Geelong’s ultimate summer food trail

WITH some more serious summer weather now in full swing, there’s a few notable events to pencil into the calendar over the next couple of weeks; here’s the lowdown on a few that caught my attention.

First – and without doubt a highlight – is a self-guided margarita fiesta through the streets of Geelong CBD, called Hola Margarita. This boozy afternoon stroll includes visiting a string of our popular late night bars (eg Non-Disclosure, 18th Amendment etc) to sample modern riffs of this tequila-filled favourite. I have been known to love a good chilli-marg and while some of the versions on offer sound interesting enough (Frozen Watermelon Margarita, anyone?) a few others look a little more questionable… but hey, go taste for yourself here, as it’s all in the name of celebrating this southern Californian hit. I’m particularly keen to try the contribution from one local bar, called Off The Record, it contains blanco tequila, yellow Chartreuse, yuzu and lime. This cantina-hop happens a few weeks from now in the middle of Feb and tickets are available online.

Another fun event I’ve been made aware of is happening over this long weekend at The German Club Geelong. Beer, Bratwurst & BBQ Bash is set to be where Aussie spirit meets German Gemütlichkeit in the tastiest way possible. While brews and sausages are a given, the free event is pitched as a family-affair, with loads of spiele, lachen and überraschung promised – that’s games, laughs and surprises in English – like giant bubbles activities, and sack racing (imagine this after a few too many steins…). And not doubt, lots of German-style outfits. The day will be run by the German Karneval Society, the 70 year old North Geelong-based club that was set up to keep the healthy traditions of the motherland alive and celebrated.

Happening in the second half of February will be Victoria’s largest free celebration of cultural diversity, AKA Pako Festa. The Geelong West event has grown since its very humble beginning in 1983 to what is now one serious day out, pending the weather (last year’s parade concluded earlier than planned due to the extreme heat). If, like me, you get excited by the food side of the festival, this year has plenty to offer, currently boosting a 91 stall range of food trucks, stalls and venues spread across roughly 30 global cuisines. A few highlights (both some new, and returning) include Colombiantojos (Colombian street food) Lucky Coin (Korean cheese-filled pancakes) La Caseta (authentic Honduran empanadas) and Taste of Tibet. Add in all the regular restaurant and food traders along Pakington Street West and we really do have a true culinary jamboree on our hands.

Heading back into the CBD, the best dumplings I’ve had in a while were from Bahjong last weekend. The small Little Malop Street address have nailed these bite-sized delights, although don’t be expecting any of your classic fillings here: their dump range are all modern takes/fusion. It’d be a while since I last visited and the kitchen now also offers a strong selection of baos (and yes, these are more traditional in their contents here) streets snacks and small plates. Thankfully they now take bookings, also: the tiny dining space holds only a handful of tables, all which tend to fill quickly over the busier nights in the street. If braving the masses for a table isn’t your thing, they offer delivery too.

And anyone who’s found themselves in Torquay this summer would be wondering what’s happening at the site which was once home to the Surf City Motel, which has been undergoing quite serious works for months now. It does look like it’s almost nearing completion though, and I’m told it will remain a motel, but with a more sophisticated food and beverage offering. I’m really excited to see the renovation here, and although I’m sure the owners would have preferred opening the place at start of summer rather than towards the end, I feel given its prime esplanade location, the crowds will still flock to check it out. More to come.

Finally, for anyone who missed my chat with local music and hospitality identity, Andy Pobjoy, over the break, you can still catch it on Spotify. Since our conversation, Andy has announced he’s planning to run for Liberal Party preselection in our Geelong electorate: I wish him best of luck!