THIS WEEK IN FOOD

GEELONG GEM: If you need an excuse to head down and check out the gorgeous new cellar door opened by Provenance Wines at the old Fyansford Paper Mill in Geelong, how about their recent recognition as the ‘Best Value Winery’ in Australia by James Halliday?? Sold! It’s a great set up down there, the old mills are inhabited by artists, jewellers, a cafe, and Provenance where you might catch winemakers Scott Ireland or Sam Vogel working away, you can taste their seriously good vino, and enjoy a platter or two in the historic surrounds. Things are still pretty quiet for this out-of-the-way winery, but come summer I reckon it is going to be pumping. provenancewines.com.au/

RETURN OF THE PUB: With so many pubs closing and making way for apartments, it’s heartening to see a cultural icon being brought back to glory, with the East Brunswick hotel re-opening recently following serious renos. Set over three levels, there’s a public bar on the ground floor and kitchen pumping out a modern take on pub grub. Downstairs, an underground cellar set aside for private dining or stand up functions. Level one hosts the cocktail bar, and above, on level two, twelve boutique hotel rooms. www.eastbrunswickhotel.com.au

MAHA GOES MALTESE: Not too many Maltese restaurants in town, but you can get a taste of that tiny island nation when Shane Delia celebrates Maltese Independence Day at Maha. Fresh from an extended holiday in Malta, Shane has returned with a new perspective of just what Maltese food can be. You can choose between booking lunch on Saturday 22 or Sunday 23rd September, and it’s tremendous value at $145 for nine courses with matched drinks. More info: https://maharestaurant.com.au/whatson/maltese-independence-lunch/

BESPOKE TO BIRRE: If you listen regularly, you’ll know I love dining in country Victoria, and one of my favourite regional restaurants was Bespoke Harvest, down in Forrest. Well, sadly, Bespoke is no more, but chef Simon Stewart has taken over Birregurra Farm Foods Provedore and Restaurant just down the road. They are just now taking bookings for the restaurant, and if it’s anything like Bespoke, it is going to be a pearler! https://birregurrafarmfoods.com.au/