Words by Jay Dillon Images supplied
The Geelong-Bellarine culinary scene is set to get a unique dining experience as two of its finest establishments collaborate for a special event. Austin’s Wines has announced that Tulip Restaurant, a renowned Geelong restaurant, will be the latest kitchen residency at their cellar door.
The collaboration, called ‘Tulip in the Vines,’ promises to be an exciting experience for food lovers in the region. The event will bring together the best of both worlds, with Austin’s wines providing the perfect accompaniment for Tulip’s renowned cuisine.
As Belinda Austin tells us, the desire to do a collaboration with Tulip comes from a long running relationship with the restaurant. “My partner Scott and I have been dining at Tulip for so long and have always loved their approach to creating such a special dining experience with a dedication to local produce”.
The venue for the collaboration is the result of a crowdfunding campaign to convert the old shearing shed into a modern cellar door looking across the Austin’ Moorabool Valley property. Throughout the year, visitors are welcome to enjoy a wine flight and cheese platter while taking in the views.This latest collaboration is just one of a long list of interesting collaborations including a six month residency from Japanese fusion masters Nama.
‘We’ve always had a preference for collaboration rather than competition within the local hospitality industry. There is so much more impact when you join together as businesses and do something different and fresh”. Says Belinda.
Tulip Restaurant chef Mike Jaques and restaurant manager Dan Ford are no strangers to special events and collaborations themselves. This time last year they held a special truffle focused dinner with the renowned Chef Phillipe Mouche and one-off menus developed around the output of local winemakers like Sierra Reed of Reed Wines. The Austin’s Wines pop-up gives them an opportunity to experiment with a more casual menu for a whole new group of food lovers.
Guests can start with freshly shucked oysters with a vibrant green tomato and radish and mains include roasted and pickled pumpkin topped with pickled walnuts and mustard greens or a succulent ham hock served with a zesty horseradish, shallot, and parsley sauce.
Belinda herself is most excited about finally being able to serve duck alongside their wines ‘This is the first time someone will be serving duck at the winery, and we are so excited about giving people the chance to match Austin’s Pinot Noir with some succulent duck. There’s nothing better!’
The Tulip team will be serving lunches from Friday to Sunday for a 5 week period starting July 7 and in dedication to the project the Geelong restaurant will not be open during this time.
THE DETAILS
WHAT: Tulip in the Vines
WHERE: Austin’s Wines – 870 Steiglitz Rd, Sutherlands Creek
WHEN: Friday to Sunday lunches – July 7 to August 6
MORE INFO: Book here
We wish to acknowledge the Wadawurrung people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.
