When Yarra Valley resident and chef Jessie Rae Crossley opened her business Locavore Studio in 2015, her mission was to champion local seasonal produce and hero the magic that happens in the valley. These days her business has expanded to include a restaurant, a providore and on-site roastery for all your coffee needs plus a catering service.
You’ll find Lovacore studio on Lilydale’s Main Street; a menu crafted by Head Chefs Kyle Noll and Ryan Lunch, it’s local and sustainable food practices here.
Jessie Rae Crossley spoke to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
Living regionally in the Yarra Valley, I am extremely lucky to have some of Victoria’s finest establishments at my doorstep. Among the rolling hills of the Valley, it holds many fantastic wineries, restaurants and food businesses that are run by such passionate humans. I was lucky enough to grow up in this area and start my career cooking in the heart of this region at Yering Station. The community out here is one I have yet to find anywhere in my travels; a group of hospitable people who all band together and support one another. I think the most important aspect of running any business is the support from your neighbours and that is something that is abundant in this region. The people, the food and the landscape, you just cannot beat it.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
As a Chef, it is very hard to choose just one memory that stands out. In my very early days of being a qualified Chef (2012), I ventured out to the Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld. At the time Chef, Dan Hunter was heading the kitchen along with Scott Huggins making an unbeatable team serving unbeatable food. Dan Hunter has always been a chef I admire and follow and this was a very special dining experience. Although there wasn’t a specific dish that I can remember, I just remember how seamlessly the food Flowed with each dish complimenting the next and the wine being perfectly matched.
FAVOURITE BAR
A little bar recently opened on the main street of Healesville, Cavanagh’s Whisky & Alehouse. These guys have been secretly killing it and have now opened the extraordinary four-seater restaurant, Emerald City. After stopping by after a rather large winery hopping day, I stumbled upon the peach sour. It has been my go-to ever since and is bang on every time.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
I seem to go straight to rosé every time I come back to this question. Bright, light and vibrant. Rosé is a wine I enjoy in the sunshine and always with food. On most sunny days, you can find me enjoying a glass of rosé with some snacks.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
My dirty little secret is fried dim sims. I have no idea why but these cure me every time. Certainly not a culinary adventure but sometimes it’s the simple things that work best.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
Sonny in Hobart. I’m a regular for quick weekends away and every time I visit, I always stop into Sonny. The moment you walk in, the wafts of garlic seem to hit making me extremely hungry. The menu always consists of oysters, a pasta dish and gorgeous shaved prosciutto on a fresh baguette with daily-rotating toppings and other delights, however, those three menu items will always be ordered to my table.
FAVOURITE WINE
I have recently come across the Tarrawarra Pinot Noir I Block. It’s super juicy and delicious, but sadly the last vintage, so jump onto it before it sells out.
FAVOURITE WINERY
TarraWarra is our current go-to – not only is the wine one of my favourites, but they have the most stunning views in the valley with a piazza-style balcony amongst peppercorn trees where you can sit casually, order some vino and a cheese platter and sit back, relax and admire the rolling hills. A true local favourite as well as a beautifully set up winery. They have an incredible fine dining restaurant attached if you’re feeling fancy or a museum to wander around exploring. The cellar door is also a highlight, set into the hill, creating this luxe tasting room that wine dreams are made of.
NEXT DESTINATION
I’m yet to have visited the Barossa Valley, so my next getaway will be exploring that beautiful region.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO OPEN LOCAVORE STUDIO IN LILYDALE
To create a space where passionate foodies can come and learn, grow and enjoy what the Yarra Valley has to offer. I always set out to focus on creating an environment first and foremost that supports young people in their growth in hospitality but also to share this passion with the community. Over the years, this dream has grown and learnt itself in many ways through supporting many other young local businesses to share their dreams and skills.
HOW DO DRINKS PAIR WITH THE MENU
Our focus is local first which dictates our wine list and beverage offering. Victoria has a plethora of fantastic booze and we can’t help but celebrate this. The wines we match with our food are always fun, bold, and juicy and the spirits in our cocktails not only enhance the delicious drink but hold the wonderful stories of the producers.
WE RECKON YOU TRY: The Cherry Negroni on the cocktail list; a Paparazzi Pinot Gris from the Yarra Valley and if you ain’t drinking – the mocktail list will win you over – opt for the Raspberry Shrub Sour. We also love that their wine list comes with not just the varietal and vineyard, but the winemaker gets a mention too.
www.locavorecatering.com.au