The General Food Store, Emerald by Obelix

Kiddo had wanted to walk the Wishing Well trail at Emerald Lake Park, no doubt to cast a wish for unlimited wishes.  Which explained for why we were ravenously trawling main street Emerald one Sunday morn for post hike sustenance.  A big of Google reconnaissance prior, I had my sights set on The General Food Store as they appeared to offer healthy lunch options with seasonal and local produce in mind.  In the lovely court yard filled with propagating succulents at the back, we joined a communal table and enjoyed our meal.

My mum ordered an interestingly named dish, called Lord Stark.  True to seasonal and local dining, it featured a medley of  mushrooms and chestnuts, very Autumnal, with roast pumpkin and ricotta.  It was very evocative of the sights we have just witnessed along the trail in Emerald Park.  She enjoyed it immensely.


My pescatarian pick was the salmon cakes with poached egg, fennel and cucumber salad.  My favourite part of this dish apart from the potato hash melded with smoke salmon and