Every bite tells a story | Taste the world at Elsewhere

By Jan Phillips

May 2, 2024

Owners sharing their journey: Alaina Tuckett, Jan Phillips, Paul Phillips and Ricardo Vilsson Mullor. Photo by Contributed

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.

Behind the scenes: Jonathan Chan, one of the owners, orchestrating perfection in the kitchen. Photo by Contributed

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We embarked on a delightful Sunday afternoon bike ride to Elsewhere at the Shepparton Art Museum (SAM). The three owners, Jono Chan in the kitchen, Alaina Tuckett and Ricardo Vilsson Mullor, greeted us warmly. We expressed our sheer delight at being in such a stunning venue, where the ambience alone made it spectacular, regardless of the food.

The weather was glorious, offering a unique view and a chorus of amazing birdlife. Despite the bustling atmosphere, filled with the happy chatter of engaged customers, we could still hear each other clearly.

Donna Baldwin joined us and marvelled at our luck in having such a “world-class” venue. We promised to credit John Head for the line, which she requested, acknowledging the truth in his statement.

Alaina, Jono and Ricardo shared their journey as newish owners, expressing their joy and gratitude for the faith SAM and Greater Shepparton City Council had in them. Their hard work has paid off, which is evident in the excellent quality and beautifully managed venue, offering exceptional food and both indoor and outdoor dining with stunning views of Shepparton and the lake.

For Alaina, Jono and Ricardo, owning Elsewhere wasn’t part of their original plan, but it became the best decision they ever made, not just for themselves but for the Shepparton region. Their innovative menu celebrates multicultural heritage, reflected in the restaurant’s name — Elsewhere — a nod to cuisine from around the world with a familiar touch coming from elsewhere.

We indulged in the blue swimmer crab omelette and the okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake with pork belly) and shared a heavenly salted caramel macaroon, well deserving of the “world-class” descriptor.

Exciting news abounds at Elsewhere, with plans for liquor licensing under way. More importantly, their chef, Sean Cameron, is competing in a nationwide competition in Sydney to be named one of Australia’s top chefs — a testament to the culinary excellence found at Elsewhere. Go, Sean!

Food pricing for Elsewhere at SAM, rated by Jan and Paul: $$

(Expensive $$$, moderate $$ good value $)