Oliver’s Garden - Moonee Ponds

Date: Tuesday 30^th November 2010

Restaurant: Oliver’s Garden

Address: The Strand, Queens Park - Moonee Ponds

Phone: 03 9372 0438

Commentary: Sarah Andrew

A picturesque cottage is the focal point of the park with its idyllic surrounds, which is now home to Oliver’s Gardens (a newish café that was once Max’s at Queens Park). A gravel path surrounds the lake where seats and picnic tables are provided beneath old established exotic trees. A rose garden and a sunken garden are part of the many attractions of the park. Concerts and other entertainments are common on weekends.

Oliver’s Garden offers the lot: indoor and outdoor dining; park surrounds; kids playground nearby; dog owners catered for; lovely breakfast and lunch menu; functions and private bookings catered for; good coffee and an enticing selection of wine by the glass.

This is a sister venue to Pepper Café in Flemington (44 Pin Oak Crescent), and manager Maggie Mildenhall has moved across from Pepper Café to offer a great service which no doubt will pump over the summer months given its location and offering.

I have dropped in during lunch time on a sunny day and every outdoor table and chair has been occupied. I am yet to try out the breakfast menu (but will do in the next month), however I had the opportunity to meet a friend there yesterday for lunch. We both opted for the tasting plate that consisted of Brie, cubes of feta, olives, anchovies, prosciutto, capers, caper berries and bread.

Each lunch selection has a recommended wine by the glass, and as tempting as this was we opted for coffee as busy afternoons followed our lunch. I would love to go back on a day that I could have an extended lunch and enjoy a glass of wine with my food in such tranquil surroundings.

This venue would make for a great choice for a gathering of family or friends or a special celebration. The period building has been respected with its recent make-over, and in a short period of time (the current owners have only been in residence for a few months) a regular following of customers has evolved.

With a focus on fresh produce, local suppliers and boutique products, this venue runs by a recipe for success. This is definitely worth a visit if you have not been before. The venue is open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week and Maggie is available to discuss functions and private bookings should you be tempted!