34 minute read
Mount Eliza Mornington Mount Martha Moorooduc
MOUNT ELIZA MORNINGTON
PHOTO: ISABELLA ROSE
From village to village to the rural core of the Peninsula where alternative farming endeavours ebb and flow, this is the place where families connect and locals grow their delicious produce.
Here, as the sun shines over the bay and across the wide wandering fields, the farm-fresh organic producers and award-winning fine food merchants are busy creating magic. Distilleries are brewing and wine bars and coastal pubs are safe harbours for those on the road to Mornington Peninsula lifestyle freedom.
Along the coast of Port Phillip, generations gather to recharge and enjoy the energy emanating from the village streets brimming with conversation. This is the place where endless entertainment and excellent education collide to create an enviable lifestyle for those committed to celebration. Coffee culture rules where the sand meets the sea and Peninsula residents are spoilt for choice, while premium waterfront dining options abound. Travel with your tastebuds from Italy to Spain then back again and feel the beat of an ever-expanding area rising to its feet without losing its coastal charm and originality.
With industrial estates overflowing with art and coffee-crafting creatives, plus a bar and bistro life that can only be described as limitless, this part of the Mornington Peninsula delivers on luxury real estate, accommodation stays and plenty of space to play. And it’s all only one hour from Melbourne.
From the charming seaside boulevards of Mount Eliza and Mount Martha to the salt-bitten streets of Mornington and the pastoral plains of Moorooduc, this is Mornington Peninsula perfection.
Come visit and experience. We are waiting.
MOUNT MARTHA MOOROODUC
Casa de Playa (P.49) Chief’s Son Distillery (P.54) Chocolat of Mornington (P.57) Coffee Traders (P.50) Dromana Estate (P.42-43) Finesse Catering Group (P.51) Higher Ground (P.55) Lunar Dumpling Bar (P.59) Peninsula Beverage Co. (P.56) Rebel Donuts (P.46) Somerville Egg Farm (P.52) The Good Food Bakery (P.48) Tio Tapas Y Vino (P.40-41) Tully’s Corner Produce Store (P.36-39) Via Battisti (P.53) Wildgrain Mornington (P.47) Woodman Estate (P.44-45) Zambrero Mornington (P.56)
PHOTO: STEVE BROWN
Tully’s Corner Produce Store
Mornington Peninsula people love Tully’s Corner Produce Store. Known as the hub for foodies and friends who leisurely hang together on the weekend, stop by for a midweek coffee or power through a protein smoothie, its rustic allure continues to grow.
Every cuisine-related product you could imagine is catered for at this down-to-earth destination, but Tully’s is much more than that. From its apple orchard origins to its modern-day provision of fruit and vegetables, grocery items, gourmet butchery, deli selections and floristry, Tully’s brings together all these ingredients to create a magical experience. Take your time to forge connections at this nucleus for excellence while exploring the wonderful world of bounty just around the corner. Pull up a pew at Apple Espresso Café for a wholesome breakfast of sauteed greens, chilli scrambled eggs or even a brekky burger, and delicious lunch options of homemade lasagne, gourmet pies, burgers and of course barista-made Fair Trade organic coffee. Relax under an umbrella or stretch out on a picnic rug beneath a tree while enjoying the fruits of your shopping labour. How about hitting the Tonics juice bar for an early-morning protein shake or juice to move you in the right direction? This is fresh, energy-fuelled happiness. Proud to support local growers and suppliers and promote seasonal produce, Tully’s is Australian-made through and through. Knowing where produce comes from is key to securing its rock-solid reputation. Building relationships with suppliers who have the same ethical standards is paramount to ensuring its consistently high-quality
produce. Connecting sustainable farmers with other like-minded individuals matters.
