How are my amazing food friends going?
Just a few updates to fill you in.
As we all know, the cost of living keeps creeping up, and the ripple effect is real. People are travelling less and pulling back on what used to feel like everyday little luxuries — and dining out is often one of the first things to go.
As many of you know, Hayley left us in January, and since then I’ve been holding things down in the kitchen with the support of my team. Without replacing her just yet, I haven’t been able to step back out onto the floor as much as I’d like, and to be honest, some days have been really tough. It’s taken a bit of a toll physically and mentally.
Because of that, I’ve made the decision to pull back our opening hours for now and step away from à la carte nights, focusing instead on set menus. This will help keep things sustainable, manage food costs, and allow us to keep doing what we do — just in a way that works a little better behind the scenes.
On a personal note, I snuck away for a few days to Port Fairy with my sister, her kids, and Mum. It was exactly what I needed — a reset, some family time, and the absolute luxury of eating someone else’s cooking.
The fire’s been going on and off at home, and as I write this, I’m sitting here after a break from cutting back trees in the garden. The sun’s out, it’s about 25 degrees, and it feels like a gentle reminder to slow down where I can.
Footy season is back too, which means getting to watch my boy Paddy play when I can — one of my favourite things. And of course, enjoying the classic afternoon snacks put on by the club committee legends.
I missed Paddy that much recently, I did a quick day trip to Melbourne — up and back in one day just to have lunch together. We hit up Chin Chin and ate our way through a heap of delicious dishes, then on the way out there was no line at Lune Croissanterie… so naturally, a few pastries came home for Paddy and Caitlyn before I jumped back on the train.
We also had a fabulous night at the golf club with Black & Ginger Wines, hosting a food and wine pairing — such a great evening.
Kids cooking classes are back as well, which I absolutely love. It’s all about getting kids into the kitchen, building confidence, and helping families create good, affordable meals together.
Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll be out and about — cooking at The Grampians Grape Escape and also at Heritage Harvest Weekend, doing some big cook-ups.
Our next restaurant trading day will be Mother’s Day, followed by a Chef’s Table luncheon on Sunday 17th May.
If you’d like to make a booking or enquiry, please send through an email or text.
Thank you, as always, for your support through this chapter — it truly means a lot.
I’m really looking forward to what’s next.
Big food love,
Cat 💚
