Somers Balnarring Tyabb Bittern Hastings

somers BALNARRING tyabb

THE SOMERS GENERAL

Welcome to the Western Port side of life, where secluded enclaves of she-oaks and banksias sway and wide open beaches with rocky ridges rage against the waves rolling in to shore. Here the relaxed rustic lifestyle governs, its limitless outdoor diversions a backdrop to the ever-evolving collection of creative wining and dining options. These authentically Mornington Peninsula hamlets swing to the beat of eclectic destination and boutique shopping, awardwinning artisan produce and café life that can only be described as delectable. Find cuisines from around the world complemented by the area’s best wineries. This is old coolstore country. Proudly packed apples once left the heart of the hinterland in the 1920s and travelled through Balnarring and Bittern to arrive at Melbourne markets. These days each village in the region has its own unique offering, from brilliant butchers, bakers and artistry makers to international dining degustation dripping with individual flavours. Wind through this age-old district to drop into one of the many wonderful wineries and eateries. You will never be disappointed. Which will it be – Italian, French, Japanese or heritage-inspired deliciousness? Somers, Balnarring, Bittern, Hastings and Tyabb attract sea and tree-changers and those who are searching for endless summers spent surfing, swimming and roaming – but they are much more than this. They are home to artisans who strive to achieve excellence, from presenting home-grown produce perfectly on the plate to hospitality that is generous and gregarious any time of the year. Explore this eclectic region from beachside Somers to the mangroves of Hastings and the wonders of Tyabb Village. Eat.Drink it all in.

BITTERN hastings

Emu Plains Market 171 Fontalina 136 Geonbae Korean BBQ Restaurant Hastings 134 Le Bouchon French Cuisine 141 Mitch & Co Café 135 Orita’s 2 137 Pelikan Société 132-33 Phase Two 140 Quealy Winemakers 130-131 The Somers General 139 Toscano Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar 138

PHOTO: STEVE BROWN

Quealy Winemakers

Tasting the treasure trove of fine and rare wine at Quealy Winemakers is a treat. It’s an opportunity to admire a great array of classic pinot noir and pinot gris and discover edgy new varieties found to thrive on the Mornington Peninsula, all handmade and grown in what they consider the most important vineyards in their region.

Arrive at their cellar door slowly down the gravel road, being careful of the chickens pecking at the rambling rosemary, herbs and flowers tucked under stately olive trees. Here at the head of the cellar door, a giant ancient manna gum is protected with a hand-hewn timber fence.

Already you get the drift these people are authentic winemakers proud of their own style and quality. Quealy began in 2003 when the young gun winemakers of the time, Kevin McCarthy and Kat Quealy, sold their Main Ridge business to start again in a slightly warmer and drier sub-region to try their hand at new varieties and move their viticulture to organic and near-organic methods. Their vineyard is buzzing with life. Organic and biodynamic vineyard management sees no chemical pesticides or artificial fertilisers used on their property. Instead, you’ll see the crops of flowering grasses and herbs growing between the vine rows, the air filled with butterflies and dragonflies, a sure sign of healthy biodiversity. Their attitude to winemaking is to do the hard work in the vineyard to let the grapes reach their fullest potential. Then

in the winery they do everything they can or as little as possible to let the quality of the grapes and the nature of their varieties shine through. Their team now includes Tom McCarthy as their head winemaker, bringing new ideas and energy to a talented team. Before you enter the cellar door, you’re often greeted by the sight of Tom and co racking wine between oak barrels or, during vintage, the excitement as crates of freshly picked grapes are received into the winery from the vineyard. Quealy Winemakers is a place of constant movement, production, and energy. Come and let one of the team take you through the elegant white wines such as pinot gris, pinot grigio and friulano, and of course pinot noir. Let them explain to you why they use skin contact when making some of their white wines to bring about elegant, subtle texture and enhance the almost floral perfume of some wines. Let them pour you a taste of the sparkling Moscato Bianco and learn how it is fermented in the bottle using Metodo Ancestrale to make a beautifully fragrant, finely beaded sparkling wine. Then come face to face with some of the best pinot noir in the country, a wine the Peninsula is globally famous for. Quealy Winemakers don’t spend on fancy, unnecessary marketing or extravagant cellar doors. They invest in their vineyards, team, and winemaking because of their commitment to excellence and affordability. As founding winemaker Kat Quealy declares with a smile: “Ultimately, wine has to be of the utmost quality with an affordable price tag.” When family and friends get together around a plentiful table, there is every reason to raise their glass and celebrate life.

