Source Dining in Kyneton has taken out another prestigious food industry award – a chef’s hat in the 2017 Age Good Food Guide. The awards were presented last night in the heart of Collins Street at Melbourne’s famous Plaza Ballroom. Attended by the State’s top chefs and restaurateurs, it was the who’s who of the culinary world.
Source Dining was awarded 15.5/20 and continues to stand alongside some well-known city based restaurants like Donovans, Town Mouse and the European. “This is a great achievement for us and highlights that locals have access to food and wine which is on par with some of Melbourne renowned eateries” co-owner Michelle Foster explained. “This award also highlights the dedication of our staff and the quality of the local produce we have available” Michelle added.
Head chef and co-owner, Tim Foster commented on how wonderful it felt to be awarded a chefs’ hat for the third year running. “We have added so much to the restaurant over the last year – our expanding orchard and kitchen garden north of Kyneton allows us to have fresh seasonal produce shaping our menu” It is great to work with local producers, the high quality produce the region has to offer and ensure that our menu changes with the season Foster explains.
“Our decision to offer a diner with a five (5) course degustation with or without matched wines has allows us to further showcase the produce from the gardens and local producers”. This award is testament to the fact that what we are trying to do differently is working,” he explained.
The decision to rebrand the restaurant in June 2015 and move away from the Annie Smithers’ name came after a number of reviews highlighting the technique and culinary style of Mr Foster. Prior to taking over the Kyneton restaurant, he was the executive chef for the Healesville Hotel group. He earned a reputation for seeking out fine local produce where possible and using it to create regionally inspired dishes.
It has been a big few weeks for co-owners Tim and Michelle Foster who were also awarded a two glass wine rating in the Gourmet Traveller Wine List of the Year Awards, presented in Sydney. Source Dining was the only Kyneton restaurant to be independently reviewed and included in the 2016 Gourmet Traveller Australian Restaurant Guide published in September. “Not every restaurant has the opportunity to be featured in this publication and to be the only restaurant in Kyneton and Macedon Ranges to be included it was a great honour” Mr Foster highlight.
While details regarding the scoring are not revealed, during the evening Michelle discovered it was the “how diner were made to feel , the warmth of service and hospitality and the smarts the restaurant has to offer” that has contributed to this award Michelle explains. “It is all about the dining experience without the fussiness or formality and the friendly ambience” that has made Source Dining, situated in one of Piper Street historic building, Kyneton’s number one restaurant.
The Age Good Food Guide is the ‘Foodie’s Bible’ that showcases the hottest eating houses in Victoria. Copies of the Guide will be available with the Saturday edition of the Age a cost of $10.
Source Dining is located in Piper Street, Kyneton. Bookings are essential and can be made online or by contacting the restaurant on (03) 5422 2039. Open for lunch and dinner Thursday, Friday. Saturday and lunch on Sunday.
