in the Hills

"I had this

gorgeous baby

and I would get

very homesick"

Judy explains,

"Philippe was

La Pé t a n q u e

working very

long hours. I

came home to

R

E

S

T

A

U

R

A

N

T

Geelong with

Léa a few times.

When Léa was

three we spent

two months here

hillip and Judy Marquet at La Petanque

with my family.

"There are fantastic berries,

When I went back to France I

fruit, wine, cheese and

said to Philippe "I'm ok now,

vegetables just around the

I've got it out of my system, I'm

corner as well as high quality

right to stay in France" and he

olive oil. In addition we also grow

said "Oh really, I was thinking we

our herbs and some vegetables."

could go to Australia to live." So

In a small cottage, built around

in December 2001 the couple

1890, a stones throw from the

relocated to Australia.

restaurant; Judy has created a

After a short stint in Geelong

home wares shop continuing

Philippe and Judy were keen to

the theme of southern French

move to Sydney but heard of

style. Judy stocks furniture as

Pierre Khodja at the Albert Street

well as gorgeous stainless steel

Restaurant in Mornington who

Breil jewellery from Italy, the very

HOMEWARES BOUTIQUE

was looking for a Front of House

stylish range of home wares from

Manager. Even though Judy had

grown up across the bay she had  Australian designer Fink and Co.

Open Daily

and L'Occitane skincare made in

never been to the Peninsula.

the south of France. Fabulous

"We loved it from that first

French style champagne

day, the drive from the ferry at

buckets sit alongside baskets

Sorrento to Mornington was

of all shapes and sizes as well

beautiful, I thought if we lived

as cleverly designed frames,

here it would be like being on

holidays" says Judy. "So Philippe  journals and Paris designed gifts

for men. Philippe tells me "On

took the job in Mornington and

the first day she opened I said

we moved to Mt Martha."

to a customer "We also have

Modern South of France Cuisine

Settled on the Peninsula,

a shop" now she says to her

Philippe next moved to

customers "you know we also

Montalto Restaurant before he

NOW OPEN EVERYDAY FOR LUNCH

have a restaurant."

found the site for La Petanque

THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY FOR DINNER

Philippe loves his new

and realised his dream of having

EXTENDED HOURS ON SUMMER HOLIDAYS

home "Its very simple but

his own fine dining restaurant.

most of all I really love the

Philippe had a very set idea of

BOOKINGS: 5931 0155

drive across from Mt Martha,

what he wanted to do.

I never get bored of it, it's

"Food from the South of France

1208 MORNINGTON FLINDERS RD

like Provence, you drive and

with dishes influenced by the

MAIN RIDGE

MEL:190 D8

there is a little bit of light that

flavours of Provence. Using

is just magical."

traditional techniques together

Judy adds "I love the hills, and

with a modern adaptations, for

I love the fact that we have

instance a cassoulet, but instead

two bays and a surf beach.

of a very rich recipe, putting it

Our customers are some of the

together with a nice piece of

most interesting people I have

Blue Eye, scales of chorizo,

ever met, diverse and from all

shallots, parsley, capers, and

different walks of life. We often

verjuice vinaigrette on the side to

chat about travels in France. The

lighten it up. This is what we are

sense of community is amazing

trying to do at La Petanque."

and the locals have given us so

The menu is led by the seasons

much support.

and the local produce.

We have customers that come

Head chef Keith Boulton sources

back every week, sometimes

all the local produce available on

twice a week!"

the Peninsula.

- Emily Davenport

99

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