Following the success of recent pop-ups, family-owned boutique winery Avani Wines today announced guest chef, Harry Mangat (Biji Dining), will return to the Mornington Peninsula from January 7 for a jam-packed Summer Series, accompanied by great wine and a few surprise guests to match.
Tucked away in the idyllic surrounds of Red Hill, Avani Wines will play host to leisurely lunches as Harry takes over the kitchen, serving up a contemporary, seasonal menu inspired by the diversity and evolution of Indian cuisine. Respecting timeless Indian traditions, while championing Indigenous ingredients like green ants, seaberry salt bush, karkalla (pigface), strawberry gum and finger lime, Harry will redefine what you think you know about Indian cuisine.
At $85 per person, dinners can expect an elevated five-course set menu, including a selection of snacks, and feature local produce from Torello and Barragunda Farms and an abundance of locally foraged ingredients handpicked from the familiar surrounds.
Diners can expect dishes like Southern-Indian lamb vada with coconut, curry leaf and salt bush; chutagi (traditional Ladakhi pasta) with scallops, burnt avocado, coriander oil, beach mustard and fermented green tomato juice; and masala pork with akhuni (fermented soybeans), green mango, wild fennel and chilli. For dessert, save some room for chhena poda, an Indian cheesecake baked with fig leaves, ginger, strawberry and Davidson plum.
On select days, Harry will be joined by an impressive line-up of Melbourne chefs as they join forces for one-off collaborations which will see a collision of different flavours, cuisines and cultures, set against a backdrop of greenery and rolling hills. Names like Dennis Yong (Furrmien), Thi Le (Anchovy), Rosheen Kaul (Etta) and Tom Sarafian (of Sarafian hummus acclaim). Priced at $110 per person, the standalone lunches are sure to impress.
Wine will come at an additional charge and feature Avani’s cool climate Syrah and more playful Amrit range. Expect to taste their new release 2021 Amrit Red Hill South Chardonnay, as well as their Amrit Skin-Contact Pinot Gris, which will showcase just how well Indian spices and flavours can be seamlessly paired with the right wine to match.
Raised in New Delhi, Harry has made a name for himself in Melbourne over the years by shifting the perception of what Australian-Indian cooking can be. With a curiosity and fondness for native ingredients, and his ability to embrace cultural traditions and new techniques, Harry hopes to continue this food exploration in different settings.
Of the partnership, Harry said, “I’m excited to be back in Mornington Peninsula and for the opportunity to reignite this special collaboration with Avani—a place that feels like home.”
He continued, “My love of food is mirrored by Avani’s passion for wine and together we look forward to creating a really memorable experience that can be enjoyed with friends and family.”
The Summer Series at Avani Wines will return for lunches between 7 January to 14 February and is now taking bookings.
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