AT M E E N I YA N
Meeting Marty Thomas is a pleasure. His welcoming manner blends beautifully with his genuine, humble nature, typically infused with an uplifting sense of fun. Aspiring to follow in his mother's footsteps, young Marty dreamt of becoming a chef, however his charismatic flamboyance naturally led him to engage in social, front of house affairs.
Through the Opportunities of Development thru Art Organisation, Marty teaches, mentors, and assists local children to obtain essential school supplies, namely uniforms. Cambodia stipulates a stringent 'no uniform, no school' policy, which prevents many of the kids the opportunity to gain an education.
Marty is the passionate proprietor of Moo's Restaurant in the picturesque country town of Meeniyan. Possessing extensive hospitality experience, he confessed,
However, as travel was deemed impossible and the future difficult to determine, a tough decision needed to be made. Marty swayed between permanently closing Moo's doors, playing it safe and riding out Covid-19 restrictions or utilising lockdown to breathe new life into his restaurant. He chose the latter and with the help of local expertise, freshly redesigned and refurbished Moo's in its entirety.
" I ' M A F O O DY. I LO V E F O O D A N D I A D O R E M E E N I YA N A N D I T S V I B E . T H I S T H R I V I N G , O P E N MINDED TOWN WITHIN THE INCREDIBLE SOUTH G I P P S L A N D F O O D B O W L , E M B R A C E S A N D A C T I V E LY SUPPORTS COMPETITION. IT'S A PLEASURE TO BE A PA R T O F T H I S C O M M U N I T Y." Almost twelve years ago Marty transformed the prominent, corner establishment, once a butcher shop, into an innovative restaurant, blending classic rusticity with contemporary elegance, utilising the talents of local businesses and artisans. Marty voiced, "My intention was to set up the restaurant for the long haul offering consistency, and local, quality produce to consumers. To this day our opening hours have remained the same. When the pandemic hit in 2020 and the initial, lengthy lockdown overshadowed local businesses, Marty contemplated Moo's future. Customarily closing each August to not only enjoy a well-earned break, his humanitarian heart annually gravitates to Cambodia.
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The popular, fully licensed Moo's at Meeniyan offers a pleasurable dining experience, whether it's for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The stunning decor creates a warm, inviting ambiance accompanied with an abundance of natural light by day and a twilight cosiness by night. An exquisite, fresh menu and a variety of specials, including vegetarian, vegan and glutenfree options, are served. Dishes are complemented by a vast selection of beverages, showcasing local wines, beers, spirits and cocktails. The beautifully presented meals may either be enjoyed inside the relaxed dining area or outside on the spacious, timber deck, which frequently hosts local, afternoon entertainment. A take-away menu is also available, while Moo's flavourful coffee, along with a treat chosen from an assortment of Gippsland bakeries, is a delicious refreshment for the traveller. Passionate about all things local, Marty stipulates Moo's mantra behind the menu is to serve organic, locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible.
