ONE PERFECT DAY in Gippsland

As both the Gippsland Food Ambassador and Executive Chef at Farmer’s Daughters and Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters, I am privileged to have the chance to visit Gippsland on a regular basis! I love to get out to the region to visit farmers, producers, artists –and friends! Every time I visit, I discover something new – but I also like to re-visit regular favourites too.

I always start my regional exploration with a visit to local farmer’s markets and in Gippsland there are so many to choose from! There’s no better place to meet growers, producers, farmers and locals and get all of their secret tips on what to see and do. What better way to discover a region than direct from the source!

Loch is a favourite stop for me on my journey to Gippsland from Melbourne. Whether I am picking up a snack at Olive at Loch, Loch Village Foodstore or The Loch Grocer or calling into Loch Distillery to see what’s new. We feature Loch’s gin in our Farmer’s Daughters Rooftop Bar menu, so love to chat with the Distillery team when I am in town.

A visit with David, Andrew and the team at Alpine Trout Farm in Noojee is always a pleasure. Our signature dish in the Farmer’s Daughters Restaurant is a baked Baw Baw Trout from Alpine

Farm and so I love calling in and having a go at fishing for myself!

There are so many farm-gates to discover throughout Gippsland and I love to drive the back roads and make discoveries, but I always love calling in to I Love Farms in Mirboo North to see what fresh produce they have available that day. The family-run farm and farm shop is a demonstration of focusing on specialisation and a commitment to quality produce.

When I have a bit more time, I love to stop by Hogget Kitchen and see what Trevor is cooking that day. I have worked with Trevor over the years and admire his passion and creative approach to local ingredients. If I am not driving home, I always love to sit back with a bottle of Patrick (Sullivan) or Bill (Downey’s) wine and enjoy the vineyard views.