Jack Rabbit wins statewide honours

Front: front of house operations manager Briony Christie and senior operations manager, Martin Fearn. Back from left, head chef Callan Grigan, general manager Lyndsay Sharp, weddings and events manager Kate Pickering and sous chef Mitch Knight. Photo: MICHAEL CHAMBERS

STATE success has rolled around again for The Sharp Group with the team adding another Restaurant & Catering Australia (R&CA) Hostplus Awards for Excellence to their trophy cabinet.

The local hospitality group’s Bellarine venue Jack Rabbit Vineyard Restaurant took home the VIC/TAS Restaurant in a Winery award last week.

The Hostplus Awards for Excellence annually recognise hospitality operators who consistently provide exceptional service and demonstrate culinary excellence in their respective fields.

Front: front of house operations manager Briony Christie and senior operations manager, Martin Fearn. Back from left, head chef Callan Grigan, general manager Lyndsay Sharp, weddings and events manager Kate Pickering and sous chef Mitch Knight

Based on the Bellarine Peninsula, Jack Rabbit specialise in modern Australian cuisine featuring fresh produce and local flavours.

Its curated menu and wine pairings are paired with panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay and the surrounding hills.

The Sharp Group director Lyndsay Sharp said the Jack Rabbit team were proud to be back on the podium.

“It’s absolutely humbling and a thrill to win the award.

“There is so much passion and pride going into everything we offer at Jack Rabbit.

Head chef Callum Grigan with his specialty cured kingfish, green goddess, squid ink tapioca, sour shallots ponzu and goat chevre dish.

“It’s a credit to the talented kitchen team and the front of house members.

“We’ve won this award several times over the years, including two years ago in 2022. It’s so lovely to back up there at the top.”

Ms Sharp said Jack Rabbit’s lure as a “feast for all senses” must have stood out to judges this year.

“It’s obviously got the spectacular views, but the focus is on fresh seasonal produce and using local suppliers as much as humanly possible.

“There’s a lot of fantastic producers within a very short distance of Jack Rabbit. It’s so exciting to have it at our doorstep.”

She said winning the national Best Restaurant in a Winery award on November 11 would be the icing on the cake.

“It would be incredible, but to have our hat in the ring is an honour in itself.

“We are very excited to attend it in Melbourne.”

Across the region, Mav’s Greek Restaurant was also victorious at state level, claiming the Best Greek Restaurant title in Victoria/Tasmania for a third straight year.

The R&CA National Hostplus Awards for Excellence will be held in Melbourne on November 11.

For more information, head to rca.asn.au