This was published 6 years ago
Mornington Peninsula places to eat: Chef Phil Wood's seven dishes you must try
Cherry bombs.
CAPE SCHANCK OLIVE OIL
Cape Schanck olive oil is just remarkable. Produced using a single varietal ethos, each one of their oils is distinctly different from the next and is a real eye opener for anyone that is accustomed to blended extra virgin olive oil. The Picholine olive oil tastes of savoury herbs and is perfect for meat, the Frantoio olive oil is wonderfully fragrant and makes for an incredible table oil, and the Picual olive oil is a curious varietal that has aromas and flavours of green tomato and passionfruit. We're serving their oil with our wood roasted apple bread.
Cape Schanck Olive Estate.
VANILLA SLICE, JUST FINE FOOD
The first time I visited Sorrento, I noticed the sign out the front: "Home of Sorrento's famous vanilla slice". I thought for sure it was a tourist trap but I fell in to it anyway and I am so glad that I did. It is such a joyous delightful rendition of a classic vanilla slice.
See facebook.com/famousvanillaslice
Foxeys Hangout mushroom sausage rolls.
KIPFLER POTATO, HAWKES VEGETABLES
Hawkes Vegetables at Boneo produces a kipfler potato that I fell in love with straight away. At the restaurant, we're serving them crispy with smoked eel dip and breakfast radishes. At home, just roast them with some good butter, garlic and olive oil. It's like eating candy.
Phil Wood, culinary director at Point Leo Estate.
MORNINGTON PENINSULA CHOCOLATES
This Flinders providore produces beautiful handmade chocolates from the finest French ingredients. Their constantly changing truffle fillings are amazing and their hot chocolate served from the cafe is next level.
TWICE-BAKED SOUFFLE, CAKES & ALE
Cakes & Ale is a fantastic little bistro on the main street of Sorrento. It has a super relaxed vibe and great food. I am a sucker for cheese souffles and the twice-baked souffle here is fantastic.
SAUSAGE ROLL, FOXEY'S HANGOUT
Whichever part of the Mornington Peninsula you're exploring, Foxey's Hangout is a must. My partner Lis and I take everyone visiting us straight there. The menu is super simple and full of flavour – I'll never get sick of the mushroom sausage rolls – and the place is always busy and humming. Go early, have a wine tasting before you sit down to eat, relax and enjoy.
COFFEE, MERRICKS GENERAL STORE
Merricks General Wine Store is a genuine community gathering place on this side of the Peninsula. You can pop into the main cafe/restaurant/cellar door during the day, but I love getting my coffee from the verandah next door. It's a beautiful, leafy space and they often have amazing art on display inside the cottage.
Phil Wood's career includes the kitchens of Rockpool and Eleven Bridge, where he was executive chef. At Point Leo Estate's new restaurant and cellar door, he has created a modern bistro with Australian flavours.
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