Above: Billy Goat Hill Brasserie has something to tempt all diners.
MOUNT Evelyn’s newest restaurant, Billy Goat Hill Brasserie, has a stronger connection to the town than most people realise.
The newly opened boutique style eatery not only celebrates good food and service but has a deep link with Mount Evelyn’s past.
Billygoat Hill once formed part of what is now known as Mount Evelyn.
The brasserie is currently open for breakfast and lunch but is set to open its doors for dinner soon.
Located at shop four, 17 Wray Crescent, it’s a great option for those looking for a bit of modern regional cuisine in a relaxed boutique style atmosphere.
Owner and chef Reuben said the name for his restaurant ‘just came to him’.
His wife’s great-grandparents even lived at Billygoat Hill.
Reuben has worked at a number of restaurants across the Yarra Valley including the Healesville Hotel and Tarrawarra Estate, and in London.
The dream to open a brasserie came from a desire to offer and use fresh and locally grown produce.
Traditionally a brasserie is set in a café style setting and was used to sell beer and other produce and was a place for people to relax and enjoy the ambience.
They first became popular in France following the revolution with many chefs who had worked for nobility wanting to showcase their talents.
This led to numerous bistros, cafes and brasseries opening.
Reuben said in France brasseries where a great place for artists and poets to relax and many would play chess while enjoying a brew and some great food.
Over the years, brasseries have become more and more popular with chefs preferring the informal restaurant setting.
Billy Goat Hill has already proven to be the perfect spot for a relaxing scrumptious breakfast or lunch.
Ruben said the restaurant had “gone off with a bang”, since it opened two weeks ago.
He said everything from the restaurant was sourced locally and that he even used local construction crews to help fit out the brasserie.
“I even did some of the tiling myself if we couldn’t source it locally,” Reuben said.
Diners will not be disappointed with plenty of culinary delights on offer at the brasserie.
The menu has something for everyone from Zaatar beef croquettes with mustard seed aioli to a scrumptious serving of red wine Napoli brazed chicken Maryland with lemon myrtle risotto.
It also offers a range of daily fresh soup specials from pumpkin and coconut, prosciutto and broccoli to a celeriac veloutè to warm the soul on a cold winter’s day.
Those looking for something a little sweeter can choose from the delicious Scottish scones with vanilla raspberry jam Chantilly to a range of home made cakes, scones and slices.
The baked goods are made fresh every day and include rhubarb crumble and lime and poppy seed delights.
Reuben has also applied for a liquor licence and hopes to able to serve a selection of brews in the future.
The restaurant is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8.30am to 5pm.
