Mornington author Anna Matilda, aka The Urban Nanna, is keen to share her wealth of knowledge about simple ways to live a more sustainable, efficient and economical life. Her bestselling book, Everyday Permaculture, is a beautiful, easy-to-follow guide to living in sync with people and the planet. Given the squeeze of the current economy, this ethos makes a lot of sense, but permaculture isn’t just a philosophy of low waste and economy; it’s also based in community, nourishment and kindness.
Food & Wine
It’s a stretch to imagine that a fresh local produce enterprise on the peninsula began with a tennis racquet, but that’s exactly what happened when Peter Forrest set out to buy one.
If you threw the 1950s, ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s into a blender with a hefty dose of community spirit and served it up with a side of cracking good food and drinks, the result would be Seaford’s most memorable eatery, Café La Wheels.
Mike and Paula Shaw’s enthusiasm has driven Devilbend Farm Beer to become something genuine and rare: a brewery where every ingredient carries the essence of the peninsula soil it sprang from.
The Mornington Peninsula (Main Ridge to be precise) has just scored a new culinary experience: Frog Hollow Kitchen. Focussing on seasonal, Mediterranean recipes, owner Ciara Griffiths, has created both a beautiful space and a beautiful experience.
As a child, nutritionist and chef Sarah Pound hosted mock cooking shows for her sisters, an early sign of her passion. Today, her online community Wholesome by Sarah reaches hundreds of thousands, promoting simple, healthy food that’s easy to make.
Tucked under the clock tower in Mt Martha Village, The Green Bowl is thriving. Founded by friends Sharalyn Marchant and Ange Pnini, it’s all about big flavour and real nourishment.
Semla buns are the biggest and best, according to baker Robin Ridell, who switched his life as a sports journalist in Sweden to start a microbakery, Semla the Bakery in Seaford.
Fiona Hammond knows food. In her career, spanning over 25 years, she has worked as a recipe developer and tester, a food stylist and food photographer.