaurant Frankston 27 Iron River Bar & Grill 24-25 ItsaBurger 106 McClelland Sculpture Park+Gallery 31
Nature Café Bar 29 Non Solo Vino 33 One Pear Tree 37 Peninsula Organic Farmgate 36 Rebel Donuts 55 The Big Fish Fish Market 177 The Deck Est.2013 22-23 TREAND at Baxter Valley Estate 28 Vero Pasta + Wine 30
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Iron River Bar & Grill Make sure you bring a big appetite to Iron River Bar & Grill. You’ll need it! Inspired by American steakhouses, owners Rachel Bennett and Dwayne Heagney and their team work hard to bring diners big serves, bold flavours and good times. This family-owned and operated business in the heart of Frankston has become a magnet for steak lovers, burger connoisseurs, and fans of American-style barbecue.
If you’ve never tried traditional New York buffalo wings, this is the place to do it: deep-fried chicken wings coated in a spicy sauce. Or perhaps go for Cubano rolls, the kind you’d find in Florida, home of the Cuban sandwich, toasted and filled with all American flavours such as philly cheese steak. It wouldn’t be an American menu without pork ribs, cooked low and slow and smothered in sauce, just how they should be. Top-quality beef from Great Southern Pinnacle, grass-fed for life, is the steak of choice here. From wagyu to porterhouse to a whopping 500g rib eye, if you feel like steak you’re in good hands. And then there’s the burgers: 100 per cent grass-fed Great Southern Pinnacle brisket grilled to perfection and served on potato buns with all manner of condiments and fillings from classic to fancy – truffle aioli anyone? If fried chicken is more your thing, go for the southern crispy chicken burger with all the trimmings.
wings and ribs served with fries. Rachel is proud of the fact they make everything in house and focus on quality and flavour. From the bar there’s an extensive cocktail list, from classic mojito or cosmopolitan to the innovative soft-serve martini complete with heavy cream and sprinkles. For the kids and the big kids at heart, milkshakes, thickshakes and soda floats continue the American theme. When the weather’s fine, grab a table out the front and watch the world go by. Inside, there’s plenty of space for groups to spread out on brown leather banquette seating, and a big screen to catch a game. Decked out in wood panelling, tiled floor, wooden tables and metal chairs, Iron River Bar & Grill makes for a smart casual dining experience. Whether you’re having a family dinner, celebrating a birthday, or meeting for work, the team at Iron River will make you feel welcome and attend to your every need. Iron River is allergy and accessibilityfriendly. See social media for details of weekly special offers such as parma night, pork rib night, or burgers and beer. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 4pm-late; Saturday and Sunday noon-late
Chicken parmas break the American tradition, but who doesn’t love a good parma? Fried in panko crumbs with chips and salad on the side, there’s a tempting selection of parma toppings to choose from. There’s plenty of options on the kids’ menu, from a classic cheeseburger to
Iron River Bar & Grill I 435/437 Nepean Highway, Frankston I P: 8765 2498 www.eatdrinkmorningtonpeninsula.com.au
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mount eliza
MORNINGTON
PHOTO: STEVE BROWN
Along the coast of Port Phillip, 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 shopping, dining and endless entertainment collide to provide a very special life. Outside the streets are alive with the sounds of diners and music as these villages embrace outdoor dining opportunities. Coffee culture rules, with global food and live music venues just around the corner and the Mornington Peninsula wineries 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 luxury getaway, there’s more to explore than ever before on the Mornington Peninsula. Whether this is your home or you are visiting, we know you will enjoy.
