Vera’s restaurant aims to amaze

IN Latin, the word babae is used as an exclamation of amazement.
Hotel Vera’s new restaurant of that name has been created to bring out that response in its diners.
Babae was officially opened by the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos earlier this month and is a fine dining venue being led by chef, Tim Foster.
“Babae’s menu will reflect the changing seasons and showcasing the very best local and regional produce,” Foster said. “Much of that produce comes from the local Ballarat region, as well as the restaurant’s 25-acre farm between Bendigo and Ballarat.
“Our ethos is to champion the small producers and support the local economy.”
Mr Dimopoulos said the hospitality industry is a key cog in the Victrorian economy and a huge tourism drawcard for the regions.
”Restaurants like Babae celebrate local produce and showcase the midwest region to thousands of visitors annually, cementing Ballarat’s reputation as a region with high-quality, local dining, craft breweries, distilleries and wine producers,” he said.
Hotel Vera is located at 710 Sturt Street and is part of a growing Goldfields Hospitality Group, owned by David Cook-Doulton and Martin Shew.
Hotel Ernest Bendigo is also part of this business which not only aims to provide experiences, but to train hospitality workers.
“The Group will encompass additional hotels, rooftop bars, Asian street food restaurants, boutique wellness retreat, and also extend to organic and indigenous gardens initially in Ballarat and Bendigo,” Foster said.
“The business will focus on drawing visitors to the area and providing state of the art dining opportunities in regional areas.
“We are all committed to genuine, old-school hospitality, growing and supporting local communities and producers.
“By paying attention to the smallest service details, preparing our dishes with passion, and cooking with respectful acknowledgement of those who have taught and inspired us, we trust our guests will leave our venues feeling well-loved and cared for.”
“We will be working closely with local and State level tourism authorities to enhance and highlight the goldfields attractions.”
Mr Dimopoulos said Tourism Midwest Victoria will support the Goldfields Hospitality Group.
“Our first Visitor Economy Partnership…will create an even stronger visitor economy for Victoria’s Midwest for generations to come,” he said.
Foster achieved a hat in the Good Food Guide for his work at Source Dining, Kyneton.