125 MOOS AT MEENIYAN – Relaxed & Welcoming

AT MEENIYAN

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.

Marty is the passionate proprietor of Moo's Restaurant in the picturesque country town of Meeniyan. Possessing extensive hospitality experience, he confessed,

"I'M A FOODY. I LOVE FOOD AND I ADORE MEENIYAN AND ITS VIBE. THIS THRIVING, OPENMINDED TOWN WITHIN THE INCREDIBLE SOUTH GIPPSLAND FOOD BOWL, EMBRACES AND ACTIVELY SUPPORTS COMPETITION. IT'S A PLEASURE TO BE A PART OF THIS COMMUNITY."

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. 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.

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.

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.

RELAXED & WELCOMING

WORDS BY CAMILLA HULLICK

His competent, all-female kitchen team creatively masters and infuses the elements into tantalising cuisine – garnished with precision and pride. Jess, the head chef, returned almost two years ago after being Moo's initial apprentice back in the day. Zoe is the skilled sous chef, while Laywah has come on board as a first year apprentice, bringing with her a taste of exotic Burmese delicacies. The fifteen staff are young, local trainees under Marty's mentorship. An ardent advocate for encouraging life skills and experience, self confidence and teamwork, Marty has to date employed approximately two hundred young people and taken them under his wing.

Moo's at Meeniyan is well-known for its enjoyable, interactive social events. 'Food from around the world' dinners, comprising of an array of diverse international courses, are a monthly occurrence. Regular Yooralla pop-up restaurants are also pleasurable, fun evenings. The eatery is handed over to the Yooralla family, which manages the dining logistics under Marty's guidance.

These events have for now, taken a back seat, in view of fluctuating Covid-19 hospitality stipulations. Nevertheless, Marty remains positive about the future, as fresh, exciting initiatives brew. A succulent, new menu will be introduced in September to complement the vibrant energy of spring and its new beginnings, while a twelve year Moo's Family reunion is in the making.

Marty's business flair, merged with tremendous passion for local community, food and events, sees him significantly contribute to the continual improvement of the region and its tourist profile. If he's not sharing in the orchestration of the annual Meeniyan Garlic Festival and other local initiatives, he's hosting a meeting for Meeniyan Tourism & Traders Association of which he is the president. Fundraising opportunities are also keenly recognised and run with. In 2018 Marty organised a 'Marty' Gras in the Meeniyan hall to commemorate his fiftieth milestone birthday. The event was so successful, he has since turned it into a viable, annual philanthropic exercise – Corona virus restrictions permitting.

MARTY'S KIND, SPIRITED NATURE REFLECTS HIS COLOURFUL LIFE FILLED WITH MEANINGFUL ACHIEVEMENTS. IT'S NO SURPRISE HE WAS THIS YEAR NOMINATED FOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR. COME AND MEET MARTY AND HIS CREW AS THEY REOPEN IN SEPTEMBER WITH FRESH, DYNAMIC ENERGY, FOLLOWING THE MOO'S FAMILY'S WELLDESERVED VACATION. THEY LOOK FORWARD TO SPOILING YOU.

AFTERNOTE:

Marty, who has been a loyal client of Gippsland Lifestyle Magazine since day dot, religiously gives a copy of every edition to his elderly mother, who has sadly suffered dementia for four years. Marty explained, the way his mother's face lights up as she recognises pictures and articles of South Gippsland is priceless.

Moo’s at Meeniyan | 89 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan VIC 3956 www.moosatmeeniyan.com.au