Episode 10: What's new
There's always something new to discover in Victoria. This week we bring you five of the hottest new places around the state, from a cooking school in the Dandenongs, to a multimillion dollar yacht on the bay, rediscovering an old bathhouse in Hepburn to a new house in the city. The team leaves no new stone unturned.
Apartment Alkira and Hellenic Republic
Some would think it's impossible to find a unique escape smack bang in the middle of the city, but the Alkira Building in Queen Street is home to something very special. Alkira is the perfect home-away-from-home for couples or those who like to fly solo, and those who demand all the modern luxuries and privacy of home. Each apartment has a queen-size bed, ensuite, full kitchen, TV, DVD player and entertainment system.
Around 10 to 15 minutes down the road in Lygon Street, Brunswick East, you'll find Hellenic Republic, a place on everyone's lips and where you can get a taste of the good life. Head chef Travis McAuley is the man in charge of making the magic happen. Between the open-flame grill in the kitchen and the outdoor spit, Travis's team has no problems capturing the spirit of Greece and creating the type of food found in the most traditional Greek tavernas. As you wait for your meal you'll be teased by the theatrics of the open kitchen as the sights and smells flow through the restaurant.
Apartment Alkira
18 Queen Street, Melbourne
Ph: 0421 246 686
www.apartmentalkira.com.au
Hellenic Republic
434 Lygon Street, Brunswick East
Ph: 03 9381 1222
www.hellenicrepublic.com.au
Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa
Built in 1895, the Hepburn Mineral Springs Bath House was designed to offer mineral water bathing to both the local community and visitors. Now, over 100 years and $13 million later, the energising bubbles of the spa have been brought into the 21st century and Hepburn Bath House and Spa is back in full swing. Relaxation and rejuvenation are what this place is all about. With a wide range of hydro, aqua, beauty and spa treatments available, visitors will find themselves under a hypnotic spell. The hardest decision you'll make during your visit is what 'must do' treatment to try out first, and with over 30 wet and dry healing rooms there's an assortment of experiences perfect for everyone. Once you've found your happy zone you can hop outside to the newly renovated Pavilion café.
Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa
Mineral Springs Reserve Road, Hepburn Springs
Ph: 03 5321 6000
www.hepburnbathhouse.com
Wild Oak Cooking School
Located right next door to the Wild Oak Restaurant in Olinda, the newly opened Wild Oak Cooking School is a cooking school with a difference, mainly because chef Ben Higgs makes sure his students get their hands dirty. All of the action takes place around a central workspace, allowing for a hands-on experience rather than a demonstration.
While you can expect to be making anything from fresh pasta to a full-on dinner party, this week Shane and the blokes are barbecuing. First off are the Thai-style prawns, followed by a scotch fillet steak. After a bit of chopping and slicing, the boys make a bowl out of foil and fill it with the veggies, season with some herbs and a dash of truffle oil, then wrap it all up and it's ready to throw on the BBQ. Before you know it, it's time for some tasting.
Lessons at the Wild Oak Cooking School start from $45.
Wild Oak Cooking School
232 Ridge Road, Olinda
Ph: 03 9751 2033
www.wildoak.com.au
Platinum luxury yacht
The Super Yacht Platinum is a brand spanking new $20 million masterpiece; just like a luxury hotel on water. Boasting three spacious levels and reaching 38 metres or 125 feet in length, Platinum is a custom-built motor yacht and it's the first luxury yacht of its type available for charter in Melbourne. There are three outdoor areas on this vessel that you'll want to take full advantage of, and with such magnificence it's only fair to share it. You can invite eight of your closest friends to stay in the four double cabins, each complete with its own marble ensuite, but make sure you keep the extremely spacious owner's suite all for yourself!
When you're feeling hungry there is always the option to berth in Williamstown and grab a bite to eat at Top of the Bay. Peter Benbow has been dishing up fish and chips here for 14 years and he's so passionate about seafood that he's banned all burgers. You can get fancy with the pumpkin fritters or the chilli mussel skewers, but at the end of the day, it's the fish that comes first.
Platinum Charters
Ph: 0428 545 271
www.platinumcharters.com.au
Top Of The Bay
1 The Strand, Williamstown
Ph: 03 9397 7404
www.thestrandrestaurant.com.au
Glynt Manor
Starting off life as a holiday home in the early 1900s for a wealthy Melbourne family, Glynt Manor has had several owners over the years. Now its present owners have brought it back to life, restoring it to become an elegant boutique hotel. The historic chateau is located at Mount Martha on the Mornington Peninsula. There are six individually furnished suites to choose from, including the imposing glamour of the Maharajah Room with its inspiration from a bygone era. Step into the Venetian Suite for warm golden tones complete with a crystal chandelier. Upstairs you'll find a glass roof that allows guests to dream sweet dreams under the stars. There's also an inviting outdoor spa, and for those who love a touch of red then you can't go past the Botanical Suite. All of the suites have luxurious bathrooms and, with the house set on two-and-a-half acres overlooking Port Phillip Bay, there are glorious gardens on view from every room.
Glynt Manor has a fine dining room where you can enjoy dinner by arrangement, and there's also a sumptuous living room to relax in.
Glynt Manor
10 Greenslade Court, Mount Martha
Ph: 03 5974 8400
www.glyntmanor.com.au
What's on
Grampians Grape Escape
The Grampians Grape Escape is a great opportunity for wine lovers and foodies to sample the flavours of this delicious region.
Where: Halls Gap
When: 2 - 3 May 2009
More: Ph 1800 065 599 or visit www.grampiansgrapeescape.com.au
Nagambie Lakes 'After Vintage' celebration
Nagambie Lakes winemakers will celebrate the end of vintage at the historic Tahbilk Winery.
Where: Tahbilk Winery
Where: 3 May 2009
Where: Ph 03 5794 2555 or visit www.tahbilk.com.au
Puffing Billy Steam Railway Great Train Race
If you're near the Dandenongs next Sunday, cheer on the runners trying to beat Puffing Billy in the annual Great Train Race.
Where: Dandenong Ranges
Where: 3 May 2009
Where: Ph 03 9757 0775 or visit www.puffingbilly.com.au
