SOUTHGATE RESTAURANTS ARE TURNING UP THE HEAT

Southgate restaurants are turning up the heat with a host of exciting events, masterclasses and Father’s Day celebrations.

Winter has well and truly arrived in Melbourne, but never fear – Southgate Melbourne’s riverside restaurants and bars are coming to the rescue with wine festivals, special events, warming seasonal menus, opera nights, and whisky masterclasses.

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At the top of the event list is the new Southbank Progressive Dinners – The Winter Trail, hosted by three Southgate restaurants. Southgate is perhaps the ultimate destination for this style of dinner in winter – whether it’s wind, rain or hail outside you’ll be staying warm as you enjoy three courses across three different restaurants, all under one roof!

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The progressive dinners are hosted by Red Emperor, La Camera Southgate and Hophaus with Waterslide Bar billed as the official pre and post dinner drinks venue. Progressive Dinners are available Sunday to Thursday evenings from 12 August to 6 September. In one night, let your tastebuds travel from Germany to Italy to China, without the need for a passport. Each acclaimed restaurant features breathtaking views overlooking the Yarra River and city skyline.

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On Sunday 12 August, Pure South Dining are hosting Wine Tasmania’s annual VIN Diemen festival, bringing 100 wines from over 20 Tasmanian vinters together with their rare produce on the banks of the Yarra River. Pure South Dining’s remote artisan food suppliers will come together with wines from each region, offering a truly intimate experience of the ‘pure south’s’ startling fresh produce.

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Family-favourite La Camera Southgate is set to impress with their second wonderful winter performance event. On the 27 August the celebrated Opera Night returns – join sopranos Samantha Fawcett U’Ren, Laura Slavin, and Suzanne Shakespeare as they perform some of your favourite arias, combining culture and cuisine in one electrifying evening.

Warm your bones with a whisky and learn something new along the way with one of Southgate’s stellar whisky masterclasses. Waterslide Bar are hosting intimate masterclass dedicated to some of the rarest and finest whisky in the world (booked at your convenience, with a minimum of two and maximum of fifteen in your group), while famed Irish pub P.J.O’Brien’s has a whiskey masterclass in the calendar. On  15 August the Peated Malts of Distinction masterclass will unearth some of Scotland and Ireland’s delicious peated single malts.

On 7 September, Pure South Dining is hosting an exceptional evening dedicated to ethically sourced and sustainable produce. Meet the Makers of Pure South will highlight delicious produce from Tasmania’s most sought after ethical farmers: Nichols Poultry and Mount Gnomon Farm, with celebrated head farmers from both businesses hosting the event. To top it all off, each course will be expertly matched with award-winning wines from Josef Chromy Wines, with the winemaker also in attendance.

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In September, when the chill (hopefully) begins to ease, our restaurants will turn on the charm, with an assortment of fun and delicious Father’s Day specials and events. Whatever your Dad likes, there’s something here for him – from a photo booth and prizes for the Best ‘Dad Joke’ at La Camera, to free drinks for Dad at Hophaus, P.J.O’brien’s, Blue Train and Bear Brass and a special Father’s Day Chef Selection at Tutto Bene. Meanwhile the ever-delectable Damon Bradley is celebrating ‘man’s best friend’, donating $3 from every pancake sold on the day to the Lost Dog’s Home.

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Effervescent Sundays continue to steal the show at Southgate, with long lunches and sparkling accompaniments consistently on the menu. ‘Free Flowing Champagne Sunday Lunches’ at Pure South Dining continue, while Tutto Bene’s Sparkling Sundays pairs delicious two or three-course Italian feasts, with bottomless premium Italian sparkling.

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Southgate is home to fifteen diverse restaurants, bars and eateries with cuisines ranging from German to Tasmanian to modern European. A range of boutique retailers including vintage fashion, books and stationery can also be found within the precinct.

