Ballarat In The Know with Mick Nunn

Salt’s bacon, salami, prosciutto, terrines and more, are the result of a labour of love, patience, and passion. The delicious and high-quality produce is in high demand across regional Victoria and, in fact, the entire country.  

Where are your favourite places to eat out when you have friends or family visiting you, and why?

Ballarat has never been a more exciting place to eat, and I love to show ‘out of towners’ what’s happening here.  

A few of my favourites

At underbar Chef Derek Boath and his team create a dining experience that is the equivalent to any hatted restaurant in the country. The food is intricate, clever, seasonal, and inventive and the wine selections and service compliment perfectly.  

Ragazzone is great Italian that’s modern and exciting. Pasta that is made with care and attention, great selection of delicious ‘antipasti’ and small plates and chef/part owner Andre McLoughlin also curates an interesting wine list with nods to both local and Italian producers.  

Johnny Alloo is a little slice of a Melbourne neighbourhood café in Ballarat. Great coffee, cool breakfast spot or even for something tasty to take with you.  

What do you like to do when you have visitors?  

The Ballarat Farmers Market on Lake Wendouree continues to grow and get better. It has a bit of everything from a buttery toastie from Tim’s Toasties to a bottle of Australian botanical gin from Kilderkin Distillery. I also love watching the Doggies play at Mars Stadium when they’re in town as well.  

If you want a nature fix with your visitors, where do you go?  

I’ve been lucky to have friends visit from overseas recently, they all wanted to see a kangaroo. There are a couple of roo families that seem to reside in Canadian and out next to the Bostock Reservoir. You might even be lucky enough to see an echidna too. I love to show visitors the lakes that surround our region. Obviously, Lake Wendouree is the town’s showpiece but there are some great waterholes in almost every direction to have a picnic, go walking or even try to catch some trout for dinner.  

Are there any hidden gems that you like to share with your visitors?  

Wine bars and fancy sandwiches have exploded recently in Ballarat. Bars like Midtown Cellars and Ellington’s have quenched our thirst and Earl’s Deli and Pat’s Sandwiches have filled our forever hungry bellies.  

What do you love most about Ballarat? If you were talking to someone who isn’t from here – what would you say?  

The historic architecture in Ballarat is beautiful. I still love standing at any of the Lydiard Street intersections and admiring that street. The story of the town’s gold rush has been told, but I love when people reinvent these beautiful spaces into something modern, exciting, and relevant. 

Visit: Salt Kitchen Charcuterie to see what Mick has on offer and Ballarat in the know for more venues across Ballarat