What we're talking about

his sister on Explosive aftermath to drowning death R.I.P James Smith more
His friend/sister on Explosive aftermath to drowning death he was one of my really good friends and i know he wouldnt of had that kind of money on him and he wouldnt of raped the girl ... more
Carmela Leone on Do Not Fit A Smart Meter! I want to know what law says that we have to have a smart meter. more
Pete on Families win but defence loses out in ... Gimme gimme gimme , want want want,what a greedy bunch you are more
Steve on Families win but defence loses out in ... That $600 is not going to go too far once companies put under yet more pressure from this useless Government start laying ... more
ian on Families win but defence loses out in ... This budget is Gillards death knell. more
Robert on Families win but defence loses out in ... What the Lieberals are saying is that we have to be more like the commie country of France. They're saying Swan should have ... more
Steve on Families win but defence loses out in ... You know the Labor party did something right. Look at the desperate LIEberal trolls with their spin. more
Mylene on Families win but defence loses out in ... Families schmamilies! Singles earning 6 figures get exactly nothing out of this budget. There's no incentive in this country ... more
wilson on Families win but defence loses out in ... What do I get from this budget. Nothing. I have paid higher taxes throughout my working life and still continue to pay ... more
Darrell on Wake up Australia! We are racist Get the Violins out for christ sake what a pack of bloody whinging moaning morons on this blog.The one good thing about ... more
James W on Families win but defence loses out in ... So people of Dobell should be without a voice in our parliament, Neil? more
Sammie on Families win but defence loses out in ... I'm not the brightest spark at the best of times but the logic behind giving more benefits to those who are dole bludgers is ... more
jason on 'Treasurer's big day sabotaged' How many budgets for the battlers do we have to see? Maybe the battlers should have gotten off their backsides, educated ... more
jason on Families win but defence loses out in ... Where is the incentive in this country to get a decent education and work hard. The harder you work, the harder this ... more
Robert Drossaert on Families win but defence loses out in ... Cut these bastards no slack.ELECTION NOW!!! more
David on Families win but defence loses out in ... Once again only familys are helped and absolutely nothing for the single men and women who pay just as many taxes and are ... more
Dr Gideon Polya on Wake up Australia! We are racist Setting aside an inevitable minority of unpleasant racist yahoos (2 of my Australian-born family members have been told to ... more
Gerard on 'Treasurer's big day sabotaged' Wayne Swan - 'Fiscal Flunky'!What a slimy, clueless and diabolically inept buffoon.Hasn't a clue old Swan - hasn't a ... more
Gloria on Last Post with Waltzing Matilda I think this is truly great piece of music, love it, but Angela @ 8.49am not for our Anthem. Waltzing Matilda did not become ... more

Ela Carte unveils coastal gems

Posted by: Ela Carte | 8 January, 2011 - 5:34 PM

WYE RIVER CAFÉ – 35 Great Ocean Rd Wye River http://wyerivergeneralstore.com.au/

FORREST BREWING COMPANY – Forrest-Apollo Bay Road, Forrest www.forrestbewing.com.au

Well, it’s January, the lucky people among us are on holidays and I thought this month I’d get out and about across some of Victoria’s favourite holiday spots to see where the good eating’s at.

Over a couple of days camping near Apollo Bay, the plan this week was to head down the Great Ocean Road, maybe pop in at the very popular Wye River General Store and see what other gems catch my eye. The General Store is as many have described, every bit the essence of an Australian summer at the beach – kids out the front sucking on lemonade icypoles, middle-aged men in wetsuits and teens drinking cans of Solo; but it was also an updated, 2011 kind of summer. That is, it was punctuated with espressos, Japanese soya beans, and architecturally designed interiors. Food was great, some good snack options from the lunch menu including deliciously salty sardines on sourdough with romesco sauce, and a chunky, fresh tasting pork and parsley terrine with mouth-zinging pickled green beans.

So although the Wye River General Store was one of the planned stops, it was a mountain-top, timber eatery that really proved the star of the weekend.

The Forrest Brewing Company has only been open a couple of months, and to be honest, before my visit I didn’t even know the town of Forrest existed! In the hinterland behind the ever-popular coastal road, it’s around half an hour from both Lorne and Apollo Bay, and it’s a breathtaking drive through the Otways to get there.

The former general store and garage has been transformed into a quaint, drinking and dining space that is so very inviting it’s almost impossible to drive past. From the bright blue exterior walls and tin roof, to the whacky outdoor tree tables and stunning fresh picked flowers on the bar, it’s the sort of place that makes you want to move to the country.

Inside there’s a mix of formica tables, and big hardwood numbers crafted by a local carpenter, the service is ever-so-relaxed and friendly, and the vibe is such that you know you’re going to stay a while.

The menus are pretty simple, and inexpensive. For lunch, the Fish’n’Chips ($20) features lightly battered flathead fillets distinctly lacking the usual wad of oil that makes you feel guilty for eating them, and the Vegie Curry ($15) is a huge dahl-like one that provides a more filling, and nourishing option. Other options include a great priced Porterhouse Steak at $24, some Asian-style squid and Chicken Cous-Cous.

Similar good value on the Breakfast menu, the big breakkie coming in at $15 and a BLT available to eat in or take away at eight bucks. And in the dessert cabinet it was a right battle to resist the phenomenal looking home-made sponge.

The drinks menu is decidedly local, from Brown Magpie white wine, to locally roasted coffee (it’s goooood) and of course the Forrest Brewing Company’s own crisp Pale Ale. Wines are around $7 a glass, or $30 a bottle; and the boutique beers are priced at $4.50 a pop.

With the Geelong Bypass now open, it’s now as easier and quicker drive from the Colac Road down to the settlements of Lorne and beyond, and the Forrest Brewing Company then becomes a perfect pit-stop on your way to the beach. It’s probably still a work in progress, but the early signs are so very promising, and the relaxing atmosphere’s sure to get you into holiday mode pretty quickly.

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.