Thanks to an artist’s inspiration over 70 years ago, the very heart of Europe seemingly beats just 26 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD. Tanja Bulatovic went in search of some regional cuisine, but found an entire region of Europe instead…
Australia’s oldest artist colony Montsalvat gives you a sense of having stepped into the heart of Provincial France. This cultural icon of Melbourne was born out of painter and architect Justus Jörgensen’s dream to create and build a melting pot for artistic pursuits. According to legend, the artist, who exuded a palpable presence, described Montsalvat as his “fortress for ideas, his palace for work, and tomb for his body”.
The breathtakingly beautiful grounds and architecture, open to the public, are well worth a visit, and with a bit of luck, your exploration might be punctuated with some ‘Resident Artist’-spotting, such as encountering the well-loved Matcham Skipper (sculptor/jeweller), and distinguished David Brown (violin/Japanese flute maker). But Montsalvat’s tour of the creative senses would not be complete if you accidentally bypassed Montsalvat’s café, which is about to change its name to “The Meeting Pot”.
On any chilly Melbourne winters day, expect to be warmly welcomed into The Meeting Pot by classical music, a 2001 Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz from the Grampians and a stunning array of dishes, such as the Scotch Fillet on a mustard grain mash with tomato and capsicum relish $24, or the marinated chicken breast with braised winter vegetables and a caramelised shallot cream sauce $22. Or simply sit and soak up the atmosphere with a cup of aromatic coffee and cake … you certainly wouldn’t be misguided in choosing the divine homemade pear and almond tart $6.
The venue is a blend of mud brick and recycled timber, crisp white tablecloths, and timber easels displaying specials of the day. The crowd – an attractive mix of colourful locals, eclectic tourists, and well known – and unknown – Australian actors and artists. And there’s a summer courtyard with rustic furniture and salvage style objects d’art peppered throughout, bringing to mind the nostalgic image of artists eating, drinking red wine, and
discussing every topic under the sun in the 1900s.
With a backdrop of classical music, over a Grampians 2001 Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz, there’s always the chance of encountering Sigmund Jörgensen, youngest son of Justus Jörgensen, who has been the chairman of the Montsalvat charitable trust since 1969. Chances are Sigmund may spare a moment to reveal his life-long passion for art, music, and the rich history of the breathtakingly beautiful grounds and architecture that constitute the magical majesty of Montsalvat.
At last, a spot for lovers of art, architecture, fine food and wine – this place will
truly nourish your soul!
Montsalvat is easy to find, just follow your heart, and the signs to:
7 Hillcrest Avenue, Eltham, Victoria.
Bookings: (03) 9431 2681
For further details, visit www.montsalvat.com.au
Email: functions@montsalvat.com.au for Weddings, Conferences, Private Functions,
Photographic and Film settings, Exhibitions & Concerts, Art Classes and more.
