Save the Bellarine: buy out, eat in

EVOLVE or dissolve: that’s what eateries across the Bellarine are doing in order to survive the coronavirus pandemic and stage one measures, introduced by the federal government this week.

With registered and licensed clubs, licensed premises in hotels and pubs and entertainment venues amongst the list of entities to close under new measures, restaurants and cafes are restricted to takeway only.

Businesses across the Bellarine are calling out for the local community to show their support and utlilise adapted takeway menus, designed to keep them afloat during tumultuous times.

Popular eatery 360Q in Queenscliff may not be able to offer their stunning views, but their delicious food is still available – with free
delivery.

Owner Barry Iddles said he acted quickly to keep the restaurant running and staff employed by offering 14-day isolation packs of evening meals, as well as heat-and-eat single serves, that can be collected from the Queenscliff Harbour restaurant.

“We are trying to be quite smart and innovative. We want our guests to be able to dine every day a different way so are offering the evening meal kits with deliveries twice a week, so the meals are fresh, not frozen.

“We have our own refrigerated van so we can deliver to Bellarine residents as well as the Mornington Peninsula by putting the truck on the Searoad ferry.”

The 14-day packs are $220 inclusive of GST and delivery is free for residents in Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale, Portarlington and Ocean Grove; order by Sunday for a Monday delivery.

“For an additional cost we can also deliver milk, eggs, bread, cereals, fresh fruit and vegetables with these meals.”

360Q is also offering single serves of the meals for $15 plus GST which can be collected directly from the restaurant.

Mr Iddles said the menu will be in line with the restaurant’s a la carte flair so customers could continue to enjoy the “high quality” they were used to.

“We hope our loyal customers will continue to support us even if they don’t feel confident to leave their homes and take us up on our isolation packs or takeaway meals.”

For Ocean Grove’s Bobbie Carter, owner of Miss Cantina, it’s business as usual for the takeway provider, but Ms Carter said she was hoping her service could help people through isolation.

“I’ve been running for about five months; I’ve got a council certified kitchen in my own home and do deliveries. I’ve got a set menu on my Facebook page, I do a set hot meal menu, fresh rolls and sandwiches, fresh salads and slow pressed juices to order. I try source all my produce fresh and from local farmers, that’s part of our ethos.

“I take orders 24 hours before then deliver. It’s a really healthy, convenient way for families and individuals stuck at home wanting healthy meals and food.”

Local businesses joining 360Q and Miss Cantina offering takeaway and deliveries include but are not limited to:
The Mex, offering extended delivery; Barwon Heads Winestore (free delivery); Mr Grubb/Oakdene, takeaway and delivery; Rolling Pin, takeaway service (and coffee); Lonsdale Golf Club, takeway meals; Driftwood Café, a takeway menu and coffee; Robertas Deli, Ivary Fresh Pasta, Sensory Café, Changnoi, Piping Hot Chicken Shop are all offering takeaway; The Bungalow in Drysdale, The Dunes, Olive Pit, and Mint Café, Parade Espresso Bar and Ming Terrace are also providing a takeaway service.

The cafes and restaurants listed are just some of many across the Bellarine Peninsula, relying on the community to support them and their livelihood during this crisis.

For more information, head to their respective Facebook pages or view a comprehensive list of local traders at Driftwood Café on Facebook. To see 360Q’s menu, head to 360Q.com.au and to order, phone 5257 4200.