Winning Tastes
Discover the very best in food and drink by visiting winners from the Australian Food Awards on a leisurely journey through Melbourne and surrounds
Dooley’s Ice Cream
CHAMPION AUSTRALIAN MEDIUM PRODUCER 2016 & 2017 CHAMPION AUSTRALIAN DAIRY Passionfruit Ice Cream GOLD 16 flavours including Milo, Banana, Lemon Curd, Honey Malt SILVER Rum & Raisin An Apollo Bay institution, Dooley’s Ice Cream took home gold medals for 16 of its flavours at the 2017 Australian Food Awards. The father-daughter business has been producing award-winning ice cream since 2002, with distinctive flavours including Milo, Lemon Curd, Passionfruit, Honey Malt, Macadamia and more. à 89 Great Ocean Rd, Apollo Bay 3233. 03 5237 7581.
Milawa Cheese Company
BEST CHEESE King River Gold BRONZE Milawa Blue, Mt Buffalo Blue Milawa Cheese Company is a must-visit in the Milawa gourmet region, making a wide variety of cheese from local goat and cow’s milk. All of the cheeses are made by hand using traditional methods and sustainable techniques. Stop by to taste some rich and flavoursome cheeses and visit the onsite restaurant, Milawa Kitchen. à 17 Factory Rd, Milawa 3678. 03 5727 3589. www.milawacheese.com.au.
Sweet by Nature
BEST BAKED GOOD Coffee Walnut Cake GOLD Rum Raisin Brownie SILVER Fruit ‘n’ Nut Biscuit, Lime & Coconut Cheesecake BRONZE Apple Hokey Pokey Crumble, Let It Snow Cheesecake, Lemon Drizzle Cake Sweet by Nature cakes are made from scratch with premium ingredients by a team who are passionate about baking. You can visit the Sweet by Nature bakery, Naturelover’s Café and purchase the delicious cakes and biscuits or enjoy a great lunch and coffee. à 131-133 Bamfield Rd, Heidelberg West 3081. 03 9456 9300. www. sweetbynature.com.au.
Ashburton Meats
BEST BRANDED LAMB Gippsland Lamb Co SILVER Tuscan Sausage BRONZE Greek Lamb Sausage, Paul’s Fine Foods Ashburton Meats specialises in premium quality, grass-fed, ethically farmed Gippsland pure beef that can be traced locally from paddock to plate. Free from artificial growth hormones, the lamb, pork and beef is guaranteed to be tender. à 235 High St, Ashburton 3147. 03 9885 8118. www.ashburtonmeats.com.au.
Yarra Valley Dairy
SILVER Persian Fetta BRONZE Emporium Selection Persian Fetta Just one hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley has a long history of dairy farming and is renowned for producing superb food. Visit the Yarra Valley Dairy Cheese Shop to taste artisan cheeses, stock up on local produce or treat yourself to a delicious cheese platter. à 70-80 Mcmeikans Rd, Yering 3770. 03 9739 1222. yvd.com.au.
Mt Buffalo Olives
SILVER Quince Paste, Mountain Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Lemon Agrumato Olive Oil BRONZE Robusto Extra Virgin Olive Oil Frantoio & Koroneiki Mt Buffalo Olives is renowned for producing award-winning extra virgin olive oil and table olives, and Karoonda Olive Grove Retreat is an on site farmstay cottage. à 307 Mount Buffalo Rd, Porepunkah 3740. 03 5756 2143. www.mtbuffaloolives.com.au.