Starting from humble beginnings 17 years ago, Tully’s has evolved into a stellar provider of all things delectable. The team of expert fruiterers ensure the shelves are brimming with quality fruit and vegetables, including exotic variations, while the micro herbs are grown just down the road. House-made salads make for fresh and light lunches or dinner. The gourmet butcher Glenn and his team of butchering specialists bone and cut on site, and the beef comes only from grass-fed cattle. Sausages, meatballs and hamburgers are all made on site too, ensuring the quality and flavour is just right. The large Europeaninspired continental deli is brimming with delicious products you won’t necessarily find anywhere else on the Peninsula and Miriam, who heads up the team, makes a point of seeking out smaller boutique suppliers with superior goods. Think Nino’s & Joe’s sausages from Brunswick and Andrew’s Choice artisan-cured and smoked products. Can’t forget those Melbournemade ginormous arancini balls. The hum of the commercial kitchen directly behind the scenes where homemade good-to-go meals are being created infuses the air with wonderful aromas.
Whether you are searching for your next bunch of blooms – which have been selected by the ‘early-bird’ floristry team who travel to the Melbourne markets – or a beautiful ready-made arrangement, Tully’s Flowers has sweet-smelling selections for all occasions. While you wait for a stunning bouquet to be arranged, why not pick up a juice made from only the freshest raw ingredients harvested straight from Tully’s shelves. Tonics@Tully’s juice menu is extensive and offers the most delicious combinations, all of which will have you feeling revitalised and refreshed. Superfood acai bowls, pre- and post-workout smoothies and healthy wraps complete the good-for-you offerings. With an abundance of parking for a quick coffee pick-up or juice reboot, or an extended stay to survey the fresh produce lifestyle scene, Tully’s Corner Produce Store offers something for everyone – and that includes your animal stock too. Hay has been cultivated on the property and nearby farms by farmer John, and you can’t get more local than that.
Stay awhile and watch the kids run and play. It’s a great way to spend the day. Open seven days Tully’s Corner Produce Store 7am-6-pm Tully’s Flowers 7am-6pm; florist available 9am-5pm Tonics@Tully’s 7.30am-5pm; Apple Espresso Café 7.30am-5pm Please check website for further details
Tio Tapas Y Vino
Be seen at the sophisticated yet relaxed Tio Tapas Y Vino in Mornington, where the best of Spanish flavour is served up with a European sensibility. This is the place where the chic Peninsula people meet ready to sample some of the most authentic Spanish flavours in the region while sitting back and relaxing with a cocktail or three. Salud!
Owner-operators Oscar Del Rio and Ramy Malaeb have made sure their space is open for fun, fantastically fresh food and a big dose of Spanish flair. Whether it’s the girls gathering in end-of-the-week groups, couples ready for a romantic rendezvous or crowds of wine-loving locals longing for a glass of Mornington Peninsula vino, it’s all here at Tio Tapas Y Vino. Just imagine sitting outside on the weekend with great friends, great food and great live acoustic Spanish music while raising a glass to the good times as the sea breeze rolls up from the beach. Just imagine your next event going off with a decidedly Balearic beat. At Tio Tapas Y Vino it will. The range of Spanish-specific cuisine at Tio Tapas Y Vino is impressive. Paellas for two, or more if you choose, come served piping hot and brimming with fresh produce. Chicken and chorizo with mixed seafood paella, vegetarian paella and fresh seafood combination paellas all come with saffron calasparra rice, which is native to the Spanish region of Murcia. Visually splendid and vibrant, these magnificent dishes are made for sharing while enjoying your favourite beverage. Stop by for a mid-week pre-dinner drink with like-minded merrymakers and sample the great selection of sumptuous tapas on offer too. Calamari, meatballs, prawns, steak, goat and chorizo are all prepared and cooked by inspirational Spanish chefs who love working with Peninsula produce whenever they can and are proud to bring you the best of Spain with a Mornington Peninsula twist. Jump in and savour.
To the adventurer who has travelled the world and admired the Mediterranean way of life, Tio Tapas Y Vino will remind you of winding European streets steeped in history. Aromas of Barcelona fill the air to activate wanderlust memories. Merge this with a hometown Mornington Peninsula dedication to eating and drinking excellence and you’ll keep on coming back for more. More taste-infused olives. More terrific salsa. More local cider and beer. More mojitos and pinot gris. And don’t forget Tio Tapas Y Vino’s churros con chocolate! These magnificent Spanish doughnuts dusted with cinnamon and sugar and served with a cup of rich chocolate for dipping or dripping are the perfect afternoon pick-me-up with a great coffee. With plenty of room to move inside and out, this stylish venue was conceived by two ‘school-run’ dads who met and connected. Come connect with your family and friends at Tio Tapas Y Vino. Open seven days a week. Please check website for further details.
