Chauncy

Lunch at Chauncy is like buying a timeshare in a charmed country life. Between chef Louis Naepels’ Gallic brilliance, Central Victoria’s artisanal produce and partner Tess Murray’s simpatico wine list, this regional hero is in danger of sparking relocation reveries. The heritage sandstone building is a noble canvas for the ever-changing menu, where slow food philosophies spring to life in the form of pumpkin leaf tortellini in a winter-ready chestnut velouté, or a pink-centred pork Scotch, its soubise sauce electrified with apple cider jus. The rhythm of a lavishly lazy afternoon is dictated by the prix fixe menu, punctuated by a walk around the kitchen gardens, perhaps a game of petanque, another half pour of something Murray insists you simply must try. There’s also the welter of indecision over a fromage course or a cloud-like île flottante with salted caramel to finish – but why not embrace the spirit of the place and do both?

The Gourmet Traveller Team

Gourmet Traveller is Australia’s trusted authority on food, travel and luxury lifestyle, bringing the latest news and trends to life through quality journalism, enticing recipes and evocative photography. For more than 55 years, it has been inspiring and informing Australians with the best in cooking, dining, travelling and shopping. Our critics bring the expertise of years of critical eating, drinking and writing to the table. Plus, as the country’s leading title in the luxury sector, Gourmet Traveller works closely with Australia’s leaders in the travel and hospitality industries to give our readers exclusive access. The Gourmet Traveller legacy is one of trust, prestige and relevance.

Tags: guide25 guide25vic

Magazine Issue: September 2025

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