dotheyarravalley.com.au

If you’ve never tried traditional Polish food, then your life is not complete. We recommend you take a trip to Warburton and discover one of the hidden treats of the Yarra Valley – The Polish Jester.

Now there are many things that make the Polish Jester unique, there’s the location, a stones throw from the Yarra river. Then there’s the delicious variety of Polish food that’s on offer. To cap it off, the owner, Kristof Kaczmarek, just happens to be an actor of some note. Now you may not recognise the name, but if you think his face looks a little familiar, then you have probably seen him in one of his many TV performances. He has appeared in such shows as, City Homicide, Stingers, Blue Heelers, The Genie from Downunder, to mention a few. His feature films include a leading role in The Sound of One Hand Clapping, First Strike and A Fortunate Life. Kristof graduated in 1977 with a Master of Arts from the National Academy of Film, TV and Theatre in Lodz, Poland, so when it comes to performing he knows what he’s doing. He also knows a lot about Polish food and that’s good news for food lovers!

The Polish Jester offers the best in traditional Polish dishes including, Bigos -the hunters stew, Zurek, Golabki (Stuffed Cabbage), and a variety of Polish dumplings. Kristof’s wife Beata does the majority of the cooking and says, she has developed her recipes, “on a mixture of childhood memories and the quest for the perfect flavour.” Beata has generously shared her recipe for Bigos – download it here and try it for yourself.

	For bookings call (03) 5966 9339
	The Polish Jester is open: Thursday & Friday 5pm till late. Saturday & Sunday – midday till late.
	3416 Warburton Highway Warburton VIC 3799

Riverstone Winery is located just off the Maroondah Highway next to the Yarra River in Coldstream, RiverStone Estate produces quality wines and we are very partial to their desert wines. The Semillon Botrytis and Tokay are a real treat and here’s a tip right from the outset. Put a bottle of their Tokay in the freezer. Because of the high alcohol content it will not freeze but becomes a syrup that you can drizzle over your favourite desert. As Lola Berry would say, “Yumo!”

The Estate restaurant has a modern Australian menu with a focus on relaxed dining. Guests can choose from a range of appetisers and mains including the dinosaur T-bone steak, Venison, Barramundi or Kangaroo are just some of the choices. They have childrens meals and some of the most delicious cakes and deserts this side of the Black Spur. They also cater for weddings, parties, corporate functions and social clubs.

Tastings are free and you can sample their wines whilst enjoying an antipasto platter in front of one of the most spectacular views in the Yarra Valley.

Riverstone Estate has recently opened 4 rooms offering Bed & Breakfast, which is perfect if you are attending a function at the restaurant or would just like to stay and enjoy the peace of the Yarra Valley. Riverstone is just down the road from Rochford, so if you are planning to attend one of their outdoor concerts, Riverstone is a perfect place to spend the night.

With sweeping views of the Yarra Valley, award winning wine and a superb Mediterranean style Restaurant, it’s hard to beat Tokar Estate for an afternoon or evening visit to the Yarra Valley.

The winery is the brain child of Leon and Rita Tokar who originally purchased the property as a weekend retreat from the stress of city living. They took up permanent residence with the completion of their home in 1999.  According to Leon things just gradually evolved. “We used the new home as a cellar door, the wine flowed as Rita prepared and served a delicious light lunches for family and friends. These occasions were not only extremely popular, they were so personally rewarding for both of us that the idea of making wines and meals on a larger scale seemed the next logical step. This resulted in the ‘creation’ of what we now proudly call Tokar Estate.”

	Lunch – 7 days a week from 12:00pm Dinner – Saturday Evenings from 6:30pm. Sunday – Friday Evenings for bookings of 20 or more, by prior arrangement.			6 Maddens Lane Coldstream, VIC 3770 Melways Ref: 276 K9
	The Restaurant offers stylish cuisine, peppered with strong Mediterranean influences, featuring local Yarra Valley produce.			For bookings phone: (03) 5964 9585