After my spectacular dinner at Bar Lourinha last Wednesday night, my foodie week continued with dinner at Elevation in Emerald on Thursday night, and lunch at Immerse, Dixons Creek on Sunday. Although I ate really well for these few meals, I think my lack of eating properly for the in between ones has taken its toll by presenting me with a sore throat this morning upon waking. So, vegies are on the menu tonight and less microwave meals for the foreseeable future if I can help it. My microware also possibly shorted the power in half my house yesterday – perhaps it’s a sign from the food gods that I am abusing convenience foods….

Elevation, Emerald
Located about 50kms from the city, Elevation is a picturesque restaurant perched on Main Road, Emerald overlooking the Dandenong’s. The restaurant itself reminds me of an alpine ski lodge with rustic timbers, open fire and cathedral ceilings, a warm and cosy environment in which to meet friends for dinner or drinks, or host your next function. There is a decked area, perfect for Sunday afternoon drinks in the sun or an intimate dinner on a balmy day, watching the sunset.
My friends started with the hot crusty cobb loaf with garlic, herb and pesto butter, a modern take on the traditional garlic bread. The stream rising from the bread was enough to make anyone’s mouth water, and for a celiac, pure torture.
For main I ordered Chicken Elevation, a chicken fillet filled with sun-dried tomatoes and camembert topped with a creamy avocado sauce. Served with a side of in season vegetables, the chicken was actually very good, however it was unfortunate however that they felt the need to drown the plate in the avocado sauce – a drizzle would have been sufficient and I wouldn’t have spent the meal having to lean so close to the plate to avoid dripping. My companions had fish and chips (presented beautifully in newspaper and a basket), pot pie and the hamburger among others – all enjoyed with what I believe was a spectacular beer.

Elevation can be found at 374 Main Road, Emerald and serves modern Australian and Mediterranean cuisine.

Immerse, Yarra Valley
Immerse Winery in the Yarra Valley is part of the Melba Hwy Wine Trail, located just past Yarra Glen in Dixons Creek. The restaurant space is not dissimilar to other wineries in the region – light filled and spacious with large windows, outdoor areas and stunning gardens. Perfect for a wedding, conference or a simple Sunday lunch, the winery also caters for cellar door sales and a small produce and preserves store.
We toasted with Shiraz and Pinot Noir, while entrees of pumpkin gnocchi and calamari were quickly put away. The mains, perfectly portioned and faultlessly cooked, were exquisite – my Tasmanian Salmon on crushed sweet potato and
brocolinni with horseradish cream and beetroot relish was divine and though you wish there was more when you are done, you do realise that more would ruin the experience. The Confit Duck Leg and Eye of Angus Rump were both popular choices at our table and heartily enjoyed by all who ordered them.
The chocolate mud cake bought in for dessert was served up by the staff with ice cream and a berry sauce after a good sing along of Happy Birthday. Given that I can’t eat cake (though it looked so good, I did consider cheating for a moment) I shared a soft meringue roll topped with fruit salad with another non-cake eater. Coffee followed, too hot and slightly burnt, but after such an amazing meal I can’t say I could fault them too much overall.
The Yarra Valley is an amazing destination for a meal – there are so many places to choose from and wines that you can’t hope to match anywhere in the world. Come for breakfast, lunch or dinner – or all three – and enjoy the tranquillity and open spaces of Victoria’s wine regions.

Immerse can be found at 1548 Melba Highway, Dixons Creek or view the website, www.immerseyourself.com.au