Dromana Estate
Dromana Estate welcomes you to the Mornington Peninsula winemaking and tasting region, a place where exceptional produce and premium quality vino flows. Situated at the gateway to the great life where the cool climate secures superior grapegrowing capabilities, this magnificent cellar door and vineyard exemplifies excellence.
Established in 1982, Dromana Estate’s trio of labels – Dromana Estate, Mornington Estate and Tuerong Park – are testament to this winemaker’s dedication to creating something special. Chief winemaker Peter Bauer and his team have been crafting outstanding French varietals for more than 10 years and are proud to produce award-winning wines that reflect the region from which they come. Book online for a tasting of all current estate-made wines in the newly refurbished cellar door with or without a local cheeseboard.
It is all here for you at Dromana Estate, where the sustainable and environmentally friendly creation of wine and food is paramount. who demand quality, ethically focused standards of production and renewable energy innovation. Book now to secure your place in the sun to enjoy an estate picnic for two to four people. Hampers are brimming with local produce, with the option to add a bottle of Dromana Estate pinot gris or whatever you prefer to enjoy with friends and loved ones on the day. Lie back blanket-style on the lawn and sample a selection of artisan crackers, Australian olives, salami and dried fruit, and freshly sliced Italian prosciutto di parma while whiling away the time after picking up your hamper from the cellar door. Gluten-free and vegan options are available, and the only thing you need to bring is the will to escape and make space for quiet conversation and the calming environment in which you are gathering. Please contact the estate directly for larger group bookings. Whether you are enjoying the casual winery ambience of the cellar door in the Tuerong Park Homestead, eating pizza, sharing a local cheeseboard on the outdoor terrace or learning how to make wine at the estate’s annual Heartbreak Grape Vineyard Course, Dromana Estate represents understated elegance and function venue finesse. Wedding packages and special events are catered for with an array of internal and external settings available. The self-contained cottage at the back of the homestead makes private accommodation for up to five people easy and dreamy. An award-winning bottle of wine, a fruit and cheese platter and a basket of breakfast delights will be waiting for you on arrival. Public events include the Creators Market and
Wonderful wining and dining opportunities are waiting for patrons Vinehop Festival with many more events in the works. Please check the website for further details.
Come soak up the ambience at this family-owned, dog-friendly venue that’s perfect for making magic happen. Come relax and stay at Dromana Estate.
Cellar door open Fridays to Sundays from 11am-4pm in December and January; weekends-only for the rest of the year.
Woodman Estate
Forget the crowds! Woodman Estate is the perfect private sanctuary to escape and relax. Set on 50 lush green acres, experience the tranquillity and calm where native flora flourishes and birds sing.
The Lakeside Chalets present ‘best in class’ unrivalled accommodation with full-service dining and wellness. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, high tea or dinner, and with luxurious accommodation on offer, you’ll definitely want to stay over.
There’s an abundance of space with beautiful gardens and room to relax and recharge at Woodman Estate. The five-acre private lake acts as a focal point for the exclusive Luxury Lakeside Chalet accommodation. Guests can sit back and relax in the plush lounge and dining areas while gazing out on the tranquil lakeside setting. There’s no rush here; just the sound of time slowing and calmness growing. All chalets have a king-size four-poster bed, two-person spa bath in a marble bathroom, extensive mini-bar and complimentary port, tea and coffee, which make them the ideal place for romantic getaways, special occasions or making corporate connections. Get out and about with colleagues for a spot of tennis or golf locally or stay put on your expansive outdoor deck to watch the sun go down before dining in the award-winning restaurant. There’s also the Woodman Estate wellness retreat on site for inside-out glowing. Revitalising the classic picnic tradition with a twist, Woodman Estate welcomes you to roll out the picnic rug, pop a bottle of sparkling and get down to some serious relaxation. Imagine stretching out at lake’s edge while sampling a brilliant selection of rare roast beef and wasabi mayo crostini, estate country cob loaf, award-winning Mornington Peninsula BlueBay smoked and vintage cheddar cheese, a selection of Woodman Estate Fine Foods Condiments – and that’s just for starters! There’s lemon meringue pies and chocolate eclairs for seconds, all to be enjoyed beneath Peninsula-wide skies on a property that can only be described as completely charming. If you’d prefer to dine at home, perhaps choose one of the estate’s innovative Luxury at Home dining packages. The Signature High Tea includes a bottle of Woodman Estate sparkling wine, while both the Romantic Lunch or Dinner for Two and the Farmer’s Produce Feast include a bottle of Woodman Estate pinot noir. Think savoury sandwiches and sweet treats, 12-hour slow-cooked Gippsland lamb shoulder and estate-made pies, all beautifully presented and available for pick-up or home delivery seven days a week. It’s all about classic traditions with a modern twist, whether you treat yourself by visiting this gorgeous lakeside estate or enjoy Woodman’s signature dining luxury in the comfort of your own home. Open seven days a week. Please check website for further details.
