It was wet, cold and dark but that didn’t stop the evening celebrations. Telephone Box Junction at Mount Stirling, Mount Buller’s beloved little sister, was magically transformed into a winter wonderland (albeit without the snow) for the 1234 Dinner’s Served – Melbourne Food and Wine event on Wednesday June 27th. Craig Jones from Stirling Experience chauffeured the guests from Mirimbah up the windy mountain road in a 4WD Unimog vehicle where they were greeted with a vista of fairy lights and flickering candles.
One of 80 Roast Collection dinners held throughout Victoria to promote the “Put Victoria on Your Table” mantra, the evening was a huge success for the 22 guests in attendance.
Met upon arrival with the choice of a warmed red wine or a glass of Don Kinloch bubbles, those in attendance warmed themselves by the roaring fire, whilst nibbling on starters of a Pendana tomato tart tartin or crosoli topped with smoked Buxton trout nestled on Long Lane Caper mayonnaise, and sliced caperberries. Chef Gillian Belle from the Mansfield Regional Produce Store had created a diverse and flavour filled menu using produce available locally – truly highlighting the “Victoria on your Table” slogan.
An entrée of chestnut and celeriac soup served with handmade bread from The Magnolia Tree was served with Ros Ritchie Pinot Gris. Guests were then entertained by the singing and guitar playing Rob Mitchell.
Main course was a slow roasted shoulder of lamb from Hook and Spoon in Benalla teamed with glazed roast vegetables and served with a plum jus. Served with a glass of the Dungeon Gully Shiraz from Delatite Wines this part of the meal really illustrated how simple ingredients can create an explosion of flavour.
Guests came from far and wide – both locals to the area and some from Melbourne and beyond. “We are incredibly happy with the response to the evening” said Alli Walker of Walker Events. “The dinner for 22 was booked out two weeks ahead and we had people still requesting tickets the day before. It was fantastic to be able to showcase the wonderful food and wine of our region.”
A baked pudding with lemon curd and apple accompanied by poached quinces was the perfect end to the evening served with a Kinloch Wines late harvest Riesling. Coffee with biscuits from The Mill Inn filled up those who were still peckish.
A magical, memorable evening filled with fabulous locally produced food – what more could you ask for?
Location ~ Telephone Box Junction, Mt Stirling
Food ~ Mansfield Regional Produce Store
Photography ~ Nicky Sanders
Transport ~ Stirling Experience
