Top Granite Belt restaurant unveils new menu of dishes

AN AWARD-winning restaurant in the Granite Belt region is launching a new locavore menu at Ballandean Estate this weekend.

Culinary duo Bobbi and Matt Wells of The Barrelroom are launching a new locavore menu at Ballandean Estate's signature restaurant this weekend.

AN AWARD-winning restaurant in the Granite Belt region is launching a new locavore menu at Ballandean Estate this weekend, which will showcase the best of local produce and handmade artisan pasta.

Culinary duo Bobbi and Matt Wells of The Barrelroom are excited to unleash the new array of dishes.

“The last few weeks we’ve seen an enormous influx of wine tourists at the cellar door and restaurant, booking out weeks in advance at times,” Mrs Wells said.

“Our new menu draws inspiration from the truffles produced at The Folly, a Ballandean property with 300-plus inoculated trees hosting the almighty black gold.

“Diners are loving our new mushroom tortellini, served with a mixed mushroom cream sauce and fresh Ballandean truffles shaved over the dish.

“Award-winning Mallow organic lamb is featured in several dishes and also farmed nearby.”

Mrs Wells said one of the most popular new dishes is the handmade pappardelle with slow-cooked Mallow lamb ragu, finished with pesto and grated reggiano.

“We slow-braise the lamb shoulder for six hours at 150 degrees, then reduce the stock and add house-made sugo sauce and, confit cherry tomatoes, then serve with spinach, pesto, gremolata and grated reggiano,” she said.

“Other new dishes include veal scaloppine with duck fat roasted potatoes, peas and white wine sauce and a baked Israeli cauliflower with house-made labneh and grated tomatoes.

“Starters include a beef carpaccio, stuffed mushrooms, and battered zucchini flowers stuffed with buffalo mozzarella.

“If you are keen to try The Barrelroom’s new menu, we suggest that you book now to avoid disappointment.”

The Barrelroom is open for dine-in Thursday to Monday for lunch, and on Friday and Saturday for dinner.

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