All Saints Estate’s Eliza Brown said the team was thrilled to receive 'Best New Regional Restaurant of the Year' at the Age Good Food Guide Awards.
Wahgunyah’s KIN Restaurant, located at the picturesque All Saints Estate, has claimed the prestigious title of ‘Best New Regional Restaurant of the Year’ at the highly anticipated Age Good Food Guide Awards 2024.
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In addition, the restaurant earned a ‘One Hat’ status with a remarkable score of 15/20, solidifying its reputation as a culinary destination of exceptional quality.
KIN Restaurant officially opened its doors in January 2023 as part of a larger redevelopment, led by owner-operator siblings Eliza, Nick, and Angela Brown.
“We are incredibly honoured to receive the Best New Regional Restaurant of the Year award from the Good Food Guide,” Eliza Brown said.
“Especially being our first year in business. It’s been a huge work in process of getting the restaurant off the ground with the huge renovation and finding superstar staff. Now it seems all the stars are aligning which is very exciting and we look forward to celebrating with the team.”
Ms Brown said the vision for KIN was to be a restaurant the family’s friends and family would enjoy sitting in all day.
“We also wanted to take advantage of the stunning natural landscape with the views to the vineyard and gardens. It’s modern but is a nod to the heritage of the place.
“We are delighted with how the build turned out and feel that we’ve created a really nice family experience.
“The food we use is regional produce from local farmers and from our own properties. We wanted to be sustainable in that way. From the paddock to the plate- we believe food tastes a lot nicer that way.
The restaurant’s unique blend of history and modernity, set within the 19th-century castle at All Saints Estate, caught the eye of restaurant critic Besha Rodell, who highlighted its contribution to one of Victoria’s most iconic wineries. Nestled on the banks of the Murray River, KIN’s idyllic location further added to its allure.
Executive Chef Jack Cassidy is the driving force behind KIN’s success. His refined and inventive culinary style showcases the finest regional ingredients, including produce from the estate and surrounding areas. Cassidy’s innovative use of native ingredients adds a distinctive touch to the dining experience, making KIN a standout in the regional dining scene.
“At KIN, we strive to deliver our best on the plate every day,” Executive Chef Jack Cassidy expressed upon receiving the award.
All Saints Estae’s Eliza Brown said the team was thrilled to receive 'Best New Regional Restaurant of the Year' at the Age Good Food Guide Awards.
“The incredible produce we have the privilege to work with, alongside the amazing local smaller farmers, make our job as chefs easier.”
Cassidy’s culinary journey includes experiences at some of Australia’s most renowned restaurants. Together with Yvan Meunier, General Manager of Hospitality, he leads the Saints Collective hospitality group, which encompasses various Rutherglen dining destinations, including Bonnie Eatery, Thousand Pound Wine Bar & Store, and a thriving events business.
The Age Good Food Guide, in its 44th year of evaluating the state’s restaurant scene, is renowned for its rigorous standards.
Achieving a ‘One Hat’ status is considered a pinnacle in a chef’s career and a restaurant’s history, requiring a score of 15 out of a possible 20. Reviewers visit unannounced, booking under assumed names and covering the cost of their own meals, making the recognition even more prestigious.
“This achievement is a testament to the passion and dedication of our team. We look forward to continuing to delight our guests with exceptional culinary experiences, complemented by premium All Saints Estate wines,” Ms Brown said.