**Information and Images Courtesy of Southgate Restaurants/Supplied by Fuller PR – Keryn O’Donnell

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FULL SCHEDULE OF FANTASTIC EVENTS AT SOUTHGATE RESTAURANTS – AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

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WINEMAKERS OF RUTHERGLEN HIT THE ROAD FOR TASTES OF TWO REGIONS IN CANBERRA

Winemakers of Rutherglen – Tastes of Two Regions in Canberra 

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The Winemakers of Rutherglen will be hitting the road in August to showcase the region’s fine wine and produce at Tastes of Two Regions on Sunday 12 August 2018 at Pialligo Estate in Canberra.

Taste of Two Regions sees North East Victoria’s Rutherglen and King Valley regions join forces for a one-day wine tasting event. Over the course of the day, wine lovers will be able to meet the winemakers, take their pick from more than 200 wines, and sample delicacies from 25 regional artisan producers.

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Guests attend a dedicated session time (10am-1pm or 2pm-5pm) to ensure they get the best one-on-one time with their favourite wineries and producers. Outside of the wine tasting session times there is plenty more on offer including live music, masterclasses, warming winter food, and artisan coffee.

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Participating food producers include:

  • Boosey Creek Cheese – cheeses from one of Australia’s highest-awarded farmhouses
  • The Wicked Virgin Olives – fresh olives, olive oil and olive oil products
  • Walkabout Apiaries – cold-extracted honey and honey products
  • Milawa Cheese Co. – handmade cheeses from Victoria’s High Country

Festival attendees will also be able to sit down to dinner with the Winemakers of Rutherglen at an event on Saturday 11 August at the Boathouse Restaurant. The five-course degustation dinner, “Celebrating Craft: A dinner date with Rutherglen Winemakers,” will celebrate the curious and unique craft of winemaking and provide guests with a night of fine wine appreciation and perfectly matched local produce.

Tastes of Two Regions general admission tickets are available online now for $35 or can be purchased on the day for $40. Tickets to the Winemakers of Rutherglen degustation dinner are available online for $150 per person.

All tickets can be purchased at: www.tastesoftworegions.com.au.

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TASTES OF TWO REGIONS 2018
Dates: Festival: Sunday 12 August | Degustation: Saturday 11 August 2018
Times: Festival: 10am-5pm with two sessions (10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm)

Degustation: 6:30pm-10pm
Tickets: Festival: $35 pre-purchased or $40 at the door | Degustation: $150 per person

Purchase tickets: www.tastesoftworegions.com.au

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**Information and Images Courtesy of The Winemakers of Rutherglen/Supplied by LittleBIG Marketing – Jarryd Pentony

Connie Lambeth

The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

theaustraliatimes.com/news

literallyconnie@bigpond.com

connie.lambeth@theaustraliatimes.com.au

Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/tatgourmetmag

Dinner at Lake Moodemere
Dinner at Lake Moodemere (Victoria)
King Valley vineyard
King Valley vineyard (Victoria)

READ ON FOR INFO ABOUT THE WINEMAKERS OF RUTHERGLEN

WHAT’S NEW IN 2018 FOR THE RUTHERGLEN WINE REGION

 Winemakers of Rutherglen Situated in Victorian Murray River country and protected by the Great Dividing Range, Rutherglen is a picturesque, easy three-hour drive from Melbourne, four-hour drive from Canberra or six-hour drive from Sydney; but is also easily accessible by air from Albury airport. The region offers visitors an effortlessly authentic wine experience and a … Read more

TASTES OF RUTHERGLEN RETURNS IN 2018

Tastes of Rutherglen Returns in March to Showcase Region’s Best Tastes of Rutherglen will return on 10 and 11 March 2018 to showcase the best of North-East Victoria’s celebrated wine and produce. The 2018 programme is set to be the biggest and best on record with a stellar line-up of activities and menus for the … Read more

Keti Shines a Light on Durif and Muscat from the Winemakers of Rutherglen

 Durif and Muscat –  Winemakers of Rutherglen

  **Last week Keti Kezunovic headed to ‘Rutherglen in the City’ to taste and learn more about the iconic Rutherglen wine region’s unique wine varietals. As co-owner of the Melbourne Bars Pawn and Co., 29th Apartment and the soon to be opened StoryVille, Keti knows a thing or two about wine, and couldn’t wait to meet a few of the winemakers and discover more about Durif and Muscat.

