Rae's Restaurant, Yarra Glen (by invitation) by Obelix

It had just dawned on me that I have only been to Balgownie during winter.  It sure conjures up romance and coziness sitting by the roaring fire and gazing out the floor to ceiling windows to the vineyards beyond but the views in summer would also have its charm.  And I was not disappointed.  It was clear and sunny.  There was a little hillock which kids were rolling down whilst their parents enjoyed a civilised meal inside.  It was picturesque serenity and joie de vivre all rolled into one.

The Bureaucrat and I opted for the two course lunch menu, which came with some warm bread.  For entree, I chose the chicken Caesar salad.  I loved the garlicky sourdough croutons and crispy little shards of parmesan and proscuitto.

The Bureaucrat was going through a seafood fixation and chose the chargrilled squid on a Asian inspired salad with glass noodles.  She advised that the squid was nice and fresh.

For mains, I was keen to try the Tasmanian salmon with wakame salsa, lemongrass rice with a soy ginger broth.  The salmon was tenderly cooked and it was intensely flavourful with the broth and soy.

The Bureaucrat on the other hand, went with a popular choice of mushroom and smoked chicken risotto with crispy rocket on top.  The risotto rice as definitely creamy looking.


Warm bread as a starter

We were too full after that for any semblance of sweets but I did order a cup of tea to sip whilst I gaze out dreamily.

Verdict

We loved it.

Overall

Rae's at Balgownie is a wonderful place to go especially in the summer when it's bursting with green and the sky's cerulean blue.  Either day trip it or stay for a couple of days.  Whether it's for a couple or for the family, Balgownie Estate has something to offer for everyone.

Find it at

Rae's Restaurant
Balgownie Estate
1309 Melba Hwy
Yarra Glen Vic 3779
Telephone: 9730 0700