Jack Rabbit Restaurant
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HIGHLY COMMENDED Best Contemporary Dining 2022
FIRST JUDGES REPORT IN 2022
Jack Rabbit Vineyard Restaurant on the Bellarine Peninsula is the stylish setting for business lunches, weddings and special events. A visit offers an escape from reality to the pleasures of great foods, drinks, and customer service while enjoying the delightful scenery and views of Corio Bay and wineries Vineyard,
The meet and greet was quick and friendly and followed up with requests for special dietary requirements. Large and small tables were well spaced throughout the dining room with tables for two seated side by side to enable conversation. All tables were placed to take advantage of the wonderful views of the bay and vineyards. The food and drinks menus were impressive. Crisp white linen and napkins were set perfectly with good quality cutlery, water and wine glasses. The background music was discreet and customer service and clean-up procedures were performed expertly. The seasonal menu demonstrated the strong skills of its chefs in perfectly presented dishes. Our entrees were the potato spiral with Gippsland Rabbit. The spirals were beautifully flavoured and balanced and left you wanting more with each mouthful. There was a delightful crunch with the crisp potato, and the French onion crème fraiche was very “Moorish”. The rabbit dish was a stand-out, and the Barramundi was cooked to perfection with crispy skin and golden crispy celeriac hash, smoked mussels and a piquant sauce. The confit duck leg was tender and rich, flavoursome and served with crispy chats and a rosemary gremolata. For dessert we sampled the delightful quince and ginger pudding, an excellent liquorice custard and crumble with a rhubarb sorbet. Share plates and fresh flatware were delivered to the table progressively. Bread was served with excellent “Lard Arse butter” at room temperature. The freshness of produce shone in this lovely modern restaurant, timing between courses was perfect and the value for money for this exceptional dining experience was very good.
Golden Plate Awards Won in 2021
- STATE WINNER Best Contemporary Dining
- STATE WINNER Best Apprentice Chef – Will Edwards
- STATE FINALIST Best Menu of Local Produce
- Street Address: 85 McAdams Lane, Bellarine
- Category: Restaurant – Contemporary Dining
- Cuisine contemporary Australian (Vegetarian and Gluten-free available)
- Cards Accepted: Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and Entertainment
- $$
- Off-street Parking
- Covid-Safe measures in operation
What the judges said in 2021
The Jack Rabbit Vineyard Restaurant offers visitors sensational views from the elegant dining room across Corio Bay, an elegant and comfortable dining room, delicious and beautifully presented meals featuring local produce, a talented Head Chef, Callan Craigan, and FOH team providing professional but service. Meet and greet was prompt and efficient. Customer service could not be faulted. The meals offered a wide range of choices, superbly prepared and bursting with flavour. The dishes demonstrated strong kitchen skills and pride in their execution. Fresh produce was evident as well as modern styling. Timing between courses was excellent. There was an exceptional drinks list with most produced by Jack Rabbit and associated labels such Flying Brick, plus other quality labels from further afield. Good coffee from Julius Meinl rounded off our meal. Jack Rabbit is great value for money, an easy drive from Melbourne and regional centres, and makes every visit a special occasion.
Special strengths in 2021
Magnificent location and Corio Bay views. Easy access to Melbourne. A showcase of quality local produce. Excellent FOH and culinary skills and presentation. Mushroom Parfait with Jerusalem Artichokes. Baked Polenta. Hapuka with Kipfler Potatoes, Agro Dolce greens and crispy prawns. Pistachio Cake. RasPerry Cider Sorbet. Exceptional drinks list. Outstanding value for money.
