Where food and friends come together: Jan Phillips and Paul Phillips.
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Rechelle Zammit
Dive into the heart of Goulburn Valley’s culinary scene with Jan and Paul Phillips, our newest columnists at The News. Every Friday the pair will serve our readers with their knowledge on our communities restaurants, cafés and pubs — one plate at a time.
About Jan and Paul
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As a couple deeply rooted in Shepparton, we’ve had the privilege of building our lives and careers and raising our daughters right here in our beloved region.
Both of us are proud products of this community, shaped by the guidance of our wonderful parents, who instilled in us a strong connection to our local area. We’ve been fortunate to enjoy good health, terrific friendships, wonderful families and a great bond with this region.
Thus, we were pleased when the opportunity arose via The News to review local restaurants, cafés and pubs. We see it as a chance not only to pay tribute to the establishments that make our community vibrant but also to offer insights that are meaningful, engaging, supportive and interesting.
The hospitality sector bore the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic, enduring immense challenges. We commend The News for its initiative in aiding these businesses, and we’re humbled to be part of this effort. We hold immense respect for the resilience of these establishments, some of which persevered through the darkest times in our collective history.
This week’s review: The Aussie
The Aussie holds a special place in the hearts of the Phillips family, serving as our spiritual home. It is because of this connection we thought it was ideal for our first review. The pub has a storied past and remains a beloved cornerstone of our community, centrally located for easy access by all. Over the years, it has not only provided employment for many locals but also been the backdrop for countless significant milestones — from engagement parties to weddings, 21sts and cherished birthdays, to sombre occasions such as wakes.
More than just a venue, The Aussie is where friends gather and new connections are made at gatherings big and small. Under the stewardship of Paul Tsorbaris and his dedicated team, the atmosphere is always warm and welcoming. With a wide array of ice-cold drinks, including a superb selection of local wines and beers, there’s something to suit every taste.
The menu, brimming with gluten-free options, offers extensive choices to satisfy every palate. And the entertainment line-up adds to the allure, featuring everything from local talents to international acts and engaging events such as trivia nights and guest speakers.
During our visit, we indulged in the bruschetta for starters, followed by the chicken parmie and eye fillet for mains. Hats off to the chefs and kitchen staff for serving delicious, generously portioned meals with impeccable service. The Aussie truly delivers an experience that’s as fulfilling as it is memorable.
Food pricing rate for The Aussie, suggested by Jan and Paul : $$
(Expensive $$$, moderate $$ good value $)
Cuisines: Bar, pub, Australian
Special diets: Vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free options
Meals: Lunch, dinner, drinks
Food, friends and a lot of fun: Paul Tsorbaris, Jan Phillips and Paul Phillips.
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Good food, good mood: House crumbed chicken breast, topped with Napoli sauce and cheese, served with chips and salad.
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Every bite is a sensory trip: Freshly sliced French stick, toasted with olive oil and garlic, topped with fresh tomato, basil, red onion and Parmesan cheese, and dressed with a balsamic reduction.
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Indulge in delicious moments: Ribeye steak served with chips and salad.
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