Rebel Donuts
What goes around comes around at Rebel Donuts. This ever-expanding sweet treat store, which prides itself on forming community-minded relationships with other Mornington Peninsula businesses, believes in bringing fluffy goodness to everyone who thinks outside the square. Continually expanding its range of eye-candy creations, Rebel Donuts travels where others fear to tread. Limited-edition doughnuts. Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm glazed doughnuts. Tongan vanilla glazed, cheesecake, cookies and cream filled, lolly-sprinkled, mint crumbled or glutenfree pure Ceylon cinnamon cinna-roo doughnuts, scrumptious vegan doughnuts . . . the luscious list of sugary surprises just goes on and on.
Handmade on site and incredibly hard to resist, Rebel Donuts reckons rules are meant to be broken. Continually checking in with customers to find new and exciting dream doughnut flavours, Rebel Donuts’ agenda. Whether it’s running ‘design a doughnut’ competitions with local schools where the kids create their own sweet circle of yumminess and follow the process from conception through to marketing, or getting involved in fundraising projects, Rebel Donuts rocks. Rebel Donuts is the creative heart for all things ‘holy’. Grab a cup of coffee to complement your magic meandering into doughnut heaven,
rebellious nature means there’s always something exciting on the and while you’re there enjoy a thicker-than-thick milkshake, fresh fruitfilled smoothie or a delicious ice-cream. Because why not? There’s never not a time to indulge yourself in a bit of sweetness, is there?
Rebel Donuts takes the art of doughnut making to the next level. Drop by, indulge and revel in the deliciousness.
Open Monday-Sunday 8.30am-9pm. Please check website for further details.
Wildgrain Mornington
Expect something special from the moment you see the modern industrial meets Euro-chic Wildgrain exterior. This relaxed and exceptionally well thought out dining venue ticks every flavourful box with its colour-infused foods and artistic presentation. Here you’ll find fresh, classically inspired seasonal food for patrons who are searching for polished customer service without all the stuffiness. The interior is light, leafy and spacious. The menu is exciting and inviting with predominantly locally sourced produce.
Designed with an effortless city eatery and coastal ease ethos, Wildgrain works hard at making things look effortless. Head chef Leo Howard thrives on creating dishes with ingredients as local as possible, with even the lettuce and fine herbs growing in Wildgrain’s outdoor courtyard. Seasonal produce and ethically-sourced proteins are transformed into incredible flavours to enjoy inside or out whether sharing a plate or enjoying a cocktail, Mornington Peninsula wine or beer. Gluten-free and vegan options are available too. Owners Sean Flanagan and Sarah Peatfield have given a nod to the building’s grain store origins in this family and dog-friendly space’s name. With room for up to 70 people inside and 30 outside, an allday menu that includes wagyu pastrami benedict and crispy zucchini flowers, and a dinner menu including roasted free-range pork rack, Wildgrain wins in the authentic produce stakes. Feel free to roam. Open seven days for breakfast and lunch. Open for dinner Thursday, Friday, Saturday. Please check website for further details.
