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Around the World in 80 K's

by Tracy Carter

Friday, 02 March 2018

 As kids our mealtime repertoire didn’t extend far beyond meat with veg and going out for tea was at a pub. Don’t get me wrong, I love a parmi* (especially as a package deal with a pot of Furphy) but there are so many more global tastes around our region that you can take your tastebuds on a world tour in this 80km loop of Geelong and The Bellarine.

 

Start in Geelong

Ole! Kick off the tour with a Spanish fiesta at Black Bull – think tapas, sangria (or local wine if you prefer). There are $16 weekday lunches too.

Next stop, Italy. Head to Lipari in Union Street for traditional Italian pasta like Nonna used to make. Dennys Kitchen is in the middle of the city and have some of the best wood-fired pizzas we’ve had. There’s a taste of Northern Italy at Caruggi in Little Malop Street. It’s also the only place in Victoria to serve Foccacia col Formaggio – a dish unique to the town of Recco. Crisp, cheesy Italian bread? Hold my sangiovase.

Alma by @_georgie_girl_

Alma is inspired by South American flavours and a love of sharing. Heaps of great local produce on the menu too including meat from one of our faves, Sage Farm.

You'll literally go overseas for a great Asian fusion meal at Wah Wah Gee - it's floating on Corio Bay at the end of Cunningham Pier. We recommend avoiding order envy and go with the 'feed me'option - they'll bring a bunch of delish dishes to the table, you don't have to choose!

 

Head out of town

The Elephant and Castle brings the UK to suburban East Geelong. With former mayor, Mr Paparazzi Darryn Lyons among the owners, the walls are filled with stunning photos – Images of Our Time. The menu is filled with pub favourites and a good dose of British too – beers in pints, fish and chips, mash and a good laugh.

Bouchon at Bellarine is French provincial cuisine set amongst the gorgeous vines of Bellarine Estate. Think French Onion Soup, soufflé au fromage and crème caramel. Ooh la la! Merci!

 

Hit the coast

In Queenscliff Lombardys serve the Italiano trifecta of pizza, pasta and risotto – bellissimo.

 You’ll get an authentic taste of Vietnam are available now in Barwon Heads at Hanoi Kitchen. Restauranteur Hong brings the flavours of her family food stall at the Hanoi Market and a very impressive cooking CV to the Hitchcock Avenue restaurant.

Whatever part of the globe your tastebuds fancy, there’s a world of flavours in Geelong and The Bellarine. Feel like something a little closer to home? Check out Pub Grub 7 Day of the Week.

*yes, that’s parmi with an ‘i', as it should be.