Words & Photos by Keti Kezunovic – Caption Image by Georgie James

‘Rutherglen in the City’ showcased sparkling reds, primarily Shiraz and Durif, as well as a range of alternative whites. We were keen to discover more about Durif and Muscat, which seem to be the champion wines of the Rutherglen region, which provides the perfect environment for these particular grape varieties, primarily as a result of the long Autumn allowing a prolonged ripening process.

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Muscat

Chris Pfeiffer, winemaker and owner of Pfeiffer Wines (pfeifferwinesrutherglen.com.au), considers this variety as ‘Australia’s most unique contribution to wine’, adding:

“No other region in Australia has Muscat’s at this champion level”.

History is the key for this variety, as the minimum cellaring is 6-10 years ageing, through to over 100 years. Such long cellared batches are basically for the next generation to nurture and continue the process.  The flavour profile consists mainly of a pronounced raisin taste, and is very sweet on the palate.  The older the muscat, the more complex the flavour profile, where notes of toffee emerge.

Paul Squires from Buller Wines (bullerwines.com.au), had a tip for an unbeatable dessert, suggesting to pour muscat over vanilla bean ice-cream. Interestingly, Pfeiffer had a more eclectic suggestion of pairing this wine with a tomato based carpaccio. Now there’s two hot tips from for the kitchens of the winemakers!

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Durif

Warrabilla Wines (warrabillawines.com.au), chief winemaker, Andrew Sutherland Smith, calls his 2014 Reserve Durif , ‘The Mother of all Durifs”.  At a whopping 16.5% alcohol, it certainly is! 

Although this wine is strong and rich on the palate, with big bold flavours, the grapes are very thin skinned, making this variety difficult to grow.  Great skill and precision is needed to ensure that this variety of red wine grapes make it to harvest time. Smith is a fifth generation winemaker, so has a substantial degree of experience to draw on.

Durif is tipped to be the new upcoming variety, with other Australian regions starting to release their own versions.  However the Durif growers from Rutherglen seemed to have really cornered the market on this particular variety.

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**At the recent ‘Rutherglen in the City’, Melburnians showed great interest in both Durif and Muscat – two distinct varietals that flourish in the Rutherglen soils and represent both the region’s tradition and innovation. Revered world-wide for its fortified wines, the Winemakers of Rutherglen are trying new ways with Muscat, with a range of Muscat cocktails on offer…think Muscat Coolers, Muscat Sangria and Muscat Espresso Martinis.

The Winemakers of Rutherglen are an inspiring collective of 19 wineries from one of Australia’s most historic and iconic wine regions, boasting more than 150 years of winemaking history.

Check out more online or head to the cellar door this weekend!

Instagram & Facebook: @winerutherglen 

www.winemakers.com.au

Additional Information & Images Courtesy of Winemakers of Rutherglen/Jarryd Pentony – Little Big MarketingPR/Photographer Georgie James

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times Gourmet News – Food/Wine/Hospitality/Events

Follow us on Instagram: @tatgourmetmag

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Keti Kezunovic:

29th Apartment – www.29thapartment.com.au

https://www.facebook.com/29thapartment/

@29thapartment

Pawn and Co. – pawnandco.com.au

https://www.facebook.com/PawnAndCo/

@pawnandco

**Keti’s last collaboration with TAT Gourmet News:

Gourmand’s Celebrate Williamstown’s Wine and Cheese Festival

www.theaustraliatimes.com/magazine/gourmet/issue/411/#46

Additional pics…

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19 WINERIES LAND IN MELBOURNE LANEWAY!

