Christmas in July function - Friday 16th & Saturday 17th July 2010

• 3 course dinner, smorgasbord of traditional Christmas fare and condiments. 
• Friday 16th & Saturday 17th July.
• $50 per head $25 children under 12.
• Bookings essential. 

West Gippsland first Bistronomic venue!

The Outpost Retreat is quintessential Noojee – a venue that seamlessly blends history and tradition with the regions relaxed lifestyle.

However, regardless of how comfortable, intimate or relaxed the atmosphere is, this is not what keeps the crowds coming back.  This establishment draws the crowds for one very good reason – its inventive modern cuisine.   John and Barb Snelling, owners of The Outpost Retreat, are joining the trend of top Chefs from around the world who are converting their restaurants into a more bistro inspired venue.  This new style of menu and direction for the restaurant will mean that instead of ‘a la carte’ dining, diners will now be able to experience West Gippsland’s first Bistronomic venue!  So what is a Bistronomic venue?

Bistronomy is the art of good eating and drinking.  Fabulous food and wine in a relaxed atmosphere.

Head chef, John Snelling, presides over a seasonal menu that features entrees such as Noojee Smoked Trout Pate accompanied with sour cream panna cotta and pickled vegetables, and mains such as a roasted pork belly topped with masala sauce and served with apple and apple balsamic puree.  The dessert menu is sure to tempt you with some mouth watering selections however you can’t go past the Jindi Brie & Strawberry Gum Panna Cotta.

John has endeavoured to use as much local produce in the menu as possible.  The area is abundant in fresh trout, salmon, pork, beef, venison, quail as well as organic vegetables and herbs which can be hand-picked just minutes from the restaurant.  Although fine ingredients are just the beginning, you have to know what to do with them and John and his team most certainly do.  The Outpost Retreat now has a string of awards including being a winner at last years’ Victorian Tourism Awards and receiving a Chef’s Hat for three years running.

Whether you are after casual pub dining in the Toolshed or dinner in a relaxed setting in the restaurant, the place to go to indulge in great food and wine is The Outpost Retreat.

The Outpost Retreat - absolutely delicious, beautifully cooked and terrific value!

Best Regional Eat!

Respected Herald Sun food critic Stephen Downes has revealed his best restaurants of the past year in Victoria.  Taking out the accolade for best Regional Eat is the Outpost Retreat at Noojee. 

His comments are as follows:

"You wouldn’t think fine Italian food goes with an Aussie bush ambience. But somehow, the paradox doesn’t interfere with your enjoyment at The Outpost Restaurant. A century old farmhouse of timber slabs, its walls are of corrugated iron. Rusty old farm iron is a decor feature.  But you tuck into such platings as wonderfully light and creamy house-made gnocchi draped in a wild boar stew, or half a small chicken with a tasty sludge of porcini mushroom slices and tomatoes. A huge fire burns in the red brick hearth and the whole package is hospitality at its best." (Reviewed in July).

**As per Herald Sun article dated Tuesday the 26th of May 2009

The Outpost Retreat Wins Victorian Tourism Award!

Local business ‘The Outpost Retreat' has taken out the Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services Award at the Melbourne Airport 2008 Victorian Tourism Awards.

More than 120 businesses and individuals from across the State vied for top honours at the prestigious awards held on the 17 th of November 2008 at Crown in Melbourne.

As a Victorian Tourism Award winner, The Outpost Retreat will go on to represent Victoria at the 2008 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards to be held in Melbourne on the 27 th of February 2009.

The Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Tim Holding, congratulated the team from The Outpost Retreat on their achievement. “The awards recognise tourism businesses striving for excellence and The Outpost Retreat was judged best in their field”, Mr Holding said. “The awards reinforce the enormous value of tourism to the community, highlight the great experiences on offer across Victoria and recognise the hard work of tourism operators who go that extra step to provide their guests with a quality experience”.

The Outpost Restaurant retains
The Age Good Food Guide Chefs Hat Award

We are thrilled to be once again awarded with this coverted award.
Below is an article that appears in the latest Age good Food Guide.

The Outpost Retreat
38 Loch Valley Road, Noojee 5628 9669
Modern regional

15/20

So many country restaurants pay lip service to the idea of regionality, but Noojee's Outpost Retreat is the real deal, The menu's front page boasts a lengthy list of all the good and diverse local stuff that chef John Snelling tracks down and puts to excellent use in his remotely located restaurant.

There's little doubt the concept - and the hard work - is paying off.- the large, rustic dining room with its almost honey country styling (complete with faux veranda over the bar) is usually packed with a convivial crowd being well looked after by competent, enthusiastic floor staff. The cooking takes its cues from Europe. Tasmanian salmon gravlax might be dressed with mustard and Noojee, honey; tiger prawns are sauteed in local organic butter; even the fig and date chutney served with locally branded, wonderfully juicy quail is from a nearby producer.

Hereford and Red Angus beef sourced from West Gippsland is a highlight but you might also be treated to milk-fed kid flavoured with tarragon from neighbouring gardens.

Desserts - perhaps a chestnut and frangipane torte - are equally skilful and emphasise how clever cooking and local produce have made the Outpost Retreat one of the region's true food stars.

Open Fri–Sun noon-5pm; Thurs–Sun 6-11 pm
Typical prices E $20 M $33 D $14
Cards AE DC MC V Eftpos
Wine Reasonably priced, user-friendly list that highlights (literally) Gippsland wines
Owners John & Barb Snelling
Chef John Snelling
Seats 100; outdoor seating; bar
www.theoutpostretreat.com
Map Page 271 VicRoads 80 H8