The Winey Cow - Mornington, Mornington Peninsula

Strange name but an excellent place for a big lunch, a snack, a coffee and cake or a wine. Not sure where the "Cow" comes in but maybe because steak is on the menu. I have no idea exactly how many restaurants line main street Mornington but it is a ridiculously large number. Add to the ridiculous number all the cafes, fast food stores, ice cream parlors in side streets and lane ways and it may well be the biggest concentration of gastronomic outlets on planet earth. Don't believe me, take the walk yourself.

While you are counting drop into The Winey Cow for a feed. Inside or out this is a very nice little cafe\restaurant to do some serious carbs loading. We ate with two others and all meals looked sensational. Better still all means tasted sensational. That's two out of two and possibly the only two real issues which matter. Service was reasonable and friendly and we got a table outside. They don't take booking, they don't need to. Just rock-up 30mins before you want to eat because you may have to wait for a seat. We didn't and got a top street spot.

Generally when cafes have live entertainment it is loud and awful. Not this time, Guitar Slim (my name for him not his name for him), kept the volume low and tunes easy. We only had mains but meals were good size and the food (as I have already said but well worth saying again) was top notch. Eat, drink, watch the human race stroll past while you get back in touch with nature by eating some of it. Forget the counting and Winey Cow yourself. I'm going back.

Ebenezer - Coffee and Wine - Black Rock, Victoria

How things cane change over the years. Where Sandringham and Brighton use to be "the place to live" but always too expensive, Black Rock was the place to go.  Now Black Rock on the beach has bloomed and has become the Lygon Street of the beach-side suburbs. Cafes a plenty line what use to be a very ordinary Beach Road front right near the clock. And a great eating strip it is too with lots of variety.

Bigger changes have occurred for one corner store. What many years ago was a chemist, run by a very friendly proprietor, turned florist and is now a restaurant.  Ebenezer, run be a also very friendly Uruguayan,  and his Manchester staff member, will serve you up some very nice food. Inside or out the dining and ambiance are fine. Outside you sit right up against Beach Road over looking the bay and underneath the clock. It can be a little noisy and a little windy but pick the right day and good food and a good time will be had by all.

We were out with our fine dinning in-laws and went for shared dished for four for entree. Then mains followed. If you are a big eater there is plenty of food. You will not go hungry. Depending when you dine there is street parking so problems there. The wine and beer list is extensive enough for even the pickiest drinker and the menu just sufficient for selections. Make a booking or take pot luck. There are six other eateries if you can't get in. Can't speak for the others but Ebenezer is a good bet.