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MOOROODUC
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400 Gradi 50-51 Assaggini 57 Chief’s Son Distillery 59 Chocolat of Mornington 61 Dava Thai 34 Dromana Estate 48-49 Finesse Catering Group 56 Flock Café 63 La Sorella 62 Main Street Market 170 Manhattan in Mornington 69 Mount Eliza Farmers’ Market 171 Peninsula Beverage Co. 68 Peninsula Chauffeurs 173
Pure Peninsula Honey 64 Rebel Donuts 55 Soeur Crêperie 67 Somerville Egg Farm 58 Squires Loft Mornington 46-47 Ten Sixty One 65 The Cocktail Studio 66 The Corner Pantry 52 The Good Food Bakery 60 Tully’s Corner Produce Store 42-45 Two to Tango 53 Via Battisti 54 Zambrero Mornington 68
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The Corner Pantry Locals will tell you, “We’re so lucky to have a café like this in the neighbourhood”. The Corner Pantry owner Craig Vanstone and his friendly team have built a loyal following who come here because they’re welcomed like family, and they can count on delicious food and excellent Commonfolk coffee every time. Perched on top of a hill in a quiet residential street, this little gem of a café is known for good vibes and brunches worth getting up for. Free-range eggs from nearby Somerville Egg Farm are the stars of the brekky and brunch menu, featuring in dishes such as the Big Breakfast, piled high with all your favourite brunch sides; and Holy Guacamoley, an upscale avocado smash with bacon, fetta, blistered cherry tomatoes, toasted seeds, and balsamic glaze. At lunchtime, choose from a selection of deluxe burgers or a soup or salad, depending on the season. Little people will be happy with their own menu, and if you have dietary requirements, don’t worry. Craig has you covered. Throughout the year the Pantry team come up with different themed dinner nights. It might American Diner Night, Curry Night, or a Mexican Fiesta. See social media for ever-changing themes. The emphasis here is on bringing the community together – families, friends, fur babies, everyone’s welcome. Craig is a big supporter of local sporting and community groups and is only too happy to talk about catering for your next event. Opening hours: daily from 7am-2pm The Corner Pantry I 1/70 Mountain View Rd, Mount Eliza I P: 0431 295 667 www.thecornerpantrycafe.com TheCornerPantryCafe thecornerpantrycafe
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Two to Tango Miami Beach vibes in Somerville? That’s right. With its bright and airy fit-out, deep green foliage dotted around, blush pink colour scheme, marble benchtops, and neon flamingo signage, Two to Tango is not your typical Somerville café. Open since late 2020, it’s been well received by locals and those passing through looking for quality fare and coffee made by experts. Owner Craig Vanstone is a hospitality veteran who is all about making everyone welcome and attending to the details that make a café memorable for all the right reasons. Pull up a blonde wood chair at the terrazzo tables and peruse the menu that caters for a range of tastes and appetites. Get started with a signature smoothie: fruity, fresh, and healthy. There are plenty of flavour-packed brekky options, from vegetarian to ones with the works; bacon, hash browns, avo and haloumi are just some of the sides. Fabulous burgers are a feature here, and there’ll always be super salad and vegetarian options on offer. Little ones will be happy with milkshakes and a menu of their own. The focus here is on freshness and flavour. Fresh Mornington Peninsula produce is supplied by local grocer Palamara, and there’s custom blend coffee by Commonfolk. You can count on good tunes and good vibes every time. And if you’re planning an event, ask the team about catering. Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 7am-2pm; closed Sunday Two to Tango I 2/13 Eramosa Rd, Somerville I P: 0411 144 217 www.eatdrinkmorningtonpeninsula.com.au
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Peninsula Beverage Co.
