New summer menu

By Dion Teasdale
BALGOWNIE Estate in the Yarra Valley is celebrating the opening of its Vineyard Retreat and Spa with a new look cellar door and restaurant.
Balgownie cellar door manager John Vizard said the winery’s cellar door and restaurant had been revamped to match the on-site accommodation opened at the beginning of this month.
The Balgownie Restaurant, which is housed along with the estate’s cellar door and wine museum next to the vineyard retreat and Spa, has a range of new menus for the warm months ahead.
“The menus are influenced by French, Italian and Asian cuisine, and our chef uses only the freshest and best local produce to skilfully prepare our menus,” Mr Vizard said.
The breakfast menu features big traditional cooked breakfast fare with a delicious array of sides, bagels with smoked salmon and toasted fruit loaf served with poached pears and mascarpone.
The lunch menu allows diners to start with brushetta, fresh mussels, warm chicken salad and cured salmon, but make sure you leave room for the main course.
Main lunch fare highlights include the grilled trout served with seaweed puree and tomato salsa, the half baby chicken served with Spanish chorizo and the risotto with zucchini, cream and a hint of wasabi.
Dinner time main courses include the roasted duck breast with honey, balsamic reduction and five spices, and the char-grilled grain fed porterhouse on bok choy and wasabi risotto.
Balgownie also does delicious desserts and excellent coffee.
Save room for a serve of homemade green-tea infused tiramisu, try the caramelised soy milk brulee or take on an individual chocolate gateaux.
Lunch and dinner meals come with wine matching suggestions from the estate’s wine club manager, Geoffrey Whitty.
Balgownie Restaurant is currently open for lunch seven days a week, for dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings and for breakfast on weekends.
“However, in the new year the restaurant will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week,” Mr Vizard said.
Balgownie Restaurant also caters for weddings, functions, special occasions and corporate events, and has a stylish lounge area, new bar and plenty of al fresco dining.
“We encourage anyone who is curious about all the changes that have taken place at Balgownie to come out and see what all the fuss is about,” Mr Vizard said.
For more information and bookings phone 9730 2669.