The Good Food Bakery
At The Good Food Bakery you step into a world of goodness with everything you would expect to find in a normal bakery, with the added bonus of it all being 1oo per cent gluten-free. Owners Tammy and Shane invite you to take the taste test because, in their words, they offer gluten-free but not as you know it.
Specialists you can trust, this passionate couple have combined their talents to create a provedore like no other. They have the knowledge and understanding to assist those with particular dietary requirements and their incredible success is a testament to the ongoing collaboration between kitchen and customer. It was indeed customer feedback that led them to start making dairy-free pies and sausage rolls with most not containing any onion or garlic. Shane’s 30 years of experience as a pastry chef ensures the consistency and superior quality of taste that you will appreciate, with a guarantee of no cross-contamination in the kitchen. The bakery also carries a range of fresh, packaged and frozen produce including a selection of meats from local accredited supplier Brian’s Gourmet Meats. Providing generous servings with exceptional flavour and presentation along with the flexibility to cater for various dietary needs, nothing is too much trouble and special requests are welcome. The Good Food Bakery can cater for your family get-togethers and now also offers the convenience of regular weekly deliveries. Opening Monday-Friday 7am-5pm; Saturday 8am-4pm; Sunday 8am-3pm.
Casa de Playa
Hola and welcome to Casa de Playa, where futureforward innovation and dedication to tradition take you on a trip to España via Melbourne and back to the Peninsula again. Owned and operated by Francisco Valles, who was part brainchild of Melbourne institution Hairy Canary, Casa comes at you like a breath of fresh Canary Islands air. picked local produce and delivering family-made cigars with his father and uncle around the village where he was born, Cisco and his team plate up an authentic Spanish experience in generous serves in this energetic venue where coffee culture rules.
Laughter and lively conversation bounce off the walls of this iconic late-1800s building where the Casa crew creates coastal-vibe dining with inner-city action. Families and kids can hang downstairs or alfresco beneath generous umbrellas gently swaying during the day, while
Inspired by memories of cooking with handupstairs the after-dark squad take stock lounging in alcoves or hang on the balcony breathing in the bay. Because that’s the way they do it at Casa.
Known as a standout Mornington bar, Casa de Playa’s signature salted caramel espresso martini cocktail does what it should, while Spanish regional and premium Mornington Peninsula wines are available. Preservative-free Carlton Draught Brewery tank beer is fresh and refreshing. Casa de Playa’s authentic Spanish-inspired brunch, lunch, dinner and grazing menus are made for flying solo or sharing. Focusing on using premium local produce, tapas and tacos talk taste, while authentic paella pulls you into the sea with deliciously fresh calamari and mussels. The pulled pork cigar with coffee ash and mojo, which is a nod to Cisco’s cigar-crafting roots, is magic. Make your next special occasion or function just that by booking in for a Casa-style celebration.
Coffee Traders
Coffee Traders is like a slice of Europe in Blake St, Mornington. Set up as an espresso bar, it’s where you will find Five Senses coffee at its finest. The complex character of the Dark Horse house blend is perfect for your lattes, flat whites, magic and piccolos, and the ever-changing single origin will satisfy the tastebuds when you’re enjoying espresso, long black, filter and cold brew.
Coffee Traders is all about the coffee. All baristas are Five Senses Barista Academy-trained and this is obvious when you take your first sip. With a great selection of milks, they make your coffee perfect every time. Phone ahead with your takeaway order or use the app to ensure your takeaway coffee is ready when you walk through the door. Coffee Traders has a long history in Mornington and is well known for the iconic vines growing up the outside wall. It has been totally renovated recently but still has the same owners, so take a seat on a stool inside at the gorgeous timber espresso bar or sit outside and enjoy the vibe of busy Blake St. You can also explore the full range of Five Senses beans for purchase. Coffee bean purchases come with a free cup of coffee to enjoy with Coffee Traders’ compliments. Coffee Traders knows not everyone loves coffee, which is why you’ll also find the delicious Mork hot chocolate range, Calma Sutra Chai, Golden Grind turmeric lattes, milkshakes and juices available. Early mornings are Coffee Traders’ specialty. The baristas love making your first brew of the day and are open from 6am Monday to Saturday, while on Sundays the doors open at 7am because even awesome baristas like a bit of a sleep-in. Drop by in the early morning, for morning tea, before or after lunch or before school pick-up. Coffee Traders is always there for you. Open seven days. Please check social media for further details.