Winemakers of Rutherglen

 Words by Celeste Iuliano

**Melbourne Events writer, Celeste Iuliano, hit the laneways of Melbourne a few days ago, to sample wines of the Rutherglen region at the launch of ‘Rutherglen in the City’.

What could be more Melbourne (and more Rutherglen too, we soon discover!), than a boozy picnic under the temperamental night sky?

Last weekend, 25th to 27th August, our cosmopolitan city was offered a taste of the country, with a pop-up wine bar in The Strand Melbourne’s Driver Lane. ‘Rutherglen in the City’ was brought to you by the Winemakers of Rutherglen, an association of 19 wineries with more than 150 years of heritage.

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Younger Melburnians may associate Rutherglen with childhood trips; those happy weekends spent eating Dutch pancakes while mum and dad indulged in a few glasses of wine. However this image of Rutherglen as a very traditional wine region is rapidly changing. Rutherglen is now attracting a more diverse crowd, with its bold and iconic wine varieties. The region is known for it’s durif reds, sparkling reds, alternative whites, and muscats, all of which were sampled over the 3 day event. For those feeling a little experimental, the cocktails were the thing to try – the Muscat Cooler, Muscat Sangria, and the Muscat Espresso Martini.

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‘Rutherglen in the City’ was a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the region’s culture of good wine and warm hospitality. The winemakers were there to take you through the tastings and to share their stories. Some of them have up to 5 generations experience, so there was a lot to learn!

If you managed to sample this small slice of paradise in the city, no doubt you’ll be planning your trip to the cellar door soon!

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Instagram & Facebook: @winerutherglen 

www.winemakers.com.au

The Winemakers of Rutherglen

Images Courtesy of Thomas Bindley & Winemakers of Rutherglen/Jarryd Pentony – Little Big MarketingPR

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Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times Gourmet News – Food/Wine/Hospitality/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram: @tatgourmet

Read on for additional info and pics…

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ZUMBO & TIBBALLS SET TO GET TASTEBUDS RACING AT ANNUAL WINTER CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND!

Michelton Chocolate Festival This Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th August

Mitchelton Wines and The Ministry of Chocolate will again partner to deliver the Mitchelton Chocolate Festival on the grounds of the iconic winery over this weekend!

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Bigger and better than last year’s inaugural event, the winter festival will again be headlined by celebrity chefs Adriano Zumbo, Deniz Karaca, Kirsten Tibballs, Kylie Millar and Arnaud Vodounou and will be held on site in Nagambie in the heart of the Goulburn Valley. The celebration of all things chocolate will also showcase the best in local wines and produce together with established, Melbourne-based chocolate companies.

The Ministry of Chocolate owner and head chocolatier Drew Maddison, said that the event would be another step up from last year’s incredibly successful event, expecting to attract more than 8,000 visitors over the weekend which would be a huge boost for local tourism.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Adriano Zumbo and Kirsten Tibballs back this year, as well as many more elevated chefs and industry leaders to be involved in this celebration of all things chocolate. We’ll also be holding the much-anticipated chocolate and wine paring classes in the iconic Mitchelton Tower.”

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“The grassy outlook of Mitchelton Wines will again be lined with colourful marquees brimming with mouth-watering treats and the best knowledge of all things chocolate and sweet. Guests will also have the opportunity to walk through one of Australia’s largest and rarely seen underground wine cellars.

**The family-friendly event is free to enter and will include an exciting Children’s Zone complete with jumping castle and petting zoo.

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For more information please contact Drew Maddison on 0488 771 992 or visit http://www.micheltonchocolatefestival.com.au

Information & Images Courtesy of The Ministry of Chocolate/Michelton Wines/Circus Media – Taylar Lavars

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times Gourmet News – Food/Wine/Hospitality/Events

   www.theaustraliatimes.com/news

   literallyconnie@gmail.com

   https://www.instagram.com/tatgourmetmag/

Read on for additional info & pics on the Michelton Chocolate Festival…

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Melbourne Foodies Keep Sunday 19th November Free for the East Malvern Food and Wine Festival!

