Delicious 100: Ten Minutes by Tractor makes top ten, five more peninsula favourites make the list
“No cookie cutter restaurants here” See the six Mornington Peninsula eateries named in the state’s top 100.
South East
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The Mornington Peninsula’s food scene is roaring back from Covid with six restaurants making the top half of the prestigious delicious. 100 best restaurant’s list.
Long-time favourite Ten Minutes by Tractor was ranked at No.6, an extraordinary effort for the 16-year-old winery restaurant at Main Ridge.
Others to join the list were Laura (12), Tedesca Osteria (16), Doot Doot Doot (29) Cape at RACV Cape Schanck (40) and Audrey’s at The Continental Hotel (42).
Ten Minutes by Tractor
Main Ridge
Achieving its highest ever delicious.100 ranking at 6 was made all the sweeter for co-owner Martin Spedding as it followed a devastating fire in 2018 that destroyed the dining room and wiped out a priceless wine collection.
“We reopened again in 2019 only to have to have to close again a few months later in 2020 because of Covid,” he said.
“The hospitality scene in general has faced some daunting challenges over the past couple of years so it’s nice to be able to celebrate some achievements, not just for us but for all Mornington Peninsula restaurants.”
The strong showing from Mornington Peninsula eateries wasn’t surprising, Mr Spedding said.
“We have such a diverse and high-quality offering here,” he said.
The newcomers nipping at their heels also kept the bar high.
“Seeing Brigitte (Hafner) doing so well with Tedesca Osteria demonstrates that there really is something for everyone here.
Laura – Pt Leo Estate
Merricks
Another winery restaurant fighting back after a devastating fire in May also made the delicious. 100 with fine diner Laura landing at number 12.
“It’s pretty cool,” general manager Roger Lancia said.
“Actually, I’m excited for all the Mornington Peninsula restaurants that made the list.
“It proves that this region truly is unique. There are no cookie cutter restaurants here. Every one is being run by people who have a great passions and understanding for what they do.”
Mr Lancia said the Pt Leo Estate team had been overwhelmed by support after the fire, which forced the closure of three dining spaces, including Laura, the cellar door and sculpture park.
The team has rebounded, last week opening The Pavilion on the estate property.
“We had booked out session in the first few days of opening,” Mr Lancia said.
“The support has been incredible.”
The Pavilion features a set, three course shared menu created by staff from the estates three dining spaces.
Mr Lancia said it was difficult to put a firm date on when the entire venue would reopen.
Significant repairs to the roof were needed and work could only be done in fine weather.
However, he was hopeful of reopening in time for the festive season.
Tedesca Osteria
Red Hill
Newcomer Tedesca Osteria, which was listed at 16 on the delicious. 100 opened in 2020 just before the pandemic hit.
Owner Brigitte Hafner said it was “thrilling” to hear customers’ voices in the cosy 36-seat dining room after lockdowns ended.
She was also honoured to be recognised by Delicious: “It means a lot”.
“The peninsula’s performance shows how much things have changed in the past 20 years. There are now so many amazing restaurants in the region.”
Ms Hafnor was preparing to spend some time in Italy, researching the food scene in Rome and Sicily.
“We’re constantly looking at ways to refine our food,” she said.
“It takes a long time to bed down a new restaurant and that will continue to be our focus into 2023.”
Doot Doot Doot
Merricks North
A regular on the delicious. 100 list, Doot Doot Doot, will look very different when judges come calling again in 2023.
The contemporary restaurant at luxe hotel Jackalope was listed at 29 this year and is about to introduce “a whole new concept”.
Marketing manager Miranda Glennon said a new executive chef and extended operating hours were also coming.
“The chef and concept will be announced soon but I can say we’re looking to introducing a weekend lunch service for Doot Doot Doot,” she said.
“Our other restaurant Rare Hare is booked out every weekend so it will be lovely to have another option for people who come on to the property.”
The changes are likely to be introduced in November.
Ms Glennon said inclusion in the delicious. 100 was a “really nice acknowledgment for the team”.