Expect a cellar door brimming with exciting new ideas about wine and viticulture. Cheese plates can be booked online so they’re waiting for you on arrival. Linger over a glass of wine in the marquee. All wines are available by the glass.

Opening hours: cellar door daily 9am-5pm; closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Pelikan Société

Wander down to the water along the Hastings foreshore and follow the shoreline to the jetty. There you’ll find Pelikan Société, a welcoming café in a prime position to take in the 180-degree view of Western Port.

Step up on to Pelikan’s deck; if you have a pram or need wheelchair access, there’s a ramp to the side that makes it easy for everyone to come together and enjoy fine café fare and warm hospitality.

The deck is edged with planter boxes filled with succulent plants of all shapes and sizes. It’s the little touches here that give this place its character and charm. A sunshade stretches the full length of the deck, making alfresco dining possible whatever the weather. Wait staff are dressed in smart turquoise collared shirts, making them easy to spot – not that you’ll need to look far. Service here is friendly and attentive from the moment you arrive until it’s time to say farewell. Jana, the venue manager, oversees the café flow, making sure things run smoothly and everyone’s happy and well looked after. Head chef Umanga loves exploring cuisines from around the world, and brings both experience and a wealth of knowledge to the Pelikan kitchen. See the kitchen team work their magic in the open kitchen. It’s a seamless operation. The café sits directly beside Pelican Park swimming pool so don’t be surprised when hungry swimmers arrive after doing their laps. Energised and chatting, they fuel up on excellent Lavazza coffee and breakfasts worth doing an extra lap for. Families gather at the communal table. Children are made welcome with a menu just for them, and everyone has time to stop for a chat. The atmosphere is relaxed and inclusive. The good news is that whatever time you arrive, breakfast runs all day. The clever breakfast menu means you can put together exactly what you like: order eggs poached, folded (a cross between an omelette and scrambled) or fried, and then choose from a lengthy list of enticing sides ranging from marinated Persian fetta to broccolini to chilli chicken sausage. At lunchtime it makes sense being so close to the sea that seafood is a feature. Fabulous fish and chips are a given; the fried calamari tossed in cornflour, seafood linguini and tandoori chicken are also winners. You’ll find other tempting offerings – perhaps a burger that you’ll need to wrap both hands around, or a tasty salad with grilled chicken. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diners are well catered for too. Pelikan is fully licensed so you can enjoy wine or a cocktail with your meal. There’s Asahi on tap and local beer too. With mangroves to the left, the Hastings Yacht Club to the right and views stretching to the horizon, the stunning location and capable team lends Pelikan to being the perfect venue for your next event or celebration. From milestone birthdays and anniversaries to weddings, there’s room for up to 160 guests. Whether you’re stopping in for a Portuguese tart and coffee or lingering longer for a social breakfast or lunch, you’ll be happy to be part of Pelikan Société. Opening hours: daily 7.30am-3pm

Geonbae Korean BBQ Restaurant Hastings

The Geonbae team were the first to bring Korean food to the Mornington Peninsula at their sister restaurant in Frankston. Two years ago they opened Geonbae in Hastings, bringing a cultural experience to remember to the Western Port dining scene.

Why not kick things off with a soju cocktail, a rice wine that’s the drink of choice in Korea. You can order a soju paddle to find your favourite or try a fruit-based soju cocktail. A good range of Korean beers and Australian wines are also available to complement your meal. Lunch or dinner at this authentic Korean restaurant is a feast for the senses. From the moment you arrive you’ll be captivated by the aromas emanating from the sizzling barbecues that are built into each table, a traditional feature of Korean dining. Prime cuts of beef, pork, or chicken are hand-cut with precision then cooked to perfection right in front of you. Served with small side dishes called banchan, the bold flavours and vibrant colours of salted and fermented vegetables make for a taste sensation.

Korean food is designed to be shared, so go with friends, order an array of dishes, and enjoy. Friendly staff who know their stuff are on hand to guide you in your choices.

When the weather’s fine, sit outside under a gazebo and watch the world go by. And when you’re feeling full after all that feasting, take the walking track along Hastings’ shoreline that’s just a stone’s throw from Geonbae’s front door. Opening hours: 11am-11pm daily, including public holidays; closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Check website for further details.