More than one awe-struck customer has walked into the liquid wonderland that is the Peninsula Beverage Co. and pronounced: “It’s like a candy store for adults!” With floor-to-ceiling shelves stocked with all manner of beverage options, this bottle shop and bar exceeds expectations. Owners Georgia and Nick pride themselves on carrying a wide range of Mornington Peninsula products – they like to think of themselves as a cellar door for the region in a convenient location on Main St in Mornington. Stocking wines from smaller producers, craft beers, one-of-a-kind spirits, non-alcoholic drinks, small-batch products and seasonal items, plus the well-known favourites you’d expect, they are proud to support local makers. There are also specialty gifts and glassware, making it the perfect place to find a present. Customers love the intimate atmosphere, where they can meet friends and enjoy a drink from the regularly changing list of by-the-glass options, along with snacks. Sit at the bar, stand around a wine barrel, relax in a window seat, or hang out in the eye-catching outdoor seating. Head in for some tasty supplies to keep you going all year round. Opening hours: Daily with seasonal changes; check website for details. Peninsula Beverage Co. I 42 Main St, Mornington I P: 5977 0515 www.peninsulabeverageco.com.au PBCoMornington PBCoMornington
Zambrero Mornington
If you have a serious hankering for fresh Mexican food full of taste and colour, Zambrero Mornington is the place to be. Bring a rug and stretch out on the front lawn while enjoying a feast that tastes as good as it looks. Zambrero Mornington is all about offering customers choice. Their claim to fame is the flavourful 18-hour slow-cooked meats used in burritos, nachos, tacos, quesadillas, and scattered atop delicious bowls of rice and beans. Build your own meal by adding your choice of protein, toppings and sauce. The servings are generous, the service is fast and friendly, and the options for vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diners are varied. Dine in, pick up or order home delivery for delicious, healthy Mexican that the whole family will love. Catering is available by arrangement to make for a lively celebration. While everything on the menu is a knockout, so is their community spirit – for every purchase of a regular burrito or bowl, they’ll donate a meal to someone in need. A visit to Zambrero is a win for your body, mind, soul and tastebuds! Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday 11am-8.30pm; Friday and Saturday 11am-9pm Zambrero Mornington I 1/72 Yuilles Rd, Mornington I P: 5932 4605 I www.zambrero.com.au I
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Manhattan in Mornington Rose Mimmo is an old-school restaurateur: handson and full of heart for what she does. “We’re a family-run business, we treat our customers and staff as extended family and hope everyone feels the heart and soul of this place,” says Rose. Since opening her restaurant Manhattan in Mornington nine years ago, it’s become a second home for those who know this is the place for traditional and modern Italian fare, and generous hospitality. Rose and her family have created a memorable space that would be right at home in Manhattan’s Little Italy, hence the name. The high ceiling features two eye-catching domes with Art Deco glass chandeliers, and there’s a mezzanine area where diners can take in the view of the whole restaurant. There’s no compromise or shortcuts in the kitchen. Pasta is made by hand, sauces are simmered gently and only the best quality ingredients make the cut. Seafood dishes, slow-cooked meat, vegetarian, glutenfree dishes bursting with Mediterranean flavours, there’s something delicious for everyone and it’s all cooked with care. The banquet-style menu provides a good opportunity for sharing and to taste a range of dishes. Carefully crafted cocktails are a feature and there’s a good selection of local and European wines and beer to enjoy with your meal. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, everyone’s welcome at Rose’s table. From midweek dinners to milestone celebrations, Manhattan in Mornington awaits. Opening hours: see website
Manhattan in Mornington I 55 Barkly St, Mornington I P: 5925 6199 www.manhattaninmornington.com.au manhattanmornington manhattan_in_mornington www.eatdrinkmorningtonpeninsula.com.au
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DISTILLERS DISPLAY
an adventurous spirit Winemakers talk a lot about ‘terroir’ – how the sun and the soil and the slope of a vineyard all contribute to the character and quality of the wine made there. For the Mornington Peninsula’s small but growing band of distillers, expressing a sense of place in their gin or brandy or rum is often just as important.
