On top til’ the end

I love eating out. We all do (well, most do).

The convenience an eating establishment may provide isn’t the real reason people enjoy these places the most though, as I believe our society – collectively – recognises that restaurants and good food outlets truly make the world a better place.

They offer an escape from the world outside; a chance to sit and relax – even if it be only for an hour; a place where honest people provide you with nurturing food (and beverage) that you couldn’t replicate at home; a safe space where you need not focus on anything else other than who is sitting at the table in front of you.

 

These are the feelings I like to sense when I sit down at one of my favourite Geelong hospitality spots. And over the past decade and a bit, there probably isn’t a more comfortable and warming seat I can think of than one at Tulip: a small place which has continued to be a beacon of light for venues wishing to walk the tightrope of the casual, finer-dining, neighbourhood restaurant classification.

I was saddened (heck, upset) to learn earlier this week that this establishment had closed completely, rather suddenly.

No obvious warning, no sign of distress, no call for last-orders, just a quiet and dignified exit from our local food scene.

For me, this venue was – for the entirety of its restaurant-life – the go-to occasion-meal place, or the recommendation to impress out-of-towners visiting our region.

Sure, I might be waffling on here, but I really want to communicate what a loss I feel the closing of this small business is to our town.
Vale Tulip. Thank you – on behalf of every Geelongian who ever dined here (which is probably most) – you were always at the top of your game.

On a lighter note, yet staying on Pako, there’s a (credible) rumour that the crew behind CBD caravan-bar, Captain, may soon be opening a Geelong West outpost, possibly in a prominent corner spot that was previously linked to trains and cheeses (those two words sound like less of a weird combo when in context).

I should have more on this shortly, but I doubt they’ll continue along the cheese-railroad vibe for their next bar theme.

Across the road at dog-friendly favourite Sodi, I had enjoyable banh mi last week, which is (apparently) a more recent menu addition from the new owners, who took over the pans a few months back.

It ticked the boxes (particularly in the house-made pâte column) but at $27, I felt it may have been taking the simple lunch roll to a price point you’d expect to pay in Byron, rather than Geelong.

It was served with fries, too (?) although I’m not sure the two sit quite comfortably together on the same plate (definitely back in Byron here). Tasty though.

We (ie my wife) cooks Mexican food at home quite regularly, so it’s not often I feel the need to consider it as a dining-out dinner option.

Recently though, I found myself with a couple of friends who craved the cuisine, so we made a stop at El Santo, on Ryrie Street.

 

 

Hey, I hadn’t been here in ages, but was really impressed with their current offering (which, if my memory serves me correctly, is a vast improvement on my last experience).

Their tacos – publicised as their core menu option – were brilliant: good sized, fresh tortillas with a choice of traditional or more creative fillings, that I couldn’t fault the value of.

The snacks and mains were notable too – as were the margaritas, particularly their spicy version (proper spicy at that) – but the rotating specials, which in all honestly appear to be even more authentic than the standard menu, are worth ordering.

I’m not sure who’s in charge of the kitchen here at the moment, but they’re doing a superb job.

Entering its final couple of weeks, Tastes of Greater Geelong has been, by all accounts (at least the ones I’ve heard), a success for both locals and visitors.

My contact at the City of Greater Geelong has reported only positive responses from venue operators so far, with about 40 events having taken place to date.

Great to see some local pubs are amongst those getting involved in the program too. For example, The Petrel will be hosting a Taste of Winter dinner this Saturday, offering guests the choice between a two- or three-course option matched with wines from the Greater Geelong wine region.

 

Personally, I’m looking forward to enjoying a Le Du Thai (Highton) dinner either this coming Tuesday or next, with a Thai degustation menu based around the different seasons and how traditional cooking techniques blend with evolving flavours. I’m told it’s been one the hits of the festival thus far.

Finally, I will leave you with a thought on the main topic of today’s column, and one that I find some solace in: ‘a dead flower doesn’t lose its value; it simply transitions into a symbol of memory’.

Fitting, but still bittersweet.