Igni chef Aaron Turner shares how to eat your way around Geelong in a day

Got a full day to spend in Victoria’s second biggest city? Igni head chef Aaron Turner reveals his top dining and drinking haunts to visit on a food crawl through the booming culinary destination.

Aaron Turner has taken Geelong’s culinary scene to a new level with his celebrated fine diner, Igni.

The Ryan Place establishment — named among Victoria’s best contemporary dining in last year’s Delicious 100 — is famed for its exquisite degustations.

But where does the top chef go to eat when he’s not perfecting dishes in his own kitchen?

DELICIOUS 100: VICTORIA’S BEST CONTEMPORARY DINING

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Turner takes us on a tour of his favourite dining and drinking haunts:

8AM: KILGOUR ST GROCER

They roast their own coffee, so a long black here and a bacon and egg tart is always a good start.

It has a great neighbourhood vibe and a good selection of giftware for last-minute presents.

Address: 164 Kilgour St, Geelong

10.30AM: BISTROT PLUME

Try one of Bistrot Plume’s simple and delicious brunches. Picture: Alison Wynd

A small French bistro serving great, simple food.

Kick off brunch with champagne and tartare.

They also have a selection of pastries, tarts, cured meats, cheese and wines.
Address: 56a Mt Pleasant Rd, Belmont

NOON: SAM’S CAFE

One of the best and cheapest lunches in town, with old-school cafe classics.

But it’s the shawarma that has everyone lining up. Get in early to avoid the queue.

Address: 206 Moorabool St, Geelong

6PM: CAPTAIN MOONLITE

Anything Matt (Germanchis) cooks is delicious, but the fish and chips is always a go.

Or let Gemma (Gange) and the gang look after you and leave the choices up to the kitchen so you can just enjoy the beach view.

Address: 100 Great Ocean Rd, Anglesea

9PM: BLACKMAN’S BREWERY BAR

This is Torquay-based brewer Blackman’s tap room tucked behind Little Malop St.

They have rotating taps of craft brews from all over Australia as well their full range on offer.

Great for late-night hangs. I love the unfiltered lager.

Address: Denny’s Place, Geelong

See Aaron Turner at the Surf Coast BBQ Block Party — part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival — on Saturday, March 16. Turner will team up with Mike Patrick, from Fancy Hank’s, Captain Moonlite’s Matt Germanchis and Elliot Moss from North Carolina’s Buxton Hall Barbecue at Captain Moonlite, Anglesea.