Barney Flanders brought a winemaker’s sensibility to bear when he developed his Balcombe Gin brand alongside his Garagiste wine business. “We wanted the flavour of the gin to represent the place where we make it, like our wines do,” says Barney. “We thought, ‘We’re coastal; let’s make it coastal’. So the botanicals we use in the distillation are things we can pick ourselves locally: seaweed, saltbush, samphire, pigface.” Holly Klintworth, of Bass & Flinders, the Peninsula’s pioneering distillery, takes a similar approach to sourcing local botanicals for her gins. “When visitors come down here, they want to support local, buy local, get a sense of place in what they taste,” says Holly. “And gin’s a good way of delivering that, especially when you add the garnishes and Australian-made tonics.” Bass & Flinders have also developed a fine reputation for their brandy distilled from local wine, and Holly says she has ordered a new copper still from the Cognac region in France to boost production at the distillery. “This’ll give me a chance to play with other styles of spirit. We already have some apple brandy laid down, but I’d like to branch out into eau-de-vie too, using the beautiful cherries and other fruits that grow in our region.” She’s not the only one expanding the range of spirits and spirit-based drinks on offer on the Peninsula. Winemaker David Chapman, of Allies Wine, makes a white and red vermouth using fortified local chardonnay and pinot noir under his Cinq a Sept label, while Barbara and Christof Richartz, of the Original Spirit
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Co, have created a complex, herb-infused brandy-based digestif called Harvest Blend EXQ that spends five years maturing in the barrel. Stuart and Naomi McIntosh, of Chief’s Son Distillery, have won international awards for their powerfully flavoured smallbatch single malts and have collaborated with the Mornington Peninsula Brewery to produce a limited-edition whisky aged in a barrel that once held the brewery’s Russian Imperial Stout – perfect for sipping during the region’s colder winter nights. For James McPherson, of JimmyRum Distillery, collaborating with other local drink-makers is an exciting way to produce distinctly regional – and delicious – spirits. Recent projects have seen his cane spirit infused with apples from Mock Orchard, coffee from Commonfolk Roasters and amber ale from Jetty Road brewery. “We try to do as many collabs as possible,” says James. “I love ’em; they’re great fun. Anything we can do with local producers, we’re on to it.” One of the most successful of these collaborations is a blend of James’ double-distilled cane spirit infused with pinot noir from nearby Crittenden Estate vineyard. Steeping the grapes in the spirit leaches their red colour and fruity flavour into the liquid. “As far as I know, no one in the world has made a wine grape-infused cane spirit before,” says James. “And it’s been incredibly popular. I’ll be making five times as much next year.” MAX ALLEN eatdrinkmornpen
Bass & Flinders Distillery Bass & Flinders head distiller Holly Klintworth is passionate about creating high-quality, small-batch, distinctly Australian spirits. The distillery was founded in 2009 by Holly’s father, Wayne, who was Holly’s mentor and remains her inspiration to both honour traditional distilling methods and use locally foraged native botanicals to create new and innovative flavour profiles. And it seems she’s right on track, winning silver medals at the 2021 London Spirits Competition, and the trophy for Australia’s Best Brandy at the Tasting Australia awards in 2020. This family-owned and operated vine-to-bottle distillery is located in Dromana between the sea and the vineyards the Mornington Peninsula is famous for. Holly and her team have put the Peninsula on the map with their grape-based spirits, working their magic using Victorian grapes. They turn shiraz grapes into gin, and chardonnay grapes into brandy. An example of Bass & Flinders’ innovation in flavour can be found in their Maritime gin, made with botanicals such as locally foraged saltbush, sea kelp and samphire. The flavours embody the ocean, vineyards, and bush surrounds of the Peninsula. Other noteworthy tipples here include their Limoncello Bitter & Twisted liqueur, made with hand-zested citrus, and their flagship Ochre fine brandy. Book in for a gin masterclass experience and make your own bespoke gin. You’ll learn about techniques and exotic botanicals used in gin production. And keep an eye out for Holly’s adorable dog, Gilbert, the Bass & Flinders mascot. He’s a St Bernard-Newfoundland cross weighing in at 75kg, so he’s hard to miss! Check the website for masterclass bookings and cellar door opening hours. Bass & Flinders Distillery 40 Collins Rd, Dromana P: 5987 3893 www.bassandflindersdistillery.com www.eatdrinkmorningtonpeninsula.com.au
