Salix is part of the Willow Creek Vineyard, and on a recommendation of a girlfriend who just KNOWS the kind of thing I like, we booked dinner there on the Friday night to kick off our Mornington weekend of bliss.
Many vineyards in Victoria are just gorgeous – we are pretty spoilt for choice in terms of wineries on our end of the world – but Salix was particularly sublime when driving up to it just before the sunset, the glow of the sun just cast over the vast grape fields.
I’m sure it helped that it was just about devoid of any other people – we had obviously come at the right time.
We had a really lovely short walk around the vineyard and watched the sun dancing on the lovely roses around us. I know, I know, it sounds like hogwash but it was LOVELY!
prancing around in the gardens!
S showing his love for agapanthas. (he hates them with a vengeance)
aww.
After a short stroll, we sat down by our full glass window seat and enjoyed a spectacular meal as we watched the sun set, over some truly lovely conversation.
S' entree - charcuterie
my entree - oysters NOMNOMNOM
side dishes - potatoes and heavenly mushrooms
my main - the delicious duck
S chose the steak. It. Was. Amazing.
Let me just tell you. I’m no food critic, but I’m pretty well versed at the fine dining thing, and that steak, I’m still thinking about it. It wasn’t as good as my out of body Rockpool experience, but it was certainly VERY high on my list of perfect steaks I’ve eaten. I almost wrestled S for his meal but that’s not what ladies do in nice restaurants.
I kicked him in the shin under the table instead until he let me have more bites.
More gratuitous photo taking because I brought the good camera and I was determined to get better with it.
oh HAI HANDSOME MAN *shy smile*
S is getting better with the camera too!
So pleased that S loved the first outfit I put on for this weekend away – a bloody awesome steal too at AUD$10 from Kuala Lumpur. So very pleasing and comfortable (read: baggy) enough for big meals. 
And lastly:
what's not to love about a man who wants to spoil you all weekend and all your life?!
Salix Restaurant (not the bistro) was INCREDIBLY pleasing and such a gorgeous way to start the weekend after the hustle and bustle of driving up after work. Watching the sun set over great wines, luscious food and in beautiful greenery was just sublime, especially with wonderful conversation and date night excitement. HIGHLY recommended.
Go. YOU MUST GO.
And order the steak. That’s what I’ll be getting next time!
Details:
166 Balnarring Road, Merricks North 3926
Victoria, Australia (Melway Ref. 162 H9)
Salix Restaurant
12noon – 3pm daily; 6pm – 11pm Friday and Saturday
ph. 03 5989 7640
Glad you enjoyed it! Photos look fabulous!!!
xoxo
K&L
[...] an amazing weekend away with S (also written about here and here and more to come!) – and 2 weeks later still glowing from it. We were long overdue [...]