01 Jul Herald Sun – Taste

FINE FEED

Emma Handley (Villa Gusto, Astra Falls Creek) has transformed a gloriously creaky old Masonic lodge just outside Mt Beauty into the northeast’s newest dining hot spot.

Templar Lodge sees the acclaimed chef cook a tight carte that travels the world. There’s salumi and pickled veg or burrata with pesto to start, masterstock pork with marbled tea egg, or green tea noodles with shiitake mushrooms to follow.

But many come just for Emma’s handmade pastas — whether gnocchi with Harrietville trout or cavatelli with nduja and cavolo nero. The well-stocked cellar is an equal drawcard, with local heroes — Fighting Gully Road, Mayford — joined by a few Frenchies.

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