Episode 01: Valentine's Day romantic ideas
Romance is in the air as Valentine's Day gets closer. So for all incurable romantics, our first 2011 episode of Postcards is about romance and ways to spoil the one you love – at any time of the year.
Lakeleigh at Daylesford
Lakeleigh is an hour's drive from Daylesford and perfectly positioned on the Lake Daylesford foreshore. It's an ideal spot for a romantic getaway with spectacular views from every room across the lake to the church spires of Daylesford and beyond. Inside the white on white theme is punctuated with antique furniture and comfy sofas, and there are French doors, a sandstone fireplace, a bay window with a window seat and exposed beam ceilings. Lakeleigh is also self-contained, so you can enjoy each other's company in total peace and quiet. The house can accommodate six adults, but a couple can choose from three luxuriously appointed bedrooms each with beautiful sheets, towels and bathrobes. Lakeleigh's owner also operates Peonies and Picnics in Daylesford, where you can buy second hand and antique country style furniture and decorator objects, like those found at Lakeleigh, and have a meal at Ego's Culinaria, a popular cafe run by local Christian Reuther.
Lakeleigh at Daylesford
17A Legett Street, Daylesford
Ph 03 5348 4422
www.dayget.com.au
Peonies and Picnics
8 Howe Street, Daylesford
Ph 03 5348 1882
www.peoniesandpicnics.com.au
Ego's Culinaria
10 Howe Street, Daylesford
Ph 03 5348 4001
www.egosculinaria.com.au
Libertine and Italy 1
When it comes to romance you can't go past the French, and if you're in North Melbourne you shouldn't go past Libertine. Since opening in 2005, Libertine has won many awards and one hat from The Age Good Food Guide. The food is nothing short of spectacular and for Valentine's Day, they are serving a very special burgundy from Marsannay. If Italian is more your idea of romantic food, around the corner is Italy 1 where the food, like like the atmosphere, is something to savour.
Libertine
500 Victoria Street, North Melbourne
Ph 03 9329 5228
www.libertinedining.com.au
Italy 1
27 George Parade, Melbourne
Ph 03 9654 4430
www.italy1.com.au
Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant and Villas
If you love the idea of long walks on the beach with your beloved, then look no further than beautiful Apollo Bay, two and a half hours from Melbourne in the heart of the Great Ocean Road. A perfect couples retreat is high in the Otways in native bush seclusion at Chris's Beacon Point Restaurant and Villas. Recent refurbishment gives the rooms a fresh and modern feel and you can choose a self-contained King or Queen studio or a villa for four people. Chris Talihamidis opened hislegendary restaurant in 1979 by and he still welcomes guests as if it were his own home. His food theory is "if it's not fresh, it's not on the menu". Seafood is a specialty or there are southern European, middle eastern and classic Greek dishes.
280 Skenes Creek Road, Apollo Bay
Ph 03 5237 6411
www.chriss.com.au
Charles Blackman Hotel and The Point Restaurant
The Blackman Hotel is spectacular. Edging the CBD on St Kilda Road, it offers four styles of suites, from studio to executive, and is the third in a trilogy of Melbourne's art series hotels, after The Cullen and The Olsen. All three take their inspiration, and their art, from their famous Australian artist namesakes. The Blackman includes the famous Alice series of paintings based on Lewis Carroll's classic story. Downstairs is the Classico restaurant for pizza and pasta or the Depot de Pain cafe for coffee and a croissant or a casual lunch. But if you want a really romantic dinner, book a table at The Point restaurant in nearby Albert Park Lake has two chef's hats from The Age Good Food Guide in 2011. Executive chef Scott Pickett favours a contemporary approach to classic dishes and The Point is famous for showcasing Australia's finest beef from Victoria, Cape Grim in Tasmania and the Clare Valley in South Australia. Groups can book the private Cellar space which seats up to 12 or join the dining room with its city views for a la carte or the eight course tasting menu.
The Blackman
452 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Ph 03 9039 1444
artserieshotels.com.au
The Point
Aquatic Drive, Albert Park Lake
Ph 03 9682 5566
thepointalbertpark.com.au
Postcards diary
Riverboats, Jazz, Food and Wine Festival
Step back in time to the riverboat era and cruise down the Murray listening to live jazz and sampling delicious local produce and wine
Where: Echuca Moama
When: 18–20 February 2011
More: 03 5480 7555 or www.riverboatsjazzfoodandwine.com.au
Twilights at Melbourne Zoo
Enjoy one of Melbourne's best-loved summer events with amazing wildlife, beautiful gardens and live music.
Where: Melbourne Zoo
When: until 13 March 2011
More: 03 9285 9406 or www.zoo.org.au
San Remo Channel Challenge
Dive into action at Phillip Island's annual 500 metre swim-run event. Challenge yourself and enjoy glory at the finish line.
Where: Phillip Island
When: 19 February 2011
More: www.islandevents.org.au