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The Age Good Food Guide Awards 2011: The Newcomers
The night of nights for many a food-loving Victorian (well ok, for us), The Age Good Food Guide awards night, has been and gone for another year, leaving us to sort through the quagmire of newly hatted, re-hatted and de-hatted eateries that will dictate our dining habits for the next year or so. Among the usual suspects were some newcomers to the guide and to the state s restaurant scene, and we ve gathered together a few of the new additions and top-performers for you to sink your teeth into.
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Loam
Drysdale
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Making a rather impressive guide debut with two hats, chef Aaron Turner's Drysdale venture is easily worth a trip to the country for. The menu is composed of seasonal, regional produce and includes four tasting menus, so four excuses to go back.
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Bistro Vue
Melbourne
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The youngest sibling to the revered Vue de Monde and its more casual spin-off, Caf? Vue, the classic French a la carte menu at this, the middle ground between the other two Vues, has won chef Shannon Bennett another jewel in his crown. With accessible plats du jour and a casual bar at which to enjoy a quick plate of freshly shucked oysters, this place has won its first hat, but hopefully not its last.
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Vin Cellar
Prahran
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This veritable emporium dedicated to wine in all its glory has earned its first-ever hat in this year s guide. With its sophisticated interior and menu to match (mod-oz with a touch of Asian and Mediterranean flavour) the wine isn t the only standout, and it s a well-deserved honour.
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Movida Aqui
Melbourne
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The inimitable MoVida's little sibling makes its first appearance in the guide with a hat for its traditional Spanish fare paella, jamon, salted cod and of course, a great tapas list all make appearances and memorable ones at that.
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No35
Melbourne
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Stuart McVeigh's sophisticated eatery in the Sofitel makes its debut with one hat, offering a wide-ranging menu full of international flavours. Relaxed and informal yet stylish and refined, it's sure to be the first of many hats for the innovative newcomer.
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Whirrakee
Bendigo
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With contemporary food in a spectacular, opulent setting, this place is an easily justified first-time recipient of a hat. The internationally-inspired menu is complemented by an extensive wine list to boot.
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Ten Minutes by Tractor
Main Ridge
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Also receiving a first and well-earned hat, this winery restaurant is no stranger to awards success, having won the 2008 Gourmet traveller wine list of the year award, and being heaped with praise ever since. The food is as local as it gets, with herbs and vegetables straight from the kitchen garden.
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maze by Gordon Ramsay
Southbank
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Gordon Ramsay's fine diner in the Crown Metopol complex predictably makes its entrance to the guide with a hat for its tasting menu of French-inspired fresh, seasonal, Australian produce. How could it not get a nod, with a celebrity chef like Ramsay?
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Villa Gusto
Bright
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Exclusive and decadent, the degustation menu at this intimate 20-seater in Bright undoubtedly helped to secure Villa Gusto its first hat this year. Italian food with a view is always award-worthy with us.
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Perfect Drop Wine & Food Lounge
Daylesford
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A relaxed Daylesford lounge and restaurant, Perfect Drop is a hard-working, worthy addition to the one-hat club. Andrew Dennis' largely organic, Mediterranean-inspired menu is complemented by the casual style and informal wine garden.
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 flagging ...
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