![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2026\/01\/palateporter_49342-768x1024.jpg?_t=1769647849\")
<\/p>\n
After a summer hiatus, the Golden Plains Farmers’ Market makes its 2026 return next weekend. I’ve always liked this semi-rural market, as it tends to feature more paddock-to-stall produce than many CBD\/suburban versions do. Now in its 17th year, it’s been a beacon for the region when it comes to showcasing farm-fresh harvests and handcrafted food goods, with the odd few out-of-town stallholders making regular appearances too (eg Yarra Valley Produce Farms, Salami Shack etc). Loads of food options to enjoy on the day, as well as live music and a family atmosphere: if you find yourself without much to do on next Saturday morning, it’s well worth the drive to Bannockburn.<\/p>\n
I’ve spoken about my fondness for the pie options at Porter Avenue Pies and Cakes many times before, both in this column and with my feet, although I couldn’t recall ever properly tasting the sweet-side of their operation. So when left to organise a cake for a family member’s big day recently, I thought now should be the chance. Well, this didn’t disappointment. It was a simple sponge cake, expertly executed: light, fluffy sponge; great quality cream that tasted like it had just be freshly piped on; and thin strawberry icing with a sweetness than wasn’t at all over the top. It nailed the basics and never sort to be anything but a simple, birthday cake. Very highly recommend for your next celebratory occasion.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n After learning the news that Queen of the West (formerly The Barking Dog) are launching a new beer garden, I was interested to know more, as the last few experiences I’ve had there have been a bit dull. Seeing some of the impressive artist renders online, I stopped by myself for a peek, only to find a large aluminium shed in place of where the venue’s previous carpark was. This was going to be the beer garden? I quizzed a staff member there and apparently it will be a fully-enclosed space (inc roof) with some astroturf and picnic-style tables. This isn’t a beer garden, it’s someone’s back garden shed! (I’d really hoped for a open-air, sun filled space that wasn’t going to melt during the warmer months). It got me thinking though, what makes a great beer garden? Some of the basics came to mind: easy bar access; a balance between natural light and summer shade, with good airflow; music not blaring but tasteful ambient; an interesting drink selection; well maintained, clean outdoor furniture in a space that staff are efficient in keeping tidy. Furthermore, who really has the best beer garden in our region? So, I’m going on a hunt over the next few weeks while the weather is at its very best – stay tuned as I search for our region’s best beer garden.<\/p>\n And with Valentine’s Day on the horizon, now is the time to book that table to impress that special someone. I get a flood of messages a day or two out (or even on the day) from friends asking where might be good to book, and the answer is always the same: ‘probably anywhere you can actually get in?’ I’ve seen some surprisingly good meal packages floating around this year – perhaps a sign that businesses are as eager as ever to maximise patronage for this celebrated occasion – although I’ll cover off on these in next week’s column.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" LIKE many of us, I’ve found myself making a day trip to the Bellarine a few times already this summer, particularly on the days where the weather hasn’t been too challenging for the car ride. A guy I know has operated a brilliant wine bar down in Point Lonsdale for nearly 15 years now, called […]<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/01\/palatefarmersmkt_75391.jpg\")