T'GALLANT - LA BARACCA TRATTORIA

1385 Mornington Flinders Rd, Main Ridge - ph: (03) 5989 6565

In a nutshell
Come here for: the ambiance, the wine tasting and the amazing gnocchi
Don't come here: on weekends throughout summer or public holidays, if you haven't made a reservation and don't like queuing up

Went on a day trip to Mornington Peninsula last weekend. Mornington is such a nice area and so close to Melbourne; I love going there for the wineries, restaurants, farmers' markets and beach.
T'Gallant hosts a winery, cellar door, bar and restaurant. The place is quite rustic and has a great vibe. And it's ALWAYS full. I've been here before without a booking and could only get a table at the bar (every time, after a long waiting period), where they serve pizzas and cafe-style food. This time, we decided to call in advance to make reservations and try their bistro, La Baracca Trattoria.

It was worth it. I chose the spinach and ricotta gnocchi served with duck and mustard. What a delicious dish! The gnocchi was soft and light, the duck cooked to perfection and the caramelised, sweet and sour sauce complemented the dish so well. Finally, crispy sage leaves on the top infused their aroma in the food and melted in the mouth.

Spinach and ricotta gnocchi with braised duck and mustard fruit ($26)

Garden leaves salad with shavings of pecorino cheese ($9)

Also ordered a garden leaves and pecorino salad that was really good. Lots of cheese topped with a refreshing citrus dressing.

Hubby chose one of the daily specials - pasta with beetroot and goat's cheese - that I wasn't so sure about. Beetroot stains everything, and the presentation for this dish was just not appetizing. I had a bite and found it not bad, but pretty blend (and felt even happier for having chosen the gnocchi).

Penne with beetroot and goat's cheese

Our other friend was luckier with his choice of special of the day. He ordered the stake with caramelised onions, potatoes and rocket salad, which he really liked.

Stake with caramelised onions, potatoes and rocket salad

It was a great afternoon spent with friends. The thing I like about Mornington is that there is so much to do within such a short distance. We still had time to head to another couple of wineries for tastings before coming back to Melbourne.