General News
21 February, 2025
New restaurant brings class to Dimboola
Dimboola Golf Club might be the next dining hotspot for locals and the wider Wimmera community with well-known chef and teacher Cat Clarke now running a restaurant out of the facility.
For the past two years, Ms Clarke has operated from her own home as well as catered for functions in other people's homes.
"It became too hectic to stay at home," she said.
"I started looking for buildings that were for lease around town."
She said she knew she wanted to stay in Dimboola but struggled to find anything available.
"One Monday morning I woke up and thought 'What about the golf club?' so I got in contact with them," Ms Clarke said.
"A week and a half later they agreed to let me do it and here we are now."
Since August last year, Ms Clarke and her team have completed renovations to bring the club's kitchen up to the industry standard.
She said there were still small things to update but they would be done as time went on.
Having started operating only a short time ago Ms Clarke said the feedback had been great so far.
"We're getting booked out and were really busy with Christmas parties," she said.
The restaurant offers a variety of dishes that use fresh produce and bush foods from local suppliers.
"I try to work with what's in season and bush foods," she said.
Ms Clarke said she has been working with bush foods for 15 years, ever since someone introduced her to saltbush.
She integrated her knowledge into her teaching curriculum and had continued to do it ever since.
Ms Clarke described the dining atmosphere as "homely".
"We offer an old-school, homely hospitality experience," she said.
Ms Clarke said the aim was to eventually become a training kitchen where apprentices could learn and complete their course requirements.
"We're giving local youth job opportunities and the experience," she said.
Cat Clarke's restaurant is open on Thursday from 4pm, Friday and Saturday from noon and Sunday for a chef’s table at noon.
The chef’s table is $65 a head with a gourmet selection chosen by the chef.
Thursday and Friday services are off the menu.
Bookings are essential and can be made via phone or text to 0428 138 856 or email to bookings@catclarke.com.au