Mark your diaries because the 2nd annual East Malvern Food & Wine Festival returns to East Malvern’s picturesque Central Park on Sunday 19 November 2017, from 10:30am to 5:30pm!

Last year more than 3000 Melbourne foodies and wine lovers came together for an amazing day in the park, sipping and savouring over 100 wines and an extensive array of cuisines from specially invited local and regional culinary exhibitors and artisan producers.

East Malvern Food & Wine Festival in Central Park. Photos by Fiora Sacco copyright reserved 2016
East Malvern Food & Wine Festival in Central Park. Photos by Fiora Sacco copyright reserved 2016

This year will showcase a vast range of exquisite wineries from more than 15 Bendigo and Heathcote regions including Balgownie Estate, Tellurian Wines and Farmer and the Scientist. There will also be a new local craft beer and cider producer alley featuring Two Birds Brewing, Barrow Boys Brewing, Bad Shepherd Brewing Co and Captain Vanzibar. So come and enjoy a unique and intimate experience, meet the passionate winemakers and brewers and learn about, taste and purchase their premium award-winning wines and ales.

Feast on local Melbourne favourite food trucks and pop-up restaurant stalls including Richmond Oysters & Seafood Tapas, Riserva, Nepal Dining and That’s Amore Cheeses, and bring your shopping baskets and stock up on the best of Victorian produce, including locally produced cheeses, gourmet condiments, bespoke Christmas puddings and other festive season fare from artisanal producers such as NOGO Sauces, Tolpuddle Goat Cheese and Farm Foods, Josh and Sue, and many more.

East Malvern Food & Wine Festival in Central Park. Photos by Fiora Sacco copyright reserved 2016
East Malvern Food & Wine Festival in Central Park. Photos by Fiora Sacco copyright reserved 2016

We also have a full day of family and children’s entertainment planned, including roving entertainers, live music performances and magician master classes.

Don’t forget to bring your fur kids too and treat them to gourmet doggie morsels from the Canine Wellness Truck.

Entry is FREE and wine tasting glasses and ticket packages are available starting at $20, including a souvenir wine glass and tasting tickets.

EVENT DETAILS

When: Sunday 19 November 2017, 10:30am – 5:30pm

What: East Malvern Wine and Food Festival

Where: Central Park, Corner of Wattle Tree and Burke Roads, East Malvern

East Malvern Food & Wine Festival in Central Park. Photos by Fiora Sacco copyright reserved 2016
East Malvern Food & Wine Festival in Central Park. Photos by Fiora Sacco copyright reserved 2016

More information:  www.eastmalvernfoodandwine.melbourne

Social Media:

www.facebook.com/eastmalvernfoodandwine

>#EMFWfestival

@eastmalvernfoodandwine

Information & Images Courtesy of East Malvern Food and Wine Festival/Matt Fraser – Cardinal Spin

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times Gourmet News – Food/Wine/Hospitality/Events

Follow us on Instagram: @tatgourmetmag

Read on for Additional Information & Pics…

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Winemakers of Rutherglen to Bring Pop-Up Wine Bar to Melbourne City Laneway

The Winemakers of Rutherglen will bring a pop-up wine bar to a Melbourne CBD laneway from Friday 25 August 2017 to Sunday 27 August 2017 for a one-time-only, three-day wine event: Rutherglen in the City.

 Rutherglen in the City will bring the essence and wines of the iconic Rutherglen wine region to The Strand Melbourne’s Driver Lane and provide Melburnians with the opportunity to taste and learn more about the region’s unique wine varietals and its winemakers.

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 Capturing the true Rutherglen feeling, Driver Lane will be transformed into a winter wine bar right in the heart of the city with fairy lights, wine barrels, Australian foliage, communal furniture, acoustic tunes and a mock cellar door.

