The Shared Table Buninyong
FIRST JUDGES REPORT IN 2022
It comes as no surprise that any search for quality dining options in the Ballarat region shows up The Shared Table as a must-try venue, even though it’s in historical Buninyong, a scenic 12km drive from the centre of Ballarat. This modern, contemporary restaurant showcases the finest and freshest of local produce skillfully prepared and plated by artisan chef Dianne Ray and her talented team. Chef selection: 3 courses. Terrific dishes with some delightful taste/texture combos.
All the dishes have strong eye appeal. The menu changes almost by the day to highlight the seasonality of ingredients that go together to build uniquely delicious Asian/Northern European-ish dishes of complex taste and texture combinations. In keeping with Chef Dianne’s “keep it local” ethos The Shared Table’s beverage program is almost 100 percent Victorian independent producers proving that you don’t have to go far to taste the very finest that Victoria has to offer. Here, you can really savour talent, passion and regionality in its delicious glory. The Meringue with smoked eel was a personal favourite; a great marriage of sweet meringue balanced with the smoky umami of the eel (the flavours married deliciously). The egg roll lamb pastry (explained as ‘tacos’) had the trademark delicious blistered wheat flour crunch and the combination of adzuki and white beans filled out the dish to a satisfying level. The sesame salt seasoned nori chips was very tasty. Loved the tang of the tamarind caramel on the pork hock – sweet, sticky and tangy all in one. The cauliflower ’rice’ was a clever addition as was the puree. It was a really clever dish, showing lots of thought and great finesse in getting the hock to just the right level of cooking. The Tart Tatin, succeeded like a Eurostar. While black garlic is becoming so 2021, lacing chocolate ice cream with it revealed a delicious taste combination that was the subject of much discussion.
The coffee served was of a good standard, and for just $85 for three courses for five innovative and delicious dishes including the coffee represents terrific value for money. The Shared Table in Buninyong is a dining venue that becomes the stuff of conversations long after the last spoon is licked clean.
golden Plate State Awards won in 2021
- STATE WINNER Best list Local Wines Beers & Ciders
- STATE WINNER Best Menu Local Produce
- STATE FINALIST Best Casual Dining
- STATE FINALIST Best Chef Award – Dianne Ray
- STATE FINALIST Best Apprentice Chef Award – Peter Dawson
- STATE FINALIST Most Outstanding FOH Person – Isabella Murphy
- Category: Restaurant – Casual Dining
- Cuisine: Asian Influenced (Gluten Free and vegetarian available)
- Cards accepted: Visa and Mastercard
- Street parking
- Bookings recommended
- Covid-safe measures in place
