The beautifully set tables and natural surroundings create an elegant yet relaxed dining experience.
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Dive into the heart of the Goulburn Valley’s culinary scene with Jan and Paul Phillips. Every Friday, the pair will serve our readers with their knowledge of our communities’ restaurants, cafés and pubs — one plate at a time.
Jill and Min Innes-Irons host a stunning riverside lunch celebrating local food.
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We’ve loved showcasing our local restaurants and their stories, but it got us thinking about the businesses that support the hospitality industry — brilliant liquor outlets (wink wink), butchers, small goods suppliers, fruit and vegetable providers and companies such as In-Hospitality.
It supplies market-leading catering brands, cleaning supplies, disposable packaging, restaurant equipment, tableware, glassware and a stunning range of homewares and hospitality supplies.
Owners Jill and Min Innes-Irons take pride in their quality product selection and exceptional customer service.
We have been fortunate to have experienced the quality of what they sell firsthand as guests at a piazza lunch at their home recently.
Entertaining at home is a special joy, especially against the stunning backdrop of the Broken River.
With dappled sunlight filtering through olive groves and river gums, a soft breeze rustling the leaves, and the gentle flow of water, it’s the perfect setting for warmth, laughter and shared moments.
Recently, we attended an unforgettable lunch hosted by Jill and Min, who transformed a simple gathering into an extraordinary celebration of local food, friendship and effortless hospitality.
One guest remarked that he was delighted by the many and varied conversations throughout the day.
When he and his wife returned home, he would tell her about a surprising highlight — an in-depth discussion about quilting, which he had thoroughly enjoyed!
This is the magic of such gatherings: the unexpected, meandering conversations that take you to places you never anticipated, yet leave you enriched and delighted.
Jill and Min’s approach to entertaining is both elegant and relaxed.
They transformed their riverside space with beautifully set tables and fresh flowers, letting nature do the rest.
Their key tip?
Embrace the outdoors with communal tables that encourage conversation. They also emphasise the importance of high-quality serve ware.
“A beautifully plated meal on good-quality dinnerware enhances the experience,” they said.
No great gathering is complete without incredible food, and Jill and Min crafted an Italian-inspired feast using premium cookware, glassware and ingredients from local suppliers such as Brad’s Meats, Europa Deli and Finer Fruits.
The meal began with homemade capocollo made by Min and really appreciated by us; the skill and diligence of home preserving is always a particular highlight.
It was served with fresh wood-fired baguette, gnocchi Romano and green salad.
For mains, they served delicious, perfectly cooked chicken cacciatore and veal saltimbocca in a delicate sage butter sauce — simple yet indulgent dishes that highlighted fresh, local produce.
Jill’s best advice for hosts?
“Cook ahead where possible,” she said.
“Preparing dishes in advance allows you to enjoy the meal with your guests.”
Dessert was a showstopper, a Guy Grossi-inspired tiramisu, crispy lemon cream cannoli and perfectly poached peaches.
Jill and Min firmly believe in supporting local businesses and celebrating the outstanding quality they offer.
Choosing local strengthens the economy, creates jobs and provides a personal connection to the products we use.
Jill and Min’s key tips for effortless home entertaining:
Plan ahead – Choose a menu with make-ahead options.
Quality matters – Professional-grade products elevate the experience.
Keep it simple – Prioritise flavour over complexity.
Create a relaxed atmosphere – Good food and company are all you need.
With their expert guidance, hosting at home — especially in a setting as beautiful as the Broken River — becomes a cherished experience filled with laughter, friendship and the joy of great food.
In-Hospitality is open to the public and has an extensive showroom of hospitality products. It is open from 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, on Stewart St, Shepparton, behind GOTAFE.
Food pricing for In-Hospitality rated by Jan and Paul: $$
(Expensive $$$, moderate $$, good value $).
Guy Grossi-inspired tiramisu.
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Saltimbocca and gnocchi romano.
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Chicken cacciatore.
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Italian green salad with figs.
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