 Melbourne wine enthusiasts will have the chance to meet and chat with the winemakers face-to-face; sample a selection of wines, before indulging in some of the region’s best offerings.

Melburnians will discover Durif and Muscat – two distinct varietals that flourish in the Rutherglen soils and represent both the region’s tradition and innovation. Revered world-wide for its fortified wines, the Winemakers of Rutherglen are trying new ways with Muscat with a range of Muscat cocktails on offer, think Muscat Coolers, Muscat Sangria and Muscat Espresso Martinis.

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The Winemakers of Rutherglen are an inspiring collective of 19 wineries from one of Australia’s most historic and iconic wine regions, boasting more than 150 years of winemaking history.

 Fast Facts

When: Friday 25 August 2017 – Sunday 27 August 2017

Time: Friday: 5pm-10pm; Saturday: 12pm-11pm; Sunday: 12pm-6pm

Where: Driver Lane, The Strand Melbourne

Cost: Free entry and complimentary cellar door tastings, food and wine at bar prices

 For more info or to share the love, visit:

Instagram & Facebook: @winerutherglen

www.winemakers.com.au

Andrew Buller Wines
Andrew Buller Wines

Information & Images Courtesy of Winemakers of Rutherglen, Georgie James Photography/Jarryd Pentony – Little Big Marketing PR

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times Gourmet News – Food/Wine/Hospitality/Events

Follow us on Instagram: @tatgourmetmag

Read on for more Information & Pics from The Winemakers of Rutherglen…

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New Culinary Hub for Melbourne’s Outer North East

Eastridge Entertainment Precinct opens new gateway to the Yarra Valley

Eastridge Entertainment Precinct (EEP) is the first premium culinary hub in the outer-north east area, with the precinct housing three new venues – Carne Grill, The Precinct Bar and The Bosses Boots Café.

Located at the door to the Yarra Valley, the precinct as a whole will act as a gateway to the area, not only for local residents, but for the millions who travel to and from the Yarra Valley annually. 

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Carne Grill, seating up to 240 guests, is the jewel in the precinct crown, where stylish dining meets rambunctious feasting. The premium feasting style menu focuses on the finest local pork, beef, lamb, poultry and seafood, flame and charcoal grilled to perfection. The hero ‘Let Us Create the Feast’ set menus are available for four people or more, from $25 per person, and include carnivore and seafood options. ‘The Big Board’ allows guests to choose from three of 11 main options, and comes with two sauces and hand cut chips. If sharing isn’t your thing, try the pasture fed dry aged rib eye, 1kg T-bone, whole crayfish, or a pasta dish, with sides of course. The wine list is proudly 7/8 Australian, with a third of the varietals sourced from the local Yarra Valley region.

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The Precinct Bar is an oasis for drinks, no matter what the time of day, with an extensive list of cocktails, local craft beer, and wine, served with a side of bar snacks for those who are peckish.

At The Bosses Boots Café, open for breakfast and lunch seven days per week, home baked breads are hero, sandwiching gourmet ingredients like miso glazed pork belly, pickled cucumber, shaved carrot, and watercress; and New York deli ciabatta with mortadella, sopressa, smoked ham, cheddar and green pickle. For breakfast think wild mushrooms on brioche, wilted kale, smoked ricotta, and fried eggs. Salads, burgers and grazing platters are also available, plus cold spun juices and smoothies. A rustic picnic pack is also available to grab and go.

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Eastridge Entertainment Precinct 1 East Ridge Drive
Chirnside Park VIC 3116

Information & Images Courtesy Eastridge Entertainment Precinct/Carne Grill/Kayla Baggio – Kate & Co

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times Gourmet News – Food/Wine/Hospitality/Events

Follow us on Instagram: @tatgourmetmag

READ ON FOR EEP CONTACT DETAILS & FURTHER INFORMATION…

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