THE SECRET IS OUT

JEREMY and his crew at Cheeky Cow have been busy behind the scenes, changing things up to counteract the challenges of COVID-19, including new air-conditioning for better indoor air circulation, and increased outdoor seating for enhanced dining in the fresh ocean breezes.

“We’re also introducing a new menu ordering system,” Jeremy says. “This enables contactless payment and prompt ordering, as well as reduces peaktime bottlenecks. We’re really chuffed with this because it helps both our customers and the team.

“Like everyone, we’re ready to put this year behind us. We’re now looking forward to a better 2021 and celebrating everyone’s return to Cheeky Cow –and the beach.”

Now that indoor dining is back, bookings are recommended to avoid disappointment, plus customers must sign in as per government COVID-19 guidelines.

Brekkie is big at Cheeky Cow, whether to ‘eat out’, take home for a fantastic weekend family brunch, or grab on the way to work.

All the faves are on board, such as smashed avo, banana bread, toasties, eggs done all ways, and muesli and pancake stacks – as well as BLTs, BLATs and BLEATs. The breakfast and ‘recovery’ rolls are smashing, with homemade tomato relish adding a special touch.

Moving on to lunchtime and the New Yorker cheese burger (with aged beef) is a cracker, while a vegie burger and chicken schnitzel wrap/roll are other options.

Chips? Of course – and they’re beer-battered, while potato wedges are spiced and served with sour cream. Fish comes served with the chips, as do the chicken nuggets.

Sachin, the recently appointed manager, is known for his awesome coffee brews, which pair beautifully with the cakes and slices. Look out for Sachin’s new iced drinks – perfect as a summer pick-me-up or to take on a stroll along the nearby beach.

Cheeky Cow is dog-friendly, with plenty of water bowls outside. And in keeping with the cafe’s other sustainable practices, takeaway containers are biodegradable and there’s 50 cents off with BYO cups.

Cheeky Cow, 131 Ocean Throughway, Ocean Grove. Opens 8am-3pm daily. Phone: 5255 1677, text 0405 020 040 or visit www.cheekycow.com. au Facebook: @ TheCheekyCow Instagram: cheekycow

FISHIN’ TIPS

The Bellarine Peninsula is rich with fishing opportunities for anglers, ranging from offshore experts to families just happy to wet a line. Following are Go Bellarine’s tips for the catch of a lifetime without needing a boat.

BARWON RIVER ESTUARY

Best fished around high tide, which is usually around two hours after the advertised daily high-tide time for Port Phillip Heads. Land-based anglers can expect whiting, trevally, mullet, bream and salmon, with the elusive mulloway also present. Both sides of the river fish well, with numerous jetties and small landings available on the Barwon Heads side. Pippies, prawns and squid are the preferred baits, although fresh worms and Bass yabbies work best.

OCEAN GROVE BEACH

The last third of the beach toward the mouth of the Barwon River fishes well for surf anglers on low tides, especially around the change of light. Snapper, mulloway and gummy sharks are all on the target list, with squid the preferred bait for its ability to stay on the hook during long casts.

13TH BEACH

Another surf angling location, although anglers should beware of rough surf and dangerous currents. Salmon are the main target, although gummy sharks can be taken after dark. Best fished on high tide where gutters and holes are visible, although low tide can also sometimes offer access to deeper water. Squid is the best bait for the long casts required, although anglers targeting salmon often prefer metal lures around 25g.