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Makers
Setting a New York standard in the Ballarat culinary scene
One chef. Twelve Seats. More courses than you can count. Friday and Saturday night only. Booking months in advance. This is Ballarat’s newest and most progressive hatted degustation restaurant, Underbar, by Chef and Owner, Derek Boath, fresh from New York’s three Michellin Star, Per Se.
Wootten – the art of leather-crafting
The art of leather-crafting has been embedded in Ballarat’s cultural history since the gold-rush. The mid-19th century brought with it an unprecedented creative movement, and leathercrafting was just one of the trades that took pride of place amongst the likes of blacksmithing, wheelwrighting, and woodsmithing. So it really came as no surprise that former Prahran resident Jess Cameron-Wootten and his partner Krystina Menegazzo decided to relocate their business Wootten to Ballarat.
The black gold rush will wait for no one
Put on your gumboots, don your winter woollies then prepare to rush forth in search of Ballarat’s black gold – otherwise known as the truffle.
Harnessing Ballarat’s natural splendours through clay
For a young Kim Haugie, her sandpit was the ‘magical place of ephemeral creation’ that started it all. The potter admits that playing under a big old apple tree in the sand isn’t really that far removed from her days now spent making pots!
Meet the (meat) man behind Ballarat’s Salt Kitchen Charcuterie
“I’m very protective”. This is one of the first things Mick Nunn says before we enter his workspace. He’s not talking about his family, his house, or his pets. He’s talking about his bacon.
Stay & Play
Plate Up
Now in its second year, the month-long festival will showcase the region’s best growers, producers, chefs, restaurants and cafes this May 1 to 31. The festival’s line-up of more than 50 events will feature lunches and dinners, workshops, markets, food trucks, high teas, fashion, live music, competitions, and guided beer, wine, whisky and gin tastings.
LEARN MOREThe Provincial Hotel
A new luxury boutique hotel and restaurant offering has re-opened the doors of one of Ballarat’s most iconic heritage buildings. The boutique hotel and restaurant provides luxury, timeless beauty and quality nestled within regional Victoria’s western highlands.
LEARN MORETHE LOST ONES GALLERY AND BAR
Enter the ominous walls of a 19th century Masonic Lodge and wander through Ballarat’s contemporary art space The Lost Ones. Venture further below to the speakeasy-like basement bar and delight in tapas, wine and spirits as you while the evening away to a tune or two.
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