Great Ocean Road - Food in Apollo Bay

We loved our fully equipped little cottage and the local produce was excellent, so we cooked at home alot.  Notably the town restaurants and cafes do wonderful breakfasts, but we never take pictures before 11am.  We did go to two very satisfying restaurants - Buffs seems to be a town institution and with a young chef and very attentive serving staff is creating some wonderful local cuisine.

- large ravioli in a fragrant fresh tomato/herb relish
- black mussels steamed in aromatic broth
- prawns with Thai sauce

Then a food we're eating more and enjoying more - calamari.  Not sure how they do it, but the calamari here is tender and buttery.  It's generally closely slit through halfway and we've heard tales of carbonate soaks, vinegar/lemon juice soaks, pounding and - of course - the "he puts it in the washing machine" story regularly appears.  All the chefs we spoke to assured us this was untrue.....you only put Octopus in the washing machine

Of course the foundation of a memorable meal is often one memorable dish.....in this case a perfect piece of roast pork.  As you know, we are old style pork fans and this was as old style as it gets - juicy, fat marbled, flavourful flesh.  Totally unlike the organic styrofoam that passes as pork in North America.  Plus the crackle was crispy, not chewy - a wonderful dish

Then off to Chris's - without the Ruth's.  Chris is Greek, charming and serves great food.

The view from the restaurant (above) was spectacular, as was the food.

We opened with Chicken Liver Parfait, oxtail en gelee and duck raillettes - a definite triple success; plus chargrilled calamari steaks on fennel and mushroom risotto - again the calamari was butter tender

For mains, Richard has filet of Blue Eye on creamed potatoes with roasted pepper, capers and olive salsa.  Pleasant, but too conservative a selection

Liz's choice was a triumph - Kakauia.  Fish and shellfish in vegetable and garlic cream broth.  Big flavours.  Sopped up every drop with break and Richard poured it over his fish.  Great dish!

Wonderful view, warm service, flavourful food - it doesn't get any better!

Comments

[Thora]

Now I'm definitely hungry ! The view from the restaurant is spectactular and must be even better when actually there.
See you guys soon.