Mitch & Co Café

Mitch & Co’s owner left the hustle and bustle of the Mornington café scene to bring her wealth of hospitality experience to the semi-rural township of Tyabb.

Mitch & Co Café, with its smart-looking black and white fit-out and well-made modern café fare, has been very well received. An abstract mural painted by local artist Helen Di Tomasso is the backdrop for the community atmosphere among the throng of locals who come here for reliably good coffee from 5am and stellar breakfasts and lunches. All dishes are cooked to order and the kitchen team pride themselves on cooking everything from scratch. Brekky might be house-made granola, a flavour-packed egg dish, or something next level like lemon meringue french toast. Every order is a work of art. The care and attention to detail stands out.

At lunch there’s always fresh salads and wraps to grab if you’re on the go, but if you have time, settle in and enjoy something more. Mitch and Co is fully licensed so you can appreciate a wine or beer with your meal. Tempting daily specials make decisions harder. The focus here is on freshness and flavour.

Don’t take too long deciding if you want dessert – the housemade cakes and slices sell out quickly. Superb gelati is a recent addition.

Tyabb was once best known as the place to go to shop for vintage and antique wares; Mitch & Co is another good reason to wander off the beaten track.

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday from 5am; Sunday from 8am.

Fontalina

Fontalina’s owners Dirk and Emily have wonderful memories of working on yachts in the Mediterranean. The couple are veterans of hospitality and drew inspiration from their time in the Bay of Naples to bring authentic Italian cuisine to Balnarring. True to Italian culture, Fontalina is all about passion for great food, genuine hospitality, and good times with family and friends. Young families enjoy the early dinner sitting, stopping in for excellent woodfired pizza prepared by passionate Italian chefs and cooked inside wood-fired ovens made by the best oven builders in Naples. Top-notch pizza classics range from the margherita with fresh basil to the carni with fennel sausage, smoked ham and sopressa salami, and quality ingredients and housemade dough make them memorable. More sophisticated palates will be tempted by the likes of the porcini mushroom pizza with taleggio, mozzarella, garlic and truffle oil.

Later in the evening, diners linger over delectable starters – perhaps antipasti, bresaola or creamy burrata – followed by housemade gnocchi, seafood mains or seasonal specials – think slow-cooked meat dishes in winter, while in summer seafood is the star. Ice-cold Peroni on tap and a good selection of local and Italian vino complement the menu.

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diners won’t go hungry either; it’s the Fontalina way. Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday 5pm-late for dinner; Friday, Saturday and Sunday noon-3pm for lunch; January open seven days.

Orita’s 2

Balnarring Village is blessed to have Master Hikaru Orita and his restaurant Orita’s 2 in residence. Master chef Orita is unique in his philosophy and approach to food. He defines himself as ‘a spiritual chef’, choosing to work solo in the kitchen so each meal he prepares has his full attention. He even talks to the fresh produce before cooking. Master hand-selects produce daily from his garden or local growers to create his pre-order Omakase menu. Some of his garden specialties include yuzu, ume, Sakura flower, persimmon, cumquat and fresh sansho herb. The food transformation then takes place on the plate. Orita’s 2 surpasses typical Western experiences of Japanese food because Master is like a food magician. He has more than 50 years’ experience in Japanese cuisine and was trained by the founder of teppanyaki style, hence his passion for steak. Bookings are essential because Master cooks his Omakase menu for 25 guests only each evening. Omakase translates to “I’ll leave it up to you”. Put your trust in Master’s hands to take you on a magical culinary journey. It’s like having your own personal Japanese chef. Some of the highlights include super fresh sashimi, homemade gyoza, Okonomiyaki, grass-fed beef Misoyaki, and grass-fed beef tenderloin steak. Whenever possible, Master will personally deliver his food to your table. Opening hours: daily except Tuesday and Wednesday. Takeaway available; check website for details.

Toscano Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar

If you’ve been enjoying the Hastings foreshore and are hungry for traditional Italian fare or looking for a welcoming place to catch up with friends for a drink, Toscana Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar is just the place. Located 1km from the centre of town, it is situated within Sanctuary Inn On Westernport, making it a convenient location to stay or dine.

Settle in at a table in Toscano’s spacious dining room. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow the room to fill with natural light, and in winter the open fireplace is ablaze, adding atmosphere and warmth. Whatever the weather, you can dine alfresco at tables overlooking the swimming pool. There are umbrellas for sunny days and heaters for winter. When it comes to food, in true Italian style there’s reverence for gardenfresh produce. The extensive menu is created around the seasons and the best of what’s available. It’s very much a case of the classics done well. Antipasti might be warm olives and focaccia, arancini or an antipasto platter. Top-notch pizza and pasta are a given. From the grill, there’s a delicious range of dishes including beef, chicken or fish.