Finesse Catering Group
Finesse Catering Group is one of the Mornington Peninsula’s leading caterers, providing highly memorable catered events across a range of iconic venues and private spaces. Innovative menus, the freshest seasonal produce, impeccable food presentation and first-class service is what you can expect.
Menus can be designed to reflect your personality or even your brand, from the more formal to a little bit outlandish and wickedly fun. Finesse is all about the culinary arts, and its exceptional creative vision is backed by vast global experience and internationally trained chefs offering not only the classics but the latest on-trend cuisine from around the world.
If you are looking for food that tastes as amazing as it looks and has a ‘wow’ factor that will impress, then Finesse Catering is for you. Speak directly to owners/chefs Brad and Roong, who will personally take your call and work with you in planning your own personalised menu. In the case of wedding celebrations, you will have a dedicated specialised team who will be there with you every step of the way to plan your special day.
Whether it’s canapés, themed food stations, an impressive buffet spread or a sumptuous dinner feast, Finesse will deliver above and beyond. Catering for major events, weddings, corporate functions, or large private parties ensures your event has the finesse it deserves.
Finesse Catering Group I P: 0410 882 766 Servicing Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne & surrounds www.finessecateringgroup.com.au Finesse Catering Group finessecateringgroup
Somerville Egg Farm
If you love your farmgate and fresh produce, then Somerville Egg Farm should definitely be on your list. The Napolitano family have been providing the Peninsula community and wider Melbourne region for more than 4o years and pride themselves on friendly service and offering the freshest, healthiest eggs with delicious golden yolks.
A customer favourite, Teresa will be able to assist you with a choice of freerange, barn-laid and caged eggs which are all collected and packed daily in a variety of sizes, ensuring there is something to suit everyone’s needs. Their chickens are hormone and antibiotic-free and are fed an all-natural grain diet free of animal protein. Pair this with competitive prices and what’s not to love! The kids will delight in seeing the chickens roaming free in the pastures as well as other farm residents that include goats, alpacas and a family of emus with three new members that were born last year. You may even get to see the family’s maremma dogs that watch over the chickens and keep them safe. Also available in their farmgate store are duck eggs, pre-bagged chicken manure and chicken feed – the same as what they feed their hens. Make sure you check out their Facebook page, which regularly features great recipes to showcase your eggs and the latest updates including their famous Easter competition. Open Monday-Friday 8am-4.30pm; Saturday 8am-12.30pm; closed Sundays and public holidays.
Via Battisti
Where do you go when you crave liquid gold and a friendly face? Via Battisti, where everyone is welcomed with wide-open arms. Owner Dan Force and staff walk the walk in delivering a sense of belonging that comes free of charge because that’s just how they roll. Proud Mary coffee comes with flavour and bite.
Rustic, real and always ready to ensure patrons keep coming back, Via Battisti offers buttery croissants, artisan cakes and a range of flavour-fresh paninis that take you to Roma and back. So good! All food is made fresh daily with locally sourced ingredients and is prepared by locals who love what they do and do it well. Delicious brekkies and lunches satisfy your hunger while homestyle food makes you feel as good as it looks. New dishes pop up on the menu regularly because why wouldn’t they? Via Battisti is a slice of the Mediterranean Mount Martha-style. Cosy yet sophisticated with a serious dash of city-to-coast cool, this is the place to satisfy your food and communication cravings. Grab a pew at the rustic bar out front to breathe in the scene or take time to find a friend while waiting for your coffee to arrive in a 100 per cent recycled cup. They cater too, so come on in. “Hello!” Open every day of the year from 7am and available for takeaway.
