403 Wendouree Parade

This was another meal A Collection of Articles that was much less about the venue and what the menu had to offer than it was about catching up with an old friend.  It was definitely a bonus to be sitting outside at this very picturesque site with tasty treats coming our way - and just a little too much sun and not enough hats and / or sunscreen.

Apparently well known for doing weddings and other important parties (it's across the road from the Botanical Gardens and on the shore of the lake) they've figured out that there's a few people who like to sit by the lake for their lunch, although on this day which was kind of breezy (I think that's why we got tricked by the sun) inside was jamm'n and we had our pick of half a dozen tables outside.  It's an interesting building that certainly has character, and probably has some age to it but you'll need someone cleverer than me to tell you what style it's in.  It suits it's spot, if nothing else, but really there's more to it with lots of iron works and red brick.  But having said that, I've got no recollection of the inside as we just walked straight through to the deck.

You don't get a Server as it's order at the counter when you're ready so you're left to figure out the menu on your own (which is not hard with very clear descriptions) and if you have questions save them for when you get up to order which of course means you may have to make quick fire adjustments based on the answers.  I don't think we had any issues in getting the orders in, but the way they take the orders and then share them with the kitchen meant that our meals came out at odd times.  Not the end of the world, but not quite right. 

I'm not sure what the official policy, but our friend told us she thought this place would suit as we'd be allowed to take our time and even lounge around a bit after we were done with the eating part.  She was right.  Because it's order at the counter there was no overt pressure to get us to order, and when we were done they cleaned our table up but never suggested we had to pack up and leave.  Perfect for our catching up goal of the meal!

The menu has a good selection of small and big plates to choose from, but they also offer a limited selection of big plates to choose from at a set price which did appeal to us in principal.  However, they were also offering a glass of wine with all big plates which seemed to suit us better...  There's a short but at a quick glance (we did the deal, remember) appears to be useful Wine List and a list of beers to amuse too.  Oh, and a help yourself water station.  

Our meal went a little like this:

• Sauvignon Blanc - House variety, not really bothered but hoping it's regional.  Crisp enough to be out on the deck with us and with enough acid to be ok with all our dishes too.
• Sourdough with Meredith Feta and Marinated Olives - without doubt the best feta we've ever had, yummy bread and fun selection of olives. I think we were told Meredith is just down the road.
• Chips with Garlic Aioli - great chips, double great dipping sauce.
• Pork Schnitzels, fresh breadcrumbs, parmesan and parsley, creamy mash, broccolini, apple compote and jus - perhaps a little too big for lunch, but too yummy to stop. Everything great on it's own, but a little bit of everything on a bite way way better.
• Barramundi Fillets, beer battered, garden salad, chips, lemon and tartare sauce - not the first fish you'd think to 'fish & chip' but it's a great piece of fish and was definitely treated a bit more gently than your average flake.
• Chicken and Mushroom Gnocchi, bacon, spinach, creamy sauce with basil, pesto and parmesan - looked good across the table, all consumed.

We enjoyed our lunch, we enjoyed the view but we enjoyed being with our friend a whole lot more.  If we're in the area again (unlikely anytime soon, but never say never, right?) and in need of a very laid back lunch we'd certainly have Pipers close to the top of the list of possibilities.

Stay JOLLY!
DKaren