Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges – Visitors and Locals

Visitors – Rochford Wines – 878 – 880 Maroondah Hwy Coldstream www.rochfordwines.com.au

Rochford has a bit of a conundrum. You see, the problem is that it’s so well known for its big events that I think visitors to the Yarra Valley write it off as an option to just stop for a good meal when visiting the area. It’s famous for Day on the Green, Rhythm in the Vines, and Movies in the Vineyards, and it’s long been a favourite for visiting wine tours, but that doesn’t mean that Rochford is a no-go zone for those just looking for a fine food in a suitably picturesque setting.

Just open for lunch, it’s a simple two or three course choice at Rochford – with the option of adding sides or cheese along the way. For entree the Coffin Bay Oysters get the dramatic touch from a fabulous “Rochford Sauvignon mist”, it’s all very theatrical. Wagyu carpaccio sees a plate covered with squares of paper-thin marbled meat, the deconstructed tartar sauce comes in the form of capers, caperberries, gherkin slices and creamy drops scattered atop. It’s stunning stuff, a tasty but light way to start a meal.

The summer mains are a little heavier than you might expect, but at least there will be no complaints about scant serving sizes. Pressed Pork Belly Salad consisted of a HUGE chunk of meat, glazed and gorgeously crunchy on top, enough luscious fat to make me feel guilty for at least 20 seconds, and it sat on a small assortment of Mediterranean vegies, some heirloom carrots and broccoli. The “salad” came in the form of some pea shoots laid across the plate.

Lamb backstrap was beautifully seasoned, seared and sliced and served alongside the biggest croquette you ever did see – this one flavoured with aged cheddar and bacon.

It’s a slick, efficient, but ever-friendly operation at Rochford, you get the feeling that even the staff enjoy the atmosphere as familiar faces tend to greet you on return visits. It can be a bit of a lottery in terms of how hectic or otherwise the venue may be – if like me you turn up on the last weekend of school holidays, you may well get some last hurrahs in the form of wine tour groups or hen’s days (not the raving type!) and it may be a little loud; or another weekend it can be a much more civilised affair.

I love knowing what I’m up for in terms of price, so for $55 for any two courses, and $65 for three, and with the quality of food and efficient service afforded Rochford is a great option for an indulgent lunch in the Yarra Valley.

Locals – The General Food Store – 377 Main St Emerald – www.thegeneralfoodstore.com.au

It’s been a while since I’ve played netball at the Emerald Recreation Reserve, so imagine my surprise when I pulled up this week to a charming cafe in the Main Street that wouldn’t for a second seem out of place in Fitzroy or St Kilda.

The General Food Store is the brainchild of local couple Dougie and Belinda, Dougie being a chef and Belinda a graphic designer – so we’re talking great, fresh food in a pretty funky setting.

We’re hearing it a lot now, but at The General Food Store it’s all about being as local as possible and sticking to produce that is in season - so you’re welcomed on arrival with a big poster highlighting the best that the month’s produce has to offer.

It’s a one page menu, and the focus is probably more on brunch, with lunch offerings in the form of a couple of baguettes, and open corned beef sandwich, heirloom tomato salad, and a gorgeous chicken salad.

The falafel baguette ($9) boasts housemade falafel, soft roasted eggplant, tasty chilli jam and labne – nice to know the staff are happy to play around with the menu, with this one delivered on sourdough because of an aversion to over-crunchy baguettes.

“Don’t Tell Cooper!” is the rather creative name of the chicken salad, and fittingly it’s no ordinary cafe fare – dukkah spiced and roasted chicken leg sits among baby spinach leaves, roast potato, mint, orange slices, with a pomegranate molasses dressing. Beautiful flavours here, tender chicken and the freshness of mint and orange – just a great, substantial summer salad.

Just to give the locals a little more to crow about, The General Store is also planning monthly seasonal dinners, with set menus celebrating the best of the region’s harvest and paired with quality wines from nearby Olinda Cellars. It’s a good time to be living in the Dandenongs!

PLAY: Ela Carte with Ross and John

3AW Food - Eating Melbourne

3AW is Food: Melburnians love to eat so it's fortunate we live in the culinary capital of Australia. On this dedicated food page you will find the latest recipes by Bob Hart as well as Tony Leonard's Pub of the Week reviews. La Luna head chef Adrian Richardson also serves up a dish from his own cook book and food reviewer Ela Carte visits one of Melbourne's hottest eateries weekly