Surprises in all shapes and sizes

BY CAM O’KEEFE

Anyway, I accepted the job and went along with an open mind, having not been to the dining space here (nor heard anything of note about the venue) in many, many years. I had to admit my preconceived thoughts of dated crockery and dated glassware from an area when this now 50-plus year old building once housed the Travelodge (and then the Ambassador, then the Mercure) were getting the better of me, only to be somewhat dashed after arriving to find a reasonably new, neatly fitted out bar and dining room (with yes, much sleeker wine glasses than anticipated). The penny dropped when I learnt Richard Hooper (ex-Sunnybrae, Westend, Pettavel) was in charge of the food and beverage offering, having lifted the previous ho-hum motel-style meals into dishes with freshness and flavour. The small wine list compliments a medium sized food menu that’s broken down into simple Small/Large categories, with enough interest points to choose-your-own adventure when it comes to sharing these. The space is known as Nautica, and although the room doesn’t scream seaside charm (nor can you even see the water from here) the use of local(-ish) sourced seafood is paid its earnt due, on dishes such as octopus, nduja, fingerling potato and black olive oil.

Another second surprise packet this past week was enjoyed in a much smaller form, with the tiny wine/pasta bar know as Arlo (Portarlington) really stepping up the Bellarine’s hospitality offering. I can’t think of better destination on the Peninsula that I’d rather go to be properly fed and be given genuine (yet still casual enough) service. And I haven’t even mentioned the sea view yet. Think daily, handmade pasta, a small but tasty selection of snacks/primi (smaller plated) dishes, and a neat, thoughtful drinks list consisting of craft beers, internationally spanning wines, and interesting-enough cocktails. It’s owners have another Portarlington local, Pier St Café, found roughly 50m towards the water, as well as an Italian eatery in Richmond, called Pastarami. The former is a loved, yet high volume, Port staple, while the later was a previously a Hatted restaurant (called Noir) which these same owners ran for over a decade. I’m excited to see a quality place like this (albeit small) open on the Bellarine.

And for serious-sized crumbed schnitzels, I experienced possibly my largest one to date at Das Bierhaus recently. Whether chicken, wiener (veal) or schweines (pork), these literally come as big as the plate you’re served them on. Add on some horseradish mayo or lingonberry jam (a kind of tart Scandinavian berry, tasting a bit like a tangy, less sweet cranberry) and you’ve got yourself one hearty, filling meal. Better grab yourself a stein of whatever imported German beer-of-the-week they have on tap to help to digest this crumbed, flat mountain. You’ll find these in the low $30, which (for me) offers pretty decent value, given I spied a crumb pork dish for $38 this week on the menu of a well known CBD pub. Yikes. And I’m sure the size of theirs doesn’t struggle to fit on your plate!

Speaking of beer, and disproving that theory that our national beer tax is driving tap beer prices out of control, waterfront venue The Edge is (somehow) offering $10 pints Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. This makes it close to half the pint price of many similar style beer bars around town. And it’s not just some basic house draught either: choices range from Little Creatures Pale Ale, multiple taps of Stone and Wood, Guinness, cider and another half dozen options. A serious attempt to get punters through the door during quieter days of the week, or just bloody good beer value? Whichever it is, you’ll know where to find me and my mate Hugo most Wednesdays.

Finally, a shout out to above said friend (well his daughter, actually) who’ll be playing live at my local this coming weekend. Astrid Armstrong is the name you’re looking out for, and if you find yourself free and Highton-side on Sunday, swing past the Highton Bowls Club (or simply the ‘Bowlo, as it’s affectionately named in my household) for some afternoon tunes, barefoot bowls and possibly the cleanest beer lines in Geelong. Here’s another local venue who seem to have ignored the news of national raising beer taxes: exactly the sort of community feel you’d hope from a Geelong suburban social hub.