One of the things that I love to do (and do too much) is to visit the Yarra Valley and enjoy a long, lazy lunch at one of the many, wonderful restaurants. There is a sense of romance about the area, and I guess a lot has to do with the pristine rows of grape vines that stretch as far as the eye can see, and the easy drive out to this beautiful part of the world.
In terms of ambience, Rae's restaurant at Balgownie Estate is an ideal place spend an afternoon. The floor to ceiling windows complement the contemporary dining room and the glass fire place also creates a cosiness which is often lacking in contemporary style spaces. Sitting comfortably atop a hill, Rae's provides diners with a wonderful views from every table.
The cuisine is seasonal and produce driven with salad leaves and other vegetables sourced from their very own kitchen garden. And in a nod to our indigenous culture, they employ the use of native herbs and spices.
The service is pleasant and friendly, although there is definite room for improvement - on our last visit a fellow diner (on another table) wearing a crisp white shirt left the restaurant also wearing a fluorescent green stain after a waiter dropped his plate of oysters on him. I also noticed a lack of menu knowledge with a couple of the wait staff, which does irk me, especially when I have to pay a 15% surcharge (applicable on Sundays and Public Holidays), which in dollar terms was an additional $45.25 on my last bill.
We do enjoy visiting Rae's and will continue to do so, although we may skip Sunday and Public Holiday lunches! http://www.balgownieestate.com.au
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