The next best thing

ON my continued hunt for fresh wasabi sold in Geelong, I’ve recently visited just about every Asian grocer in town.

My search proved futile on every occasion, but I did rather enjoy taking an in-depth look at what was on offer at each outlet – particularly in the way of more uncommon, yet quite fresh, produce – and it gave me good confidence on where to recommend as my favourites amongst the eight or so I ventured into.

So, even with no wasabi in hand, this was close to the next best result!

Each had their own strengths, but (for me, anyway) I’m happy to report my two preferences moving forward will be Fresh Land Food in Manifold Heights and Chung Vinh Phat on Malop Street.

The former has recently been granted a liquor licence and is now offering a fairly decent range of sake, baijiu and beers from across Asia – including the sometimes elusive Beer Lao – as well as probably the better range of jarred chilli products, including more Laoganma options than I even knew existed.

 

The latter of the two shopfronts has a brilliant frozen dumpling selection – for example siu mai, har gow, xiao long bao – and definitely the happiest of customer service.

It’s all personal I guess – much like someone has a favourite butcher or bakery – but for me, I’d travel across town for either of these spots.

On a rainy Sunday a few weeks back, I enjoyed a couple of quiet drinks at the refurbed Queenscliff Hotel.

Man, what a job the new custodians have done on that fit-out. No wonder it took them years to complete, with the majority of the building needing to be completely modernised, yet they have kept as many classic finishes as possible.

It’s that fashionable balance of mixing older, more historic elements having been brought back to life, against more contemporary, shiny new ones.

 

It’s a look countless hospitality venues have gone for in the past couple of decades, but when it’s done exceptionally well (case in point), these two worlds create an undeniable charm.

Anyway, it’s worth the journey there just to see the building, but please stay for a beer or two. I can recommend the Great Ocean Road Brewing IPA on tap.

I have not yet eaten there though, but am keen to get back to taste what’s going on in the Miettas kitchen, as I’ve enjoyed chef Josh Smith’s food previously at Merne and Tulip.

A local wine that took me by surprise last week was the latest vintage of roussanne by Shadowfax, under the Minnow label.

We (ie I) often forget that this Werribee winery technically falls within the boundaries of our Greater Geelong wine region, even though it’s closer in proximity to Melbourne than any other actual vineyard on the Bellarine or Moorabool.

 

Shadowfax has always made great wine though – particularly at the more affordable price points – like this example of the variety, whose historic home is found in the southern part of the Rhone Valley, France.

It’s a less acidic grape that offers loads of texture and weight on the palate, paving the way for broader, gastronomic versatility when it comes to food matching possibilities.

What I’ve always liked about this variety – and that this current Minnow example displays so perfectly – is the medium-full-bodied profile filled with this pear/apricot/honeyed character. It’s really quite good.

And for close to 30 bucks, it’s pretty good value, too.

Grab a bottle at Geelong Cellar Door, online or at the winery’s cellar door if you have a spare few minutes on your way back from Melbourne next.

 

Stay for a glass even. The cellar door is fantastic – and try their viognier while you’re there.

Finally, proving the team here know more than just their wine, the retail beer offering of the new Claret Wine Bar is definitely worth a look if you’re a lover of hard-to-find boutique labels.

I was impressed recently when I went in looking for a wine to enjoy with dinner and came out with a mixed six-pack of interesting beers instead.

I shouldn’t be surprised really, as the owners are the same crew who opened and managed Blackhearts & Sparrows just up the road for five years, which itself had close to the best beer selections in town.

It’s a slightly smaller, more succinct range found here, but nonetheless compelling, and definitely worth a drop-by if the more serious side of the hop brew is your urge.