Here already? Yep, Mother’s Day is this weekend!

LOTS of news to report this week, so here it is, thick and fast.

First of the block is the rather tragic news of local entertainment hotspot Piano Bar announcing its imminent closure.

I spoke with its owner, Andy Pobjoy, recently and he hinted that the stressful times were reaching boiling point, like for many hospitality operators.

What I like here though is that Andy and the Piano Bar team are going out on top (ie on their terms) without having to shut the doors on short notice, allowing for its last few weeks to be some of the most celebrated (and raucous) the venue has ever recorded.

If you’re able to, help send off this Little Malop Street venue in the only way they know how, with fun dance and sing-alongs accompanied by the bouncy rhythm and energy of its piano keys.

It has been quite a wild, decade-long run for this Geelong institution.

 

In other news, the Geelong Club has found a new tenant for the kitchen of its century-old club dwelling in Felix.

Regarded as one of Geelong’s better French-themed restaurants, the team here will be opening to both club members and the general public, encouraging a new patron interested in what was once reserved for only private individuals.

I really liked its previous tenant – chef Andrew Howarth, now owner and chef at The Empire Grill – so I’m hoping the Felix bunch can continue the momentum and entice those not familiar with the venue to venture in.

Other changes afoot can be found at the newly opened Queenscliff Hotel, where their initial chef, Salvatore Giorgio, had intended to deliver a more refined Italian menu for their fine-dining space, Mietta.

Well, it is Italian no more! The pans are now manned by Josh Smith – previously in charge of the kitchen at Merne in Drysdale – who has instead shifted its focus to a more locally-sourced contemporary menu that celebrates as much as possible from the produce available around the Bellarine.

Josh did great things at Merne with the same mantra, so I’m predicting he’ll easily be able to replicate (if not better) the same theme here.

Given the recent hype of its opening – as well as the love of its previous incarnation many decades ago – I’m sure he’s feeling the pressure to breathe new life into this beautiful building.

Finally, where to go on Mother’s Day?!

 

This one has really crept up on me (and therefore my mum) so I’ve been pondering this thought over the past week or so.

I’ve investigated three solid options that may best suit:

Mum likes things casual

Head to the Botanic Gardens for a leisurely stroll and quick bite or coffee at WYM, where the toasties, wraps, pastries and cakes have been receiving great praise of late. The weather is said to be fine (for now) so a walk and bite might be just the right order for mum.

Mum likes to be indulged

Tulip still has some tables left (I checked with the owner) for Mother’s Day lunch, promising to deliver a quieter, more relaxed approach to the occasion, involving a set menu of the shareable dishes the restaurant has become so well-known for.

 

Mum likes to stay home

I’m speaking on behalf of my mother, wife and mother-in-law (…I think) who would much rather simply stay at home and enjoy their day with some sweet treats and sparkling wine in the comfort of the lounge.

Like I have previously stated, I can’t not recommend Porter Avenue Pies and Cakes enough for the sugary side of this equation (nor the savoury side for that matter, their Pie of the Month for May is Peking Duck) which will be open over the weekend for your Sunday needs.

And in terms of the latter, for your vinous requirements, try Winepress (Geelong West), South Side (Belmont), Geelong Cellar Door (CBD) and the newly opened Claret Wine Store in Newtown, for some local options, as well as the more serious stuff (ie Champagne).

A happy Mother’s Day to all, including my incredible mum: Linda.