Our foodies are pure gold

SeaChange. THE Geelong region’s foodie scene is being celebrated as arguably the best in the state with several local venues named as finalists in the 2018 Golden Plate Awards. The prestige awards recognise excellence in hospitality across regional Victoria. Venues are judged on food quality and presentation, menu choices, use of local produce and beverages, customer service, coffee, value for money and ambience. Local favourites vying for the Best Cafe award include The Pickers Union, Ocean Bar Cafe Queenscliff, Parade Espresso Bar Ocean Grove and The Range at Curlewis. North Geelong’s Pickers Union is also in the running to claim the Best Coffee title, alongside fellow state finalists Ebb & Flow Barwon Heads, Parade Espresso Bar and Ocean Bar Cafe.

This year’s awards have seen the introduction of a new category for Best Bar or Cellar Door. Popular CBD eatery Frankie, Leura Park Estate, Inverleigh Cellar & Kitchen and Queenscliff Brewhouse are all in the running for the inaugural award.

The Contemporary Dining category was largely dominated by Bellarine Peninsula venues including Jack Rabbit Vineyard, Merne Restaurant and The Q Train. Tulip Bar & Restaurant Geelong is also a finalist.

Flying Brick Cider Co and new Greek eatery Mav’s Restaurant are in the running for top honours in the Casual Dining category; and Queenscliff Brewhouse and Great Ocean Road Brewhouse are finalists in Hotel Dining.

Winners will be announced at the state award gala dinner on November 12.

Picture: ALISON WYND GEELONG’S Two Worlds Festival has a laudable goal: to celebrate both indigenous and Western culture through music, art and food. It also has a killer line-up of more than 40 acts. The event is being held at the Fyansford Paper Mills today. WE cautiously welcome the return of much-loved Australian programBut Channel 9, make sure you again set it on The Bellarine and please don’t tarnish the legacy of this national treasure. PRINCE Harry and Meghan might have skipped Geelong on their royal itinerary, but at least they take home a photo of the stunning Rone mural on the former Fyansford cement works to remember us by. Frankie owner John Kennedy with manager Dan Ford.