However you think to label it, it’s undeniable the vast majority of people are now far more aware of how their food is grown and where it comes from.

Award-winning local chef Christopher Howe is a passionate advocate of knowing your food.

The former head chef of the Avoca Hotel and mature age apprentice at Mercato in Daylesford made winning Golden Plate awards almost a second job in recent years, awarded regional best chef in 2013. Christopher was runner-up in 2014 and 2015, and won other awards for the Avoca pub including best hotel in the state twice.

He’s now turning his skills to a new venture in the Central Goldfields hamlet of Talbot.

Already renowned for its vibrant farmers’ market, Christopher aims to build on its reputation by opening the Talbot Provedore and Eatery later this year.

Focusing on locally grown and raised produce, Christopher says  the Eatery will give visitors and locals the chance to have even more access to good quality food, both from the farmers’ market and from other regional producers.

“We’ll be showcasing lamb from Glen Greenoch farm at Dunach, just two or three kilometres down the road; pork from Mt Beckworth Free Range at Evansford, and also pork and beef from Zed & Co at Gordon,” says Christopher.

“There will be a selection of seasonal vegetables and smallgoods, and dairy goods. On the shelves you will find provisions such as blended teas, olives, oils, specialty mueslis and jars of preserves.”

Local wines and beers will also be featured at the new venue, and wine appreciation events focussing on local vignerons are planned in the future.

“We live in such a beautiful region. It may appear largely as sheep and cropping country, but once you scratch the surface you discover amazing local produce on offer.

“I want to support these farmers and provide visitors, and locals alike, a real local food experience in Talbot.”

Learn more at facebook.com/talbotprovedore