ON THE PLATE: EIGHT YEARS ON AND the food journey continues

It is almost impossible to believe I have been writing this column for eight years.

In that time businesses, including mine, have come and gone. Fashions in food and wine have changed but there is no doubt our industry is stronger than ever.

One of the early events I covered was the opening of Jack Rabbit on the Bellarine.

It was seven years ago and at the time I wrote that “There is a saying if you want something done, give it to a busy person.

Last week I attended the official launch of Jack Rabbit winery. Owners David and Lyndsay Sharp are two of the very busiest people I know. They certainly do get things done”.

The article then went on to describe the launch of the restaurant. It was 2011 and these two dynamos haven’t looked like resting on their laurels. Since then, they have acquired, built and/or opened Curlewis golf course, the Flying Brick Cider House and a state-of-the-art golf driving range with conference facilities, with plans for much more. I’m tired just thinking about it!

So when our family was looking for a venue in which to celebrate my parents’ 60th wedding anniversary, Jack Rabbit was made to order. The brief from my mother was straight forward, “beautiful food with a view”.

We certainly had this. The view really is spectacular; with Melbourne so close you feel like you can reach out and touch it across the bay. We enjoyed eating on the terrace outside as the day was almost perfect and the food was superb.

Nothing was too much trouble and I spent some time organising the finer details with events manager, Kristie. She was incredibly efficient and the lunch could not have been better. In fact, the service was first rate.

The menu has been well considered and showcases many local ingredients including Portarlington mussels, smoked eel, beef from the Bellarine, cheese from Drysdale and locally grown oyster mushrooms.

Between us, we tried almost everything on the menu including a beautifully presented vegan dish. Our verdict was simple: this restaurant is outstanding and is worth a visit if only to admire the stunning view. It is certainly one for overseas visitors and family occasions. In fact, it reminds me of one of those diamonds you discover while driving in the Barossa or the south of France. Speaking of the Barossa, I was reminded of this Maggie Beer recipe for quail when partaking of the crispy spiced quail at Jack Rabbit.