An old favourite will have a brand new look when wine lovers visit Crittenden Estate on the Mornington Peninsula this summer.
The Crittenden family has been a leader in the wine and tourism space for over four decades, with Garry Crittenden a pioneer of planting Italian grapes in Australia.
Now the Crittendens have transformed one of Victoria's most beautiful vineyard - and waterfront - restaurants with a new chef in charge.
Crittenden Restaurant, first opened in 1988, and is now back completely under the control of the founding family.
Garry and and the late Margaret Crittenden helped create Mornington’s wine scene. When Garry planted his first vines in Dromana, he doubled the Peninsula’s wine plantings overnight, and a decade later, Margaret’s idea to offer food kickstarted one of the region’s very first winery restaurants.
Their children, Zoe and Rollo Crittenden, have grown into the business: Rollo as a very talented winemaker and GM; Zoe as director of marketing.
When Margaret fell ill 20 years ago, the family leased her restaurant to an outside operator. Last year, Zoe and Rollo brought the business back and embarked on a complete ground-up redevelopment that cost over $1 million.
In charge is executive Chef Brunno Melo, a Brazilian-born, Le Cordon Bleu–trained culinary leader with over 15 years of experience transforming kitchens and dining destinations, who was previously at Audrey's.
His menus celebrate local, seasonal produce.
The menu aims to balance bold flavours with accessible dishes, featuring Josper-grilled swordfish with smoked maple chimichurri, and a half roast chicken with harissa and chargrilled corn. Both sound delicious. Or perhaps a Raven’s Creek free-range, dry-aged Tomahawk pork chop.
Ingredients from neighbours like Torello Farm feature across the menu.
“It’s a ground-up renovation and a complete remake and rethink on the space… very much in keeping with the style of food and, of course, the wine that we want to present to visitors,” says Rollo Crittenden.
Guests can enjoy a four-course feast paired with estate wines, graze on small plates of fresh seafood on the deck, or share a charcuterie platter under the umbrellas on the terrace.
Something for everyone.
“This new space definitely reflects the way we want people to experience food and wine at Crittenden today,” adds Rollo.
“We’re honoured to continue Mum’s legacy and her commitment to genuine hospitality,” says Zoe Crittenden. "Our new space is both modern and welcoming - designed to showcase fresh, thoughtful dishes that pair beautifully with our cool-climate wines.”
The Crittenden cellar door next door remains the home of the family’s excellent pinot noir, chardonnay, and savagnin, while the Crittenden Lakeside Villas offer waterside retreats among the vines.
I haven't visited the new eatery yet - but it is certainly on my list over the next few months. I have very fond memories of previous visits.
Crittenden Restaurant serves lunch seven days and dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings.
No comments:
Post a Comment