Episode 14: General
If you've never been to Como House, the Chapel Newstead or Overboard Seaside Cottages down the west coast, then there is no excuse not to watch Postcards this week. We even take you to three of Melbourne's top pizza places. If you're more inclined to head north, a lazy weekend indulging on the finer things in life at Brown Brothers Epicure Centre in Milawa will leave you very satisfied.
Brown Brothers and Lindenwarrah
You'll find the Milawa gourmet food and wine region in Victoria's alpine country. If you'd like to stay a while, Lindenwarrah puts you right in the thick of the action. Lindenwarrah is all about sophisticated city style and elegance in a country setting. It's a boutique hotel with some great bells and whistles, including a day spa and an amazing restaurant featuring all the delicious produce you may have spotted out your window on your way into town. Settle into one of the 40 individually decorated bedrooms, each with floor-to-ceiling windows and vineyard views.
When you're ready for a bit of a wander through a winery, Brown Brothers is right across the road. With a combination of vineyards, cellar door and the Epicurean Centre, Brown Brothers is a leader in the business of vino. Ross Brown is an actual Brown brother and he's the Brown brother responsible for developing a cellar door that attracts around 100 thousand people every year. Tasting the wine is all very fine but matching it with food is Ross' passion and that's why he created the Epicurean Centre.
Brown Brothers is open seven days a week and the Epicurean Centre serves lunch daily.
Lindenwarrah
Bobinawarrah Road, Milawa
Ph: 03 5720 5777
www.lindenwarrah.com.au
Brown Brothers
Bobinawarrah Road, Milawa
Ph: 03 5720 5500
www.brownbrothers.com.au
Best pizza in town
Pizza. It's cheap, it's quick to order, it's great for lunch or dinner and even breakfast, especially if you've had a big night. For those around the bay, Café a Taglio in St Kilda is a great port of call. The name means 'pizza by the slice' and that's exactly what you get. Pizza perfectionists strive for a new twist on the ever-faithful super supreme. With a menu that includes leek and gorgonzola, asparagus, broccoli and pancetta, this new-wave pizzeria is taking Italy's fast food favourite to new heights.
Still in St Kilda, the very trendy Pizza e Birra is winning a lot of admirers with a Neapolitan creation that's as old as the hills. There's always the problem of whether to have pizza or pasta when you go to an Italian restaurant. At Pizza e Birra you can have both together with the lasagne pizza. And if you have room for dessert, over in Chapel Street at the Lucky Coq Hotel they've got something to crow about when it comes to something sweet. The latest dessert menu creation is a cream and pear pizza.
Café a Taglio
157 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Ph: 03 9534 1344
www.cafeataglio.com.au
Pizza e Birra
60A Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Ph: 03 9537 3465
Lucky Coq
179 Chapel Street, Windsor
Ph: 03 9525 1288
www.luckycoq.com.au
The Chapel Newstead
Set on the banks of the Loddon River, the tiny hamlet of Newstead is one of the many towns you might pass on your way to Maldon, but it's definitely worth a stop. Newstead was built during the 1850s gold rush and it's great to see that many of the original buildings are still standing, including the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker.
If you really want to tap in to the town's history then The Red Store, specialising in old wares and collectibles, is a great place to start. Owner Elizabeth Bell has preserved all of the store's original fittings, and also has plans to open a B&B. But in the meantime, you can pull up a pew right across the road at the Chapel Newstead, an historic 1860s church that's been recently transformed into a stylish residence. This was Newstead's first church, built in the Gothic style. It was said to seat a congregation of one hundred comfortably, but these days it accommodates a smaller gathering of just four, so you're guaranteed a soulful night's sleep. The church was restored and renovated in 2004, revealing the original windows, Baltic pine flooring and wall lining boards. There are two bedrooms and a kitchen where, if arranged, a breakfast hamper will miraculously appear, full of local delights.
The Red Store
16 Lyons Street, Newstead
Ph: 03 5476 2380
The Chapel Newstead
17 Lyons Street, Newstead
Ph: 03 5476 2523
www.lakecairncurranvineyard.com.au
Overboard Seaside Cottages and A La Grecque
The first thing to remember when you take a break is not to go overboard, but if you're holidaying on the Great Ocean Road, that could be just what the doctor ordered. Overboard Seaside Cottage is located in the coastal town of Aireys Inlet, just before Lorne. Sleeping up to five guests, the cottage has a tasteful nautical theme and the beautiful timber gives it the feel of an old sailing ship. Attention to detail is the key here, with luxury and comfort high on the agenda. The property is just a short walk from the Aireys Inlet lighthouse and the beach, so you've pretty much got the place to yourself.
If all this isn't enough you can walk just up the road to A La Grecque and be wined, dined and entertained by one of the best in the business. A La Grecque Greek restaurant is owned by Kosta Talimanidis, a local legend around these parts. Here it's all about fresh food, like the catch of the day and artisan salads.
Overboard Seaside Cottages
Barton Court, Aireys Inlet
Ph: 03 5289 7472
www.aireysoverboard.com.au
A La Grecque
60 Great Ocean Road, Aireys Inlet
Ph: 03 5289 6922
Como House
Built in 1847, Como House is celebrating 50 years as a National Trust property. Located in South Yarra, it was most famously owned by the Armytage family for 95 years. The house sits on five acres and features a vegetable patch, which grows modern plants alongside heirloom varieties. When a bite to eat beckons, head to Café Bursaria where they serve breakfast, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. You have the option of sitting indoors or outside under the umbrellas. You can even check out art exhibitions - just as Suzie takes the opportunity to see the lifelong work of Melbourne couturier Robert Fritzlaff.
Entry to Como House and Robert Fritzlaff's Shaping Elegance exhibition will cost you $12.00. If you're just eating at Café Bursaria, entry is free.
Como House
Corner Williams Road and Lechlade Avenue, South Yarra
Ph: 9827 2500
www.comohouse.com.au
What's on
Historic Winton
Historic Winton, held at Winton Motor Raceway in Benalla, is Australia's largest and most popular all-historic motor race.
Where: Benalla
When: 30 - 31 May 2009
More: Phone 03 5428 2689 or visit www.historicwinton.org
Brown Brothers Winter Festival
Held over the Queen's Birthday long weekend, the Brown Brothers Winter Festival will be full of fun, great wine, delicious gourmet food and live entertainment.
Where: Milawa
When: 6 - 7 June 2009
More: Phone 1800 001 515 or visit www.brownbrothers.com.au
Chadstone VIP Shopping Party
If fashion is your thing, head to the 'Fashion Capital' for Chadstone's Winter VIP shopping party.
Where: Chadstone Shopping Centre
When: 27 May 2009
More: www.chadstoneshopping.com.au