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ItsaBurger Inspired by iconic American hamburger stores, ItsaBurger is serious about serving up the best burgers on the Peninsula, with a super-size side of fun. Owner Grady Patching is a veteran of the hospitality industry and a committed burger aficionado. After six trips to the US, he’s well researched in what makes a memorable burger: “We’re the real deal. We don’t use any fillers in our meat; it’s just wagyu, brisket and a pinch of salt. We make all our own sauces, and everything’s cooked to order.” No bain-marie with soggy, warm fries here! Fries are crisp and delish, loaded with cheese, bacon, chilli, or plain and seasoned with house blend seasoning. ItsaBurger isn’t trying to be fancy or experimental – it’s a case of stick to the classics and do them well: all-beef patties straight up and well sauced, paired with the usual suspects of pickle, cheese, lettuce, and tomato in a bun toasted to perfection. If beef’s not your thing, there’s plenty of tasty chicken burger options with sauces ranging from smoked barbecue mayo to southern hot sauce. Don’t feel like a burger? Go for a hot dog. There’s a kids’ menu, and vegans and vegetarians are looked after too with the vegan patty burger or vegan chicken schnitzel burger. Order online for delivery or pick-up. Opening hours, Rosebud: dine in or pick up Sunday-Thursday noon8.30pm, Friday and Saturday noon-9pm; delivery Monday-Thursday 5-8.30pm, Friday and Saturday noon-9pm, Sunday noon-8.30pm. Karingal Hub: seven days 11am-9pm
ItsaBurger I 897 Point Nepean Rd, Rosebud I P: 5982 1675 ItsaBurger I 330 Cranbourne Rd, Karingal Hub I P: 9776 6926 www.itsaburger.com.au I ItsaBurgerAU itsaburgerau
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The Milbri
Rosebud’s happening café/bar The Milbri has been delivering the goods since 2014. From the outside it might look like a humble café just a stone’s throw from the bay, but inside you’ll find a polished operation. Staff are friendly and attentive, food and drinks are on point – as is the well-made, locally roasted Little Rebel coffee – and the playlist is a considered feature, not an afterthought. By day, the wooden tables fill inside and out with families and friends who know the brekky here – served until noon – is worth getting up for. The lunch and dinner crowd come for the carefully prepared hawker-style food inspired by Latin American and South-East Asian cuisine. And if cocktails are your thing, settle in at the bar for an expertly crafted jungle Jimmy tiki or Aperol sorbet mimosa. Owner Chris Fabri studied to be an accountant but working in restaurants when he was a student changed his path. “I’ve never been more passionate about this industry and The Milbri than I am now,” Chris says – and it shows. If you miss out on a table, you can order online and pick up or have it delivered, or book Los Milbros, their outside catering team, for your next event. Opening hours: seven days 9am-late
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Sea Store Beach Café and Bar Directly opposite Rye’s foreshore you’ll find Sea Store Beach Café and Bar. Just look for the stylish blue and white striped umbrellas shading the pavement tables. Those in the know are here every morning for excellent coffee made with Industry Beans coffee beans or chai made with sticky chai.
Owner Trent Smith is a veteran of the hospitality industry. With more than 25 years’ experience, he was well prepared to make his own café a success. Together with his wife Leanna and their team, Trent has established Sea Store’s reliable reputation in two short years since opening to become a community favourite. The look and feel is beachy and light, with white walls, bare wood tables, tropical plant-themed cushions and an abundance of lush indoor plants. It’s like sitting in a beachside garden oasis. The menu matches the beachy casual vibe, and you’ll be set for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. Eat in or grab something to go – perhaps a housemade sausage roll, egg and bacon roll, or gourmet toastie. Egg breakfasts with all manner of sides are a highlight, and at lunch the burgers hit the spot. Sea Store is fully licensed with local beers on tap, local wines, and cocktails. There’s even a playroom for kids complete with a beach box, blackboard, picture books and colouring in. It’s easy to see why Sea Store Beach Café and Bar is Rye’s go-to place. Opening hours: seven days; see social media for details.
