| Simon Rawlings' aim is to be the first alpine restaurant in Australia to receive a Chef's Hat award. A look at the wine list, immaculate service and imaginative menu all seem to indicate he has fulfilled the right prerequisites. Summit Ridge received the accolade of 'Best Alpine Restaurant in 2004' from the Sydney Daily Telegraph, and this probably is the finest dining experience on any mountain. Chef Dan Arthy prides himself on using a wide variety of local produce, from mountain fresh trout to local venison to olive oil pressed on the banks of the Kiewa River.
With over 150 wines to choose from, the menu almost seems an afterthought on a brisk winter evening. But it shouldn't be with entrees like the goats cheese and tomato tartlet, served with red onion marmalade and pesto oil, or an inimitable eye fillet cooked to mouth-watering perfection and bathed in a subtle horseradish jus, alongside potato rosti and blue cheese mushrooms. Combined with a uniquely French-influenced eye for Australian cuisine, Arthy's ingredients become bright colours on the beholder's palate.
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