Hotel makes a food turn

MT DANDENONG Hotel’s new head chef, Miles Howell, is bringing diners his international flavours.
He is working with owners Jenny and Mark Strahan to revitalise the popular pub.
Mr Howell has worked in continental Europe, the United Kingdom, the US and Japan.
He spent more than six years travelling the globe working on private yachts.
Mr Howell hopes to turn the hotel into a gastro-style pub where people come for the food rather than for alcohol.
“I saw it in the UK and it was really popular,” he said.
“It’s a challenge but we want to lift the standards in the Dandenongs.”
Mr Howell said one of the advantages of working in the hills was utilising the fresh produce and local supplies.
“We are making everything fresh from scratch on site,” he said.
Mr Strahan said although the hotel was taking a new direction, old time favourites such as chicken pasmigiana would still be on the menu.
He is trying to create a family friendly atmosphere for everyone to enjoy rather than just being a ‘pub’.
Mr Strahan has even started allowing community groups such as the Sassafras Choir and the Dandenong Ranges Community Bushfire Group the use of his back function room free of charge.
“It’s about helping the community and offering that family atmosphere,” he said.
The hotel also has a number of new and exciting entertainment options starting over the next few months.
A morning melodies for the oldies featuring a Julie Andrews tribute show will be held on 18 August.
It’s expected the morning melodies will be held every six to eight weeks.
Also in the public bar, locals can enjoy discounted drinks and light entertainment every Friday night.
The hotel also has a number of events planned for visitors and locals during the inaugural Dandenongs Garden Festival which will be held in September and October.
It will host three dinner-show nights including an ’80s revival night on 12 September, a rock‘n’roll spectacular on 26 September and a jazz and swing night on 17 October.
Patrons will also be invited to dress up in aid of the themed nights and go in the running for a host of prizes.
The nights will cost $49.50 for dinner and the show.
Those interested in a night of entertainment and great food can find the hotel at 1451 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, Mt Dandenong, or call 9751 1202 for more information.