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Cooee Café
Cooee Café owner Sharon Brindley has a natural sense of hospitality and passion for her work. “I’m a people person, and I’ve always worked around food,” Sharon says. However, there’s more to Sharon’s café/ takeaway shop in the Rosebud Industrial Estate than meets the eye. Born and bred on the Peninsula – Bunurong country – Sharon is a Yamatji/Noongar woman whose family hails from Western Australia. At Cooee, the only Indigenous café on the Peninsula, Sharon is exploring her heritage through cooking with Indigenous ingredients. Regulars come for homestyle cooking, with generous serves of burgers or lasagne with bush tomatoes, or stir-fried chicken and rice with Native Oz Bushfoods quandong and bush lime-flavoured chilli sauce. Sweet-tooths love white chocolate flavoured with Davidson plum from Sharon’s own Jala Jala Treats range. Upstairs is a space dedicated to Indigenous art and food products such as teas, condiments, and spices. Sharon works in collaboration with Indigenous-owned food businesses to create Indigenous food hampers and gift packs. If you’re keen for a good feed and to connect with culture, Cooee is your place. Opening hours: Monday-Friday 6am-3pm; Saturday 7am-2pm; closed Sunday Cooee Café I 1/7 Thamer St, Capel Sound I P: 5986 4414 www.cooeecafeandcatering.com.au I CooeeCafe cooeecafe
The Bagelry Co
The Bagelry Co is an unassuming brunch and lunch spot opposite the bay that attracts those who know the real deal when it comes to seriously good bagels. There are bread rolls shaped to look like bagels and then there’s authentic New York-style boiled bagels. It’s the latter that you’ll find here. Boiling the bagels before they’re baked gives real bagels their authentic chewy crust. Owner Gavin Diener, a Peninsula resident for 30 years, is a self-confessed “coffee nut” who tried his first bagel in Israel more than two decades ago. Opening his bagelry café
is a long-held dream. Alongside fabulous bagels there’s artisan doughnuts, Noisette pastries, excellent Allpress coffee, Prana Chai and Mork specialty hot chocolate. Locals and tourists alike stop in for unfilled bagels in take-home packs or individually; or filled bagels bursting with flavour and goodness. The Traditional with salmon, cream cheese, dill, capers, and red onion on a bagel of your choice will keep you going. There’s 13 different flavours to choose from, including onion bagels, seeded, herb or plain (plain GF available). Good luck deciding! Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 7.30am-3pm; Saturday and Sunday 7am-4pm; closed Monday. Check Google for Summer hours The Bagelry Co
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Arthurs Seat Eagle Café You’ll feel on top of the world at Arthurs Seat Eagle Café, and a major part of the fun is getting there. Located at the summit of Arthurs Seat State Park, the Eagle Café is architecturally designed to make the most of the stunning surrounds and be accessible to all. One of the best ways to take in the view and reach the summit is on board the all-weather Arthurs Seat Eagle, a state-of-the-art gondola that glides above the treetops. From the base station to the summit and back again is a 15-minute journey each way. Lunch at the café might be gourmet sandwiches, wraps or salads, or a locally made pie. For morning or afternoon tea there’s no shortage of sweet treats. The café is licensed so you can enjoy the view and a local vino from Critttenden Estate or Foxeys Hangout, or perhaps Mock Red Hill cider or MP Brewery beer. Bespoke picnic packages are available to pre-order online. Pick up your picnic basket on arrival and find a spot at the summit to relax and enjoy. In-gondola dining is a new offer that enables guests to enjoy sweet or savoury selections beautifully packaged and ready to savour on their gondola ride. There’s also a kiosk conveniently located at the base station serving cold drinks, snacks, confectionery, and ice-creams. You won’t go hungry or thirsty. Whether you get there by bike, car or gondola, the spectacular view and Eagle Café experience is well worth the climb. Opening hours: 10am-5pm daily; closed Christmas Day. See website for sunset events and extended hours during summer.
Arthurs Seat Eagle Café I 795 Arthurs Seat Rd, Arthurs Seat I P: 5987 0600 I www.aseagle.com.au www.eatdrinkmorningtonpeninsula.com.au
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MARKETS EVERY WEDNESDAY Main St, Mornington: 9am-3pm between Cromwell and Albert streets.