Chief’s Son Distillery
Stuart and Naomi McIntosh established Chief’s Son Distillery in 2013, and after three years of testbed success they distilled their first commercial batch of single malt whisky in this Somerville location. Known for its big, bold and unique styles of awardwinning single malt whisky, Chief’s Son is one of the largest familyowned and operated distilleries in Australia. The name ‘Chief’s Son’ is derived from Stuart and Naomi’s surname – ‘Mhic an Tóisich’ in Scottish Gaelic – meaning ‘Son of the Chief’. Their story is something truly unique and well worth finding out about. The Tanist single malt whisky is their most recent and ambitious project, shifting the Australian craft market towards consistent, quality and affordable single malt whiskies. The Tanist sits alongside their a variety of incredible quality and unique expressions that will impress every whisky
Core and Specialty ranges of whisky, creating enthusiast.
All Chief’s Son whiskies are available for tasting in the beautiful tasting room/distillery door, which overlooks the working distillery floor and barrel warehouse. You’ll love the richness of Stuart and Naomi’s story and passion – and, of course, the whisky. Set against a backdrop of barrels, copper, steel and glass, the air is bursting with the complex and distinctive aromas of ageing whisky. Book a guided tour of the distillery floor, where you’ll taste whisky direct from the barrel and take home a 100ml sample. Add a perfectly paired cheese platter from BoatShed Cheese if you’d prefer or purchase a take-home virtual tasting pack of 4 x 50ml whiskies either 45 or 60 per cent proof or the Specialty range with tasting notes. Chief’s Son Distillery exemplifies the spirit of connection through whisky and helps to forge deeper connections between people, families and generations. Come experience the connection yourself with the Chief’s Son team. All tours and tastings can be booked online. Open for guided whisky tastings and tours Monday-Friday 10am-4pm; Saturday-Sunday 11am-4pm.
Higher Ground
Higher Ground is the coffee-focused hangout their way from A to B drop by to say hi.
where locals love to linger. Flavour-seeking folk it, first-rate barista-made coffee and seating outside, Higher Ground
gather over the smell of aromatic coffee wafting through the air while sampling tasty treats, scrumptious breakfasts and meals that always come with a big dose of friendliness served on the side.
Owners Chris and Victoria have been welcoming people into the Higher Ground fold for 10 years and have built up a following of coffee enthusiasts who love to meet each other in this light and lovely space. Regulars settle down to a cooked breakfast with a premium anyone who is seeking a muffin or Portuguese tart with their coffee on Higher Ground is all about catering to a diverse client base. Whether you are cosying up on one of the comfy seats on a winter’s day or after a grab-and-go dish from the fresh food cabinet, you’ll always find something to hit the spot. The dedicated team of longstanding staff love where they work and work hard at making sure you love it too. With a regular interior refresh whenever Chris and Victoria feel like
Five Senses brew; ladies meet for conversation over a light lunch; and delivers happy café dining daily. Open Monday to Saturday 7am-3pm and Sundays 8am-3pm Please check social media for further details
Peninsula Beverage Co.
Peninsula Beverage Co. does things a little differently. A bottle shop but not as you know it, this boutique purveyor of the Mornington Peninsula’s premium wines, craft beers, distilled spirits and ciders carries a carefully curated selection of quality produce that represents the best the Mornington Peninsula has to offer.
A combination of exclusive liquor store and intimate bar perfect for pre-movie or dinner drink drop-ins, Peninsula Beverage Co. has a wide range of incredible beverage-themed locally made gifts for generous giving. There’s also a selection of snacks and locally created cheese platters for sensational celebrations. A favourite with day-trippers passing through to enjoy all the Peninsula has to offer, Peninsula Beverage Co. thrives on supporting Mornington Peninsula producers. Owners Georgia and Nick take pride in having first-hand tasting experience of their personally chosen line-up of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and they love nothing more than helping you make a choice that will suit your palate. All stock is available online, and with free local delivery and a flat fee for Australia-wide delivery, there’s no excuse not to raise a glass to this cream-of-the-crop liquid refreshment innovator.
Open seven days. Hours are seasonal so please check website for details.
Peninsula Beverage Co. 42 Main St, Mornington I P: 5977 0515 www.peninsulabeverageco.com.au PBCoMornington pbcomornington
Zambrero Mornington
Here’s the spot to let the kids stretch out on the lawn while enjoying delicious healthy Mexican food.
