Food, Wine and Travel

Simone's of Bright

98 Gavan St, Bright, Victoria.
(03) 5755 2266

Out There magazine - Issue 25

People come from far and wide to sample Patrizia Simone’s cooking, such is the reputation she established over 18 years at a motel restaurant in the Victorian town of Bright. A few years ago, she and husband George, who takes care of the front of house, moved to their present location in a charming old house that was once a doctor’s surgery. Umbrian-born Patrizia draws on local produce to cook what she describes as “traditional Italian recipes, often with an Australian twist”. Her popular rabbit dish, for example, is boned even though the dish is traditionally served unboned. Beautifully moist, it is rolled in pancetta and served with two large spinach and herb gnocchi. The best way to kick off the meal is with an antipasto plate that saves having to make decisions when everything on the menu sounds great. Big enough for two, it brings together at least half a dozen of the restaurant’s specialities, including caramelised vegetable tart, calamari gratin, chestnut soup with a splash of rum, and pumpkin and sage filled cannelloni. There are tiramisu, zabaglione and other treats for dessert, but it is hard to go past the gelati made in-house in flavours such as rum and raisin, apple and Baci chocolate. Prices are on the high side ($17 for entrées, around $32 for mains) but the integrity of the dishes makes this a memorable experience.

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