Rae's Restaurant at Balgownie Estate (by invitation), by Obelix

We were thrilled to have the opportunity to drive up to beautiful Balgownie Estate to sample their Winter menu.  Bureaucrat was there previously and loved it.  Rae's Restaurant is located within the Balgownie Estate, one of the reknown vineyards and spas in the Yarra Valley.  The focus at Rae's has always been on using fresh seasonal local produce and they did not disappoint with their Winter menu.  The menu was well thought out with a show case of Yarra Valley's finest.  The dinner offerings were more extensive compared with the lunch with the option for dinner to have two courses for $60 or three courses for $75 plus drinks.

We so happened to both select seafood options for entrees.

C had the half dozen oyster au naturale and I had the seafood chowder with herb oil.

My chowder had succulent pieces scallops, prawns and a variety of fish within.

The table was abundant with good food.

Our mains were the Tasmanian Atlantic salmon with an Asian twist  of curry marinade, roasted cashews, coriander and Vietnamese mint.  This was what C ordered and not a grain of rice was left on the plate.  Licked clean.

I went the carnivorous route and ordered the vine smoked char grilled boneless rib eye.  Say no more, they had me at vine smoked and char grilled.  It was perfectly medium and the smokiness had me smacking my maw.  The problem sometimes with steak is that they are not so photogenic but trust me, it was a magnificent piece of meat.

C wisely choose a side of button mushrooms crumbed and deep fried with herb pesto.  These were so moreish we happily scoffed down the whole lot.

My side was the broccolini with soy ginger honey glaze and fried shallots.

The staff were so friendly and affable and they offered all sorts of suggestions for desserts and although we were getting quite full, we could not say no to these delectable sweets.

Chef Sunil suggested the ginger and yoghurt pannacotta with Szechuan pepper infused pineapple and blood orange syrup.  C dutifully ordered this and loved it.  I stole a spoonful and it was so smooth on the palate, I would have happily eaten her's and mine.

One of the other staff recommended the warm red wine cake made with Balgownie shiraz served with cinnamon ice cream, sultana compote.  It was divine.  I highly recommend this.  The cake was more like a warm pudding and the cinnamon ice cream went so well with it.

Whether your table faced outwards to the expansive rolling hills or towards the warm hearth of Rae's, it's a beautiful ambiance either way.  The staff are attentive without being intrusive and friendly.

Verdict:  We loved it.

Overall
Rae's Restaurant Winter menu has a wonderful selection to please all palates showcasing fresh seasonal local produce.  I would highly recommend a visit to Balgownie, check out their cellar door and duck in for a feast.