EVERY THURSDAY High St, Hastings: 9am-1pm; over 40 stalls; everything homemade, home grown & craft. Plaza Palooza: 9am-4pm, Langwarrin Plaza, Langwarrin
EVERY SUNDAY Bittern Community: Bittern station, Frankston-Flinders Rd, Bittern. Over 70 stalls selling new and used goods, crafts, plants, fruit and vegetables. Frankston: 8am-1pm, Sherlock & Hay carpark, Young St, Frankston.
FIRST FRIDAY OF MONTH Mt Martha Mini Farmers Market: 3pm-7pm, Mt Martha House Community Centre (Seasonal; November-March)
FIRST SATURDAY OF MONTH Red Hill Community Market: Runs September to May; 8am-1pm, 184 Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill Rye Foreshore Rotary Market: Runs all year, opposite Rye Post Office at the end of Lyons St, 2257-2319 Point Nepean Rd, Rye, 7am-1pm. Lovely local market that benefits a great cause.
FIRST SUNDAY OF MONTH Moorooduc Station Market: 460 Moorooduc Highway, Moorooduc; 60 stalls, boutique handmade makers and street food market at historic Moorooduc station; www.unrivalledevents.com.au/moorooduc-stationmarket
SECOND FRIDAY OF MONTH Soul Night Market (seasonal): 91 Wilsons Rd, Mornington; boutique street food and drink trucks, 60 handmade makers and live soul music; 5-9pm SHOP,.EAT.DRINK.SOCIALISE www.unrivalledevents.com.au/ soul-night-market
SECOND SATURDAY OF MONTH Crib Point Community Market: Park Rd, Crib Point; 9am-1pm; market@ cpch.org.au Portsea Quarantine Station Point Nepean National Park 9am-2pm (seasonal and occasionally at twilight) Rosebud Community School: Rosebud Primary School, cnr Point Nepean & Jetty roads. Somerville Community Market: 9am-1pm; crafts, bric-a-brac, cakes, plants and vegies; 2a Eramosa Rd West, Somerville.
SECOND SUNDAY OF MONTH Mornington Racecourse Craft: Racecourse Rd 9am-2pm. Over 300 stalls with animal farm and face painting for the kids.
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MARKETS THIRD SATURDAY OF MONTH Boneo Community: Cnr Boneo & Limestone Roads Emu Plains Market: 9am-2pm, Emu Plains Reserve, Balnarring Racecourse, Coolart Rd (Seasonal; www.emuplainsmarket.com.au) Pearcedale Farmers Market: 8am-1pm, Pearcedale Community Centre, Baxter-Tooradin Rd, Pearcedale
THIRD SUNDAY OF MONTH Seaford Farmers’: 8am-1pm, Broughton St Reserve, Station St, Seaford Seaford Handmade Homemade: 10am-3pm, Seaford Scout Hall, Seaford
FOURTH SATURDAY OF MONTH Little Beauty Market: 5pm-10pm, Beauty Park, Frankston (Seasonal; sometimes day, sometimes twilight, www.littlebeautymarket.com.au) Tootgarook Primary School: 7.30am-12.30pm
FOURTH SUNDAY OF MONTH Mt Eliza Farmers’: Mt Eliza Village Green, 9am-1pm Mt Martha Farmers Market: 9am-1pm, The Briars, Mt Martha
MORE Some markets are seasonal so we encourage you to check our monthly Mornington Peninsula Magazine for latest details. Mt Martha South Beach Market: Boutique beachside market with more than 60 of Melbourne’s most creative markers, food and drink, art, beauty, fashion, homeware, pet products and much more, free entry, Mount Martha House Lawn, 466 Esplanade, Mount Martha, 9am-2pm, dates vary, www.unrivalledevents.com.au/south-beach-market
Support local, support handmade, support innovation, support love, support small business... support your local market!
EMU PLAINS MARKET, BALNARRING LITTLE BEAUTY MARKET, FRANKSTON CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITES FOR MORE DETAILS
www.eatdrinkmorningtonpeninsula.com.au
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