With Farmer's Daughters, Alejandro has created a cultural and culinary embassy that showcases the diversity of the nearby Gippsland region in a true farm-to-table experience on three levels from which to choose.
The philosophy
Melbourne is the gastronomic capital of Australia, no small distinction in such a large country that has been doing a lot of talking in recent years, with really interesting gastro-cultural growth. And if you can soar among these dimensions, it means you're worth it. There are countless notable restaurants in the main city of the state of Victoria, and among them without a doubt we can count Farmer's Daughters by chef Alejandro Saravia.
Over the years he has become famous for introducing Peruvian cuisine to Australian gastronomic culture, as well as being a passionate ambassador for the regional products of his home state, Victoria precisely. Latin America has been a great passion of his since he attended culinary school in Peru at the age of 16; from there followed an internship in New York, Barcelona, Paris, London and Sydney, including the renowned Sails on Lavender Bay and working with Heston Blumenthal at The Fat Duck in London.
His acclaimed gastronomic concept is to be found in the prestigious CBD (Central Business District) at 80 Collins in Melbourne, this is where he opened in January 2021. With Farmer's Daughters, Alejandro has created a cultural and gastronomic embassy that showcases the diversity of the nearby Gippsland region in a true farm-to-table experience on three levels from which to choose.
Back in 2017 Alejandro became the official food and wine ambassador for fertile, wine-growing Gippsland in the wake of the Renascence Gippsland program focused on promoting this rich Victorian region widely known as Victoria's food bowl.
He has always explored the breadth of Victoria, spending time with farmers, growers, producers and artisans, absorbing their passion and knowledge. He fell in love with it and made it a concrete philosophy based on fresh seasonal produce that is inspired by this state and tells the stories of its seasons, people and flavors.
The restaurants and menus
In Farmer's Daughters, for the past few years, diners can also experience the same exploration, from lunch to dinner, in a brightly-lit restaurant popular with locals and the many tourists given its central location. The proposition unfolds through three levels: on the ground floor is the Deli, where the all-day edible experience with an a la carte menu, on the second floor the “Restaurant” takes diners on the journey through Gippsland with a seasonal tasting menu, and on the Rooftop one can experience the wine bar that showcases the best wines (some definitely very good) from the same region accompanied by shared dishes. The format works and is lively and dynamic, as well as enjoyable and inviting.
From the vegetable gardens of the Western Plains to the fruits of the Murray, from the waters of the Great Ocean Road to the vineyards of the High Country, the ever-evolving menu serves up Vicotrian flavors by bringing to light the stories of some of the most valiant and specialized producers, united by their love of their land.
A wide-ranging proposal closely linked to the territory for real, a cuisine therefore not only of taste but also has meaning. Starting with pine mushroom, celeriac, hazelnut and stracciatella broth to baked alpine trout with mountain bell pepper cream and its caviar, from homemade bread with fermented butter and Tambo Valley honey to sumptuous seared goat accompanied by potato, garlic and chestnut confit, from soft pork with pear and bell bell pepper to grilled O'Connor beef with Jerusalem artichoke and white onion.
In addition there is the new Victoria by Farmer's Daughters, the second restaurant in Melbourne located in the iconic Fed Square overlooking the Yarra River, which showcases the best seasonal produce from all over the state of Victoria: large floor plan, perfect place to hold events and conferences such as the last one we attended during ATE24 (Australian Tourism Exchange).
And finally for those who will also be visiting Sydney, know that Alejandro Saravia in 2024 opened Morena, a Latin American restaurant at 1 Martin Place in the metropolis, where he highlights the traditions and flavors of the cuisines that make up the diverse Latin American cultures.
Info
Farmer's Daughters
Address: 95 Exhibition Street, 80 Collins Precinct, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone: +61 3 9116 8682
Web: www.farmersdaughters.com.au
Email: info@farmersdaughters.com.au
