Council has appointed a new custodian for the Stamford Park Homestead restaurant, international restaurateur Blesson Verghese.
The much-anticipated restaurant and iconic Rowville landmark is now open.
The heritage house and lush garden surrounds have a grandeur and mystique recalling memories of a bygone era. Situated on 2.6 hectares of lush, manicured gardens, the restaurant is set against a backdrop of 38 hectares of redeveloped Stamford Park parklands.
The homestead was built in 1882 by the Row family, who Rowville is named after, and is one of the last substantial 19th century houses in the region.
Council bought the property in 1988 and embarked on a major capital works program of restoration.
"I was attracted by the grandeur," Blesson says. "It's a rare hidden gem of such a size to be found almost in the heart of the city - 25 minutes' drive from the CBD, the Peninsula or climbing down the Ranges."
He says the restaurant will complement Council's works at the homestead and surrounds.
"It's a facility which should be open and accessible to all members of the community - I've kept that in mind while designing the menu," Blesson says. "My vision is to transform the venue with family barbecues and cultural activities across the lawn, jazz nights in the conservatory, a live chef's table in our kitchen garden, and for people to enjoy a brunch or high tea on our verandah with mesmerising views of the meeting of nature and pretty shades of sky at the horizon."
Blesson's culinary training spans operations established in Europe, the Middle East, here in Melbourne and most recently the US.
"My last sojourn was a steakhouse in New York and during the pandemic I missed home and came back," he says. "My forte is European cuisine and that's what we are going to do here as well, with a mix of international favourites from across the globe. It will be a classic menu purveying venison, creme chicken, bouillabaisse and rabbit cacciatore to name a few."
The restaurant boasts a new glass conservatory in the courtyard of the homestead, which can host ala carte dining, functions and weddings for about 200 patrons.
Vouchers from the previous Stamford Park Homestead restaurant will be honoured.
For more information, visit stamfordparkhomestead.com.au
