The Pavilion Hotel has a new chef, and Ran has been visiting us at the markets each Friday to check out what’s fresh & what’s local. Just moved up from Melbourne (and still looking for a room to let… anyone?), he is determined to keep the menu fresh too, adapting as often as he needs to, to ensure fresh, seasonal flavours.

Last week he bought a couple of shiny black eggplants to create burnt eggplant soup as an entree for a vegan guest that night. Deb and I were lucky enough to get to taste it, when he popped back over the road a couple of hours later, with samples and teaspoons….yum!!! Any time you need help Ran! He takes great food shots too – both of these dishes below have been on the menu in the last few weeks, so go and have your own taste test soon.