HARMONY ON THE PENINSULA A little further down the coast, the SORRENTO HOTEL has a fabulous new Autumn menu with selections including sticky chilli andsesame crystal bay prawns, grilled haloumi, peninsula honey, toasted almonds and mint or for dessert their churros doughnuts with Belgianchocolate sauce are just divine.
In May, there will be some great events scheduled for the Taste of Sorrento festival so there ll be lots of reasons to plan a visit here.
Moving in to Rye, the RYE HOTEL is well known for its family friendly atmosphere, great menuand huge array of fantastic events that are hostedthroughout the year.
Their new menu is definitelyhitting the mark along with High Tea on the first Sunday of every month and some fantastic Easteractivities that the whole family can enjoy.
Alwaysgiving back to the community, in May they are hosting a Biggest Morning Tea and Light Up Autism fundraiser plus their great Mothers Dayevents and Christmas in July are always worthbooking in for.
Up in Main Ridge, the PIG WHISTLE has been full of activity under the ownership of Robertand Ann Lawson.
Kids eat free here Tuesdays and Wednesday nights and free family friendly live entertainment appears on weekends.
Easter will see some lovely seafood on Good Friday plus Eastereggs for the kids on Easter Sunday.
With a lovely garden to unwind in on sunny Autumn afternoons plus a warming fire indoors on cooler days andevenings, there s always a place to enjoy a hearty meal and relaxing beverage.
One of the most popular pubs in Mornington hasto be THE GRAND HOTEL and their upcomingevents and Autumn menu are attracting the crowds.
Seafood crepes are back on the menu along withtheir Grand pork ribs which are marinated in theirown special recipe.
And be sure to leave some room for dessert as these indulgent choices are all madeon site and absolutely delicious.
World Class Wineries....
We have an amazing selection of wineries on our Peninsula, many with gorgeous cellar doors and restaurants.
Increasingly becoming known for ourexcellent range of superior vintages, many Chefshave used this to full advantage and created menusthat captivate the essence of every drop.
057.indd 3 Up in the hills, MAX S RESTAURANT at Red Hill Estate never fails to impress and was one of the firstwinery restaurants in the region.
Ian Sutton, formerCEO of the Australian Winemakers Federation has described this venue as having the best view of anyvineyard in the world and it s easy to see why.
PARINGA ESTATE just keeps getting betterand better after being awarded a Chef s Hat in the Age Good Food Guide under the expert guidanceof Head Chef Julian Hills.
The exciting andimaginative menu here offers exceptional food in an elevated setting overlooking expansive vineyard andvalley views.
And another beautiful place to relax away a fewhours is SALIX RESTAURANT at Willow Creek Vineyard.
Their new wine list has had a great response and they have some great functionsplanned for the Easter weekend and Mothers Day.
Follow them on facebook or check out their amazingphoto collections on instagram to get a taste of thisstunning venue.
Exceptional Diningplus Accommodation....
It s nice to indulge in something a little special and everyone enjoys an indulgent weekend away.
The Peninsula is home to many beautiful properties thatoffer dining and accommodation packages suitable for visitors to the region and also those locals whowant to enjoy some quality time away from home.
These venues also have gift vouchers on offer which are perfect for special friends and family.
MORNING STAR ESTATE in Mt Eliza has the complete package with a top class restaurant, gorgeous gardens and boutique accommodation.
Their new menu is being raved about and offers a selection of smaller dishes, perfect to share andenjoy a range of their quality food.
Fabulous Canadian scallops are well worth a tryalong with their incredible desserts which are a feastfor the eyes in their artistic presentation.
Cominginto Autumn, a degustation menu is being planned plus High Tea so keep an eye on their website for future information.
With 75,000 roses in their acres of gardens plus a view over the bay likeno other, this location is definitely worthy of a weekend escape.
WOODMAN ESTATE has some incredible experiences on offer that combine overnight stays in their gorgeous lakeside chalets, garden and spa suites with amazing degustation menus in theirdining rooms.
Check out their website for a full listing and book yourself in for a few days you llnever forget.
Another incredible venue with lakeside accommodation is STILLWATER at Crittenden.
Zac and Jacqui Poulier have created a remarkableaward winning venue here and everyone who visitsvows to return another day.
The Easter weekend will be absolutely buzzing with their famousEaster egg hunt, live entertainment and of coursesensational menu on offer.....book in early to secure your seat at this one.
Heading into Flinders, you can t go past The FLINDERS HOTEL and TERMINUS restaurant.
With both casual and formal dining options plus contemporary accommodation, this is agreat location to stay and enjoy the award winningfood prepared by Algerian born Executive Chef Pierre Khodja.
Local, Seasonal and Fresh....
We are so lucky to have the wealth of fresh local seasonal produce on our doorstep.
From orchards to farm gates, many of our Chef s have their own kitchen gardens or form rewarding relationships with the many growers around the Peninsula.
THE LONG TABLE restaurant in Red Hill is right in the middle of farm gate territory and has been serving their quality dishes for over ten years.
With a gorgeous Autumn menu and many upcoming events for Easter and Mothers Day, it s not hard to find a reason to return.
Their Saturday lunch special 45 for two courses or 55 for three courses is often booked out along with their famous Thursday and Friday night fish and chips.
The Briars is another destination unique to our Peninsula and JOSEPHINE S restaurant here has been transformed over the last few months by new ownership.
Very family friendly, they have live music on the last Sunday of each month, seafood platters every Friday and a great list of wines sourced from local wineries.
This stunning rustic setting is just beautiful to unwind in after a busy week and recharge the batteries.
With such an abundance of dining experiences around the Peninsula, we truly are spoilt forchoice.
Whether you re looking for an intimateromantic dinner or a family friendly day out, thereare venues around to suit every desire, every budget and every different type of cuisine.
Chefs in our region are exceptionally good atusing locally sourced fresh produce and it s great to see the menus reflecting what is growing in ourseasonal gardens at this time of year.
-Lind Ry ng www.visitor.com.au 3 04 14 10 35 AM