Battle of the Waterfront

It’s soon to be an all-out scuffle of the Italians along the Geelong Waterfront, with two new venues announcing their cuisine of choice on offer will be Italiano.

Bayside Geelong’s newly refurbished dining space (to be known as Franca’s) will join Crowne Plaza’s yet-to-be-named restaurant, heating up an already hotly contested foreshore dining market, particularly when it comes to Italian-scented options, namely Tempo, Justin Lane and Sorriso. Combined, that’s approximately 600 restaurant seats serving pasta (that’s a lot of gnocchi) and one can’t help but wonder where all these hungry diners are coming from. Sure, the places will fill on a Saturday night, but it’s the midweek services that get me worried. And not everyone feels like Italian all the time! (sorry, but it’s true). Well, nothing like a friendly bit of (Italian) competition at least? Switching waterfronts, Torquay’s Frontbeach Taphouse is now closed after many, many busy summers. Fear not though, as the space will become two new venues over the coming couple of months, with Zara’s Coastal Mediterranean, and Pt Danger Beach House taking up residence at the esplanade spot. It’s the same owner as before (Nick Cogger) so I’m suspecting it’s more a chance to refresh and renew some interest in the location, rather than trying to rewrite a new formula to make the place busier, particularly with the summer weather only a few short months away.

The Vietnamese juggernaut that is Pholklore shows no signs of slowing down, with the group announcing the opening of their fourth local outlet (well actually, fifth – if you count their pop-up at GMHBA Stadium) at a spot in Ocean Grove. Have you ever wondered how they manage to pump out that many bowls of pho and plates of chicken katsu across numerous venues? (my guess is it’s close to five digits a week between them all) Well, they have a centralised prep-kitchen away from the action that delivers those fresh noodles and spring rolls multiple times a week to each location. It eases pressure on the busy kitchens at peak service times while maximising the floor space available for hungry diners. Smart. The expansion plans for the brand aren’t limited to Geelong area either, with a venue up north on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast (Caloundra) officially named as their next shop location. Talk about taking on the world – not bad for a couple of local Geelong lads.

Speaking of local hospitality groups going all in, Hamo Hospitality (1915, The Paddock, Retreat, Woolstore) are adding yet another venue to their stable, this time having a crack with Mexican cuisine as the focus. The space involved will be where the former Valhalla brewery lived at the Federal Mills, directly across the road from its (new) sister venue 1915. I spoke with one of the group chefs recently and they told me to expect a large entertainment component to complement the food theme. So in a broad, cross-cultural (and cross-continental) blend, expect private karaoke rooms, bowling lanes and live music (for real, I’m told). It’s a huge space, so I get the need for added attractions rather than just a dining room. And don’t be expecting Tex-Mex food either: apparently it’s all about authenticity and flavour, with proper wood-fired cooking and great produce on the cards. If you’re a little confused as how it’s all going work, you’d be forgiven. Let’s wait and see the final result though: it could be one exciting hullabaloo. And its name? Mexicam.

Finally, fancy a dinner date with your most loved furry one? Well, your favourite dog-friend café is now open nights. Sodi (Pakington Street, Geelong West) have extended their trading hours to include Thursday-Saturday evenings, building on their usual Asian-accented menu to incorporate more dinner-appropriate food options. I’ve really liked this place in the past – it’s always had friendly staff and very good espresso – so I’m looking forward to seeing what the venue can do with the lights dimmed a little lower. Who knows, I might even get the pooch to give it their tick of approval too: their dog treat have always been a welcome hit with the furry ones.