Well finally we have a West End in Lakes Entrance. We all know about the West End of London, famous for its
theatres, The West Wing of White
House fame, “go west young man” a cry
to populate the west USA in the 1800’s. West Point, the military academy, West Ham the English soccer club, even Western Civilization. The West is significant in Chinese
Buddhism, representing movement toward the Buddha or enlightenment. In Ancient
Egypt, the West was considered to be
the portal to the netherworld!
What has all this got to do with my foodie
blogging you may well ask?, read on……
According to Yoga, the sun sets in the West at the end of the day. All day
long you experience the roller coaster of life…right, wrong, good, bad,
success, failure, honour, insult—and now you come to a point where you need to
rest, to let go and replenish yourself so that you can start fresh the next
day. Without that rest you will become drained.
So can I, as a mere local who knows little
about yoga, (and can’t stretch that far anyway!) suggest that if you wish to
gain that replenishment, perhaps even that journey to enlightenment, or just to
replenish yourselves, you visit one, two or even all three of these Lakes
Entrance restaurants at the West End.
Three locations and three differing styles
of food which complement each other by their diversity and which will satisfy
the vast majority.
Let’s start with the RSL Glenara, an old favourite and one which I have yet to write a
full review, (its coming soon!). In the last two weeks I have had two lunches
at the RSL, and on both occasions
have walked out fully satisfied having enjoyed a tasty lunch, served in double
quick time to our table and at a very reasonable price. I have to say the
serving size would honour an evening meal, and that even I would not be cheeky
enough to eat another meal until the next day.
An extensive lunchtime menu featuring old
favourites such as sausages, chicken schnitzel, ham steaks, fish ‘n chips, and
a range of sweets to follow, none of which I could manage. This is augmented by
a variety of chinese style dishes including honey chicken, curries, satays,
etc., all served with a generous serve of fried rice. I had good old mystery
bags, two large ones covered in thick gravy and surrounded by peas, carrots, broccoli
au gratin and scalloped potatoes sliced with onions, a serve size that I just
managed, simple “plain jane” cooking but done so well. The boss (read wife)
enjoyed her usual at the RSL honey
chicken, she didn’t quite finish it which left me with a taste too, chicken
well-cooked, crispy coating, not oily and with a honey coating with was not too
sweet as many are, just enough to give you that sweet zest. OK, so the RSL Glenara, simple food, plenty of it,
well cooked, quick table service and great value for money.
Now then let’s go across the road, yes I
know one of my haunts, Ferryman’s
Seafood Café, and it will continue to be one of my favourites because of
the food, the service and the ambiance. To sit and relax on an outside deck for
a Sunday afternoon lunch (or dinner), which lasted almost 3 hours, and enjoy
meals of the quality served at Ferryman’s
is just one of those experiences not to be missed while in Lakes Entrance.
Savour your experience as I did, this time from the chef’s special board. The beef carpaccio was simply awesome, black
pepper encrusted fillet steak so delicate and tender on the inside it just
melted in the mouth. No knife required just pop a slice in your mouth and let
it melt away whilst giving you a hit of pepper and the juicy delicate flavour
of the meat lingering on the tongue. Dip it in the aioli provided and you take
the whole taste experience up another level.
The “boss” had calamari which was,
as usual at Ferryman’s, cooked
perfectly, tender, juicy and succulent with a delicate dressing to augment the
tasting pleasure. Even the beetroot falafel was given the seal of approval and
enjoyment, discussing how it had been made and the quality of the serving. Step
up a level here, but in no way expensive, quality meals and worth every cent,
attentive staff, this is why I keep going back. Great work Ferryman’s.
Last, but by no means least is the new
“kid” on the block, well not really, Albert
& Co has come from the east to the west and what an entrance. Operating
now from the Bellevue, Albert & Co
is providing a fresh, clean, crisp outlook on food up this end of town. The
décor speaks volumes for the service and the food, quality with a touch of
class. Currently serving only breakfast, lunch and all day coffee (and cake),
but soon to be providing a full service. I have not given Albert and Co the
full test as yet but have sampled a fair few coffees in the couple of weeks of
operation and noticed what is being served. Let me say this, I have seen few if
any plates being left with anything on them, the breakfasts look fantastic, a
variety of the traditional with a few twists and some more healthy options. Service too is spot
on, seating comfortable and varied, and menus will keep you reading for quite a
while.
This is yet another foodie experience at the West End of town. Since
opening the place has been franticly busy, with many positive comments being overheard.
Albert & Co has a good food
reputation, and I am sure once fully operational, this new venue will only
enhance that reputation. I am going to let Matt and his staff settle down
before doing a full review, but am confident I will be testing my gastronomical
vocabulary skills ( if indeed I have any), to adequately describe the results.
A great addition to the West End.
Well done to Matt and his staff.
So there you have it the West End of Lakes Entrance, each,
worthy of a visit, each with its own specialty, each complimenting each
other. Enjoy each and every one.
Hoping
you all have a Happy Christmas, if you go out for a meal and want to drink,
please designate a driver before you start, be happy, be satisfied and above
all be safe. Until next year……John
Sources:
Wikipedia; Yoga International
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