One of my BFF's Peggy is the same and last year we decided that we needed to take some time out and celebrate the fact that we do run our own business and go out for a fancy pants lunch once a month. We put on our Sunday best and a bit more make up than usual and off we go. Months ago we booked Loam in Drysdale which has been on the wish list for quite some time but never seemed to happen. It was looking a bit scary there with sick kids but we managed to get everyone healthy and off to school.
I love the fact that we can drive 20 minutes out of Geelong and be out in the country and be treated to such a beautiful spot. Loam recently won best regional restaurant in Victoria making it extra fabulous.
The building is set amongst the olive groves and has a lovely view through the huge glass windows. It was a cold day so the fire was burning and we were in heaven. I really like that they don't cram the tables in so we didn't have to listen in on all our neighbours chit chat.
The idea at Loam is that you are given a card listing what is in season for the month and the items highlighted in black is what you may get served. We were given a few minutes to peruse and see if there was anything we didn't eat. We were both happy with the entire offering and were happy to be fed whatever came our way. We did however need an explanation of 2 items, Salsify which is an edible European plant of the daisy family, with a long root like that of a parsnip and Samphire a European plant of the parsley family that grow on rocks and cliffs by the sea.
This is what we received for starters, I just adore the presentation of the local Port Arlington mussels in the tin and they were divine.
Course Number 1 :
Marron, melon, turnip, macadamia and celery, it was an incredibly lovely, delicate dish.
Snapper, tomato seeds, salted lemon and samphire (amazing flavour)
Course Number 3:
Pork jowl, watercress, pear and lettuce hearts
Berries, rhubarb, pine needle yoghurt, (yum), wild fennel and milk
We finished with these delightfully teensy delicious morsels of lemon tart
We thoroughly enjoyed our Luscious Ladies Lunch out at Loam and would go back in a heart beat. It is a perfect special occasion restaurant and would be a great impressive date spot. I would very much like to do a 7 or 10 course matched with wines and a driver on hand.
The service was impeccable, our waitress was friendly and knowledgeable and seemed very passionate about the food which is always a great sign of a good establishment.
If you decide to go you will need to book months in advance but is well worth the wait.
