By Danielle Kutchel
There’s a new dining experience on the horizon for residents of Pakenham and surrounds.
Lakeside favourite Copper and Fox has a new head chef who is ready to make his mark on the area’s restaurant scene, with a brand new menu that mixes old favourites like parmas and burgers with new twists for brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert.
Think Benedict with ham hock terrine, warming ramen, a pumpkin harvest bowl, a vegan burger on a beautiful beetroot bun and a dessert of Campari, grapefruit, ruby chocolate and raspberry.
The emphasis is on using seasonal produce (the menu will change every three months to reflect the best the season has to offer) and local suppliers.
Each day will host its own specials, like burger night, parma night and date night.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions the restaurant is currently only serving takeaway, but that doesn’t mean diners will miss out on the experience of eating in.
New head chef Michael Gawlik puts as much care into the takeaway meals as the in-house meals to recreate the dining-in experience, with every dish that leaves the restaurant looking as good as it would on a plate.
“I want it to be visually appealing as well as taste good,” Michael said.
Copper and Fox offers Covid-safe delivery for free within a five kilometre radius, with a small charge applying for anything further.
Once restrictions ease, Michael has several special events lined up: well-known guest chefs from all over Melbourne will be invited to collaborate with him in holding special degustation dinners and events upstairs, including a dessert degustation with matching cocktails.
The new chef has an extensive background in the industry. Beginning his hospitality career front-of-house, Michael has been cooking since 2012 and saw out his apprenticeship in the Yarra Valley before heading to Vue De Monde for a while.
He gained experienced elsewhere under Emma Jeffrey and Darren Purchese before taking the reins at Zagames Corporation.
“I’ve worked with some good people. You gain a bit of everything from everyone, then you make it your own and that’s basically what I’m going to do now in Pakenham,” Michael said.
Coming from an Italian background, Michael understands the joy that good food can bring, and hopes his own food will light up the lives of those still in lockdown.
“I want to make food people enjoy and want to come back for,” he explained.
“Locals are our bread and butter. People will decide the menu going forward – I’ll see what they like and don’t like and adjust it until it’s right.
“I want to make a menu that Pakenham’s proud of.”
Visit Copper and Fox at 1/38 Lakeside Blvd, Pakenham or www.copperandfox.com.au. Follow them on Instagram at copperandfox, or follow Michael Gawlik at mikegawlik.