The ideal family-first destination where the food tastes as good as it looks, Zambrero Mornington prides itself on delivering fresh Mexican food full of taste and colour. Bring a rug and sit on the grass out front or under an umbrella while enjoying burritos, bowls, nachos, tacos and quesadillas. The kids will be thrilled, and the servings are generous. the choices for vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diners are varied. Zambrero Mornington is all about offering patrons choice. Build your own burrito or bowl, adding your choice of
There’s plenty of parking available and protein, toppings and sauce. The meat is slow-cooked while the service is fast and friendly. Nachos come with your choice of filling while the Zambrero ‘powerbowls’ pack an extra protein punch. Dine in, pick up or order home delivery for a fresh taste of Mexican food. Catering is available by arrangement to make for a lively celebration. For each burrito or bowl sold, a meal is donated to someone in need. Get along to Zambrero to do yourself and someone else a favour.
Summer Trading Hours Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri and Sat 11am-10pm. For non summer trading hours please check website for further details.
Chocolat of Mornington
Indulgent, delicious and particularly focused on creating magnificent pastries with Mornington Peninsula ingredients, Chocolat of Mornington is a master of patisserie creation.
All pastries are made in-house using the highest quality ingredients, while the aroma that wafts through the air sends patrons into a patisserie-baking trance. Shelves laden with carefully crafted plain and almond croissants, chocolate and Nutella croissants, donuts, escargots and macarons burst forward, making choice a difficult thing, while delicately-baked savoury quiches and Revolution Coffee roasted on the Peninsula makes for wonderful on-the-run or take-home energy restoration. The dance between butter, sugar, flour and eggs creates a symphony of excellence at Chocolat of Mornington. Lisa and Ross Saunders and their team of fully trained pâtissiers work incredibly hard at their craft to make sure you enjoy every morsel. This is traditional French patisserie-baking at its best with no preservatives added. This is French patisserie-making with handcrafted care and an attention to detail that is supreme. This is your Mornington Peninsula provider of pastry deliciousness! Visit Chocolat of Mornington to treat yourself to something sweet or pick up a savoury snack or dinner. The speciality cakes are ideal for birthdays or any other form of festivity, and catering is made easy with lots to choose from. On a quest to spread buttery goodness across the region, you will also find Chocolat of Mornington pastries in selected cafes just around your corner. Visit the store to find out where.
Photos of the area by Isabella Rose and Steve Brown
Lunar Dumpling Bar
Flavour-seekers travel from across the Peninsula to sample Lunar Dumpling Bar’s scrumptious range of authentic Chinese dumplings and ramen soup dishes.
Lunar’s traditional boiled dumplings offer exceptional flavour while leaving a clean aftertaste in your mouth. Crispy bottomed potstickers are Lunar Dumpling Bar’s signature grilled dumplings. Made with an open ‘mouth’ on each end of the dumpling to allow hot steam to travel through the dumpling body while cooking means they are tender and juicy. Yum cha dumplings use low-gluten rice flour for the wrap to cater for gluten-intolerant patrons. Xiao long bao and char siu bao – barbecue pork bun – are the most sought-after bao buns.
Known for its vast menu full of fresh ingredients and recipes that have been passed down through the generations, Lunar Dumpling Bar merges traditional Chinese cooking with innovative in-house cheffing to create inspirational Asian cuisine. With daily freshly made dumplings available and arguably the best ramen noodle soup on the Peninsula, Lunar Dumpling Bar brings us an authentic taste of China with a modern touch. Lunar’s famous ramen soup is miso or soybased, while vegan and vegetarian options are available. Pulled pork, seafood and soft-shell crab ramen soups are standouts.
All dishes at Lunar Dumpling Bar are cooked to order in this fully licensed restaurant complemented by a select list of award-winning local wines and beers, house-made iced tea-infused cocktails and Kirin Megumi on tap. Japanese sake and sweet-sour umeshu are available too, while the range of Chinese, Japanese and Taiwanese tea is delightful and refreshing.
Whether you are searching for a classic low-gluten noodle or rice dish, a delicious stir-fry or a dreamy Asian dessert, Lunar Dumpling Bar – with seating for up to 50 people inside and 25 outside – is well worth a visit.
Open six days a week February to November; open seven days a week December and January. Please check website for further details.