Whether you’re in the wine bar or dining room, the drinks list features local and European wines, a good beer selection and spirits. The team here are hospitality professionals who provide friendly, attentive service taking care of your every need. Sit back and relax; you’re in good hands at Toscano. Opening hours: lunch Thursday-Sunday noon-3pm, dinner daily from 5.30pm

The Somers General

This captivating character-filled store is Somers’ community hub. Fuelled on excellent Industry Beans coffee and with views across to Phillip Island, it merges historical and modern-day Mornington Peninsula perfectly.

It opened in 1927, and today’s owner-operators Zoe Proctor and Dean Atkins are locals who had a vision in 2019 to create an inviting cafe serving classic, nourishing food and a store selling local goods and artisan wares. From potted plants to original pottery, organic skincare products, artisan-made gifts and homewares, Zoe scouts out the best. Food-wise the focus is comfort food with a twist. Think paddock to plate, every dish singing with flavour and the pick of the season’s harvest. The all-day menu includes breakfast and lunch, with favourites such as heirloom tomato bruschetta with cashew feta and verjuice dressing, or trottole pasta with basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and parmesan. Being a stone’s throw from the beach, it’s a good place to grab some takeaway for a beach picnic. With two decks and ample room for dining, wining or coffee tasting inside and out, this fully licensed, canine-friendly venue ticks all the contemporary home-spun boxes brilliantly. The young and young at heart gaze into the traditional pozzetti ice-cream fridge contemplating which Mubble ice-cream flavour they’ll choose. Keep an eye on The Somers General social media for fun and delicious themed events. The reasons are endless to make time to visit.

Opening hours: daily from 7.30am; check website for further details.

Phase Two

With an enticing all-day menu and the type of service where regulars are embraced, it’s little wonder that Phase Two is firmly entrenched as part of the beating heart of Balnarring’s community.

Taking its cues from the relaxed beach lifestyle of the area, Phase Two occupies a bright, open space with minimalist décor that instantly creates a welcoming vibe. The variety of meals and the pride in presentation of food at Phase Two will have you salivating. You can start your day with the sensational Balnarring Benny – pancetta, poached eggs, house hollandaise, herb oil, avo smash, and sourdough toast. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, try the Phase Two Board – a breakfast board that combines all the colours and flavours of this vibrant café.

Regardless of the time, the cheerful atmosphere of the café will invite you in. You’ll get table service from friendly staff with music as a backdrop, making it hard to leave. The coffee is expertly brewed using local roastery Commonfolk Coffee Company. If coffee isn’t your thing, Prana Chai is on offer, along with a range of teas and healthy, nutritious smoothies.

Since their opening in 2019, Phase Two has built a reputation as a pre-eminent provider of coffee, food and drink in the area, attracting locals and tourists alike. Check out their Instagram now to whet your appetite. Opening hours: 7am-3pm daily

Le Bouchon French Cuisine

For eight years, families and friends have returned to Le Bouchon again and again for its reliably delicious French cuisine and welcoming hospitality. Le Bouchon is decidedly unpretentious. The emphasis at the familyowned and operated restaurant is on bringing people together to enjoy good food and wine in a lively and convivial way. The dining room furnishings set the French aesthetic. Dark timbers contrast with white tiles; seating is classic bentwood bistro chairs or Parisian woven wicker chairs.

Settle in and watch the action in the open kitchen. Most of the team here are French so the French accents fly around the room, adding to the atmosphere. The wonderful smells coming from the kitchen reflect the traditional French fare on offer, all made with the best quality produce and timehonoured recipes. The menu is very much a case of ‘don’t mess with the classics’: pate, French onion soup, and snails cooked in garlic, parsley and butter to get you started. Mains could be duck leg confit, sauteed potatoes, lardons and truffle jus, beef bourguignon, or cassoulet. On the side, frites and salade verte, of course. Will it be brulee or cheese to finish?

The wine list features carefully selected wines from Australian and French premier wine-growing regions, many from the Mornington Peninsula. A good list of aperitifs and digestives add to the full experience. Relaxed, chic, and delicious. What are you waiting for? Book now.