We have just returned from an excellent long lunch at Andrew’s golf club. He’s been a member of Yarra Yarra for many years and it’s the first time in a couple of years, we have gone to a social function after lockdowns. Admittedly, attending these functions always have a bit of trepidation and anxiety knowing that I’m in a room with many other people so the potential of catching covid is something at the back of my mind always.

Today there was a representative from the Scotchman’s Hill winery from the Bellarine Peninsula who talked about the wines that were being served during lunch. It was interesting to learn how climate change is impacting the wineries in Australia and also the history of the winery (it has nothing to do with the Brown Brothers which is a huge name in wines in Australia. This is the Browne (with an ‘e’ family and no relation to the wine dynasty).

Nevertheless I was enjoying the Pinot Gris and the Shiraz like no tomorrow. I was enjoying both mine – and Andrew’s – as he was the designated driver.

The menu was superb. Entree was the snapper with a sauce made out of the Pinot Gris, the poached egg on top just made the sauce that thicker and richer but at no stage was the wine overpowering the food or vice versa.

The beef cheek for the main was superb. It had a bit of a smoky outer layer as it was barbecued but so soft on inside. The sauce again created by the same wine Shiraz sauce.

There was no dessert but we all each had a great cheese platter with some chocolate that I attacked with gusto.

We enjoyed chatting with the people at our table. Everyone was friendly and chatty. I met a couple of members who were 50+ year members of the club learning of the history of the place. It’s quite sobering to realise that these people became members of a place since 1971 or even earlier because their parents were members of that club since the 1950s.

It made me realise that in Australia, a majority of people can’t say this. Very few places have such long connections to place and a sport – maybe except for say, football clubs or the Melbourne Cricket Club which you need to wait years on end to get on the wait list for membership.

While I was at the lunch today, many asked why I hadn’t joined Yarra Yarra over Woodlands (where I’m awaiting my membership to be approved). Part of the reason is that I have a girlfriend part of Woodlands and I’ve already started to have friendships with the ladies at Woodlands which is about a 20minute drive versus Yarra Yarra which is close to our home. Who knows, when I’m in my 80s, I may need to change and go to a closer club! 🤣 Until then, I’m quite happy to go to Yarra Yarra as a guest of my husband.

So a good afternoon today but now, I’m stuffed. Too much good food and wine – this is what I love.