VICTORIA HOTEL
WOODEND, VICTORIA

In the main street of Woodend, in the magestic Mt. Macedon region of country Victoria, they have reconstructed and beautifully restored the famous old Victoria Hotel near the clock tower in that charming town at the base of the ranges.

In 2004, the Melbourne Herald Sun voted their bistro’s Chicken Parmiagana the second best in the state after a contest involving 140 hotel restaurants.

Apart from that they have started producing their own sauces and chutneys and relishes. The best – from Chez & Veloute -- is a mango chutney. It is a blend of mangoes, sugar, salt, chilli, sultanas, vinegar, ginger, cloves and cinnamon.

And the class of the chutney fits because they are also a restaurant that sells Certified Angus Beef. And, in this part of the world, that imprimatur is increasingly important.

“Eric The Red”, the meat man who will grace the new Hinch’s Larder shortly with his succulent beef and pork cuts, dined with me recently at the Victoria Hotel in Woodend.

He ordered a T-bone steak and told me it was one of the best he had ever eaten. And this from a man who used to own the nearby Kyneton Abattoirs.

Another luncheon diner had the award-winning chicken parmagiana. I had one objection. They actually served the slab of chicken and sauce ON TOP of the French fries. Didn’t like that.

I did enjoy my lunch though. A great country feeling but with an international menu. For example: I had a “spiced Certified Angus sausage on Lebanese bread with salad and garlic sauce”.

And that “Angus” stamp at the Victoria Hotel in Woodend hits you again and with good reason. I am told they even have Angus Inspectors dropping in to protect the Angus name,

It’s not rubbish. ANGUS is a quality brand. I have argued for years that “King Island” cheese is a bit cheeky. A lot of milk for that cheese comes from Gippsland.

The Victoria Hotel is a great country pub. You can buy a pile of fish and chips or sausages and chips for your kids for $6.50. And then an ice-cream sundae with lollies for $3.50.

It is a great place. A friendly place. A wonderful country place.

I used to own a farm and vineyard at Mt. Macedon. Had not been back in five years until Easter 2004. Went back. A pilgrimage. Loved it. Will go back again.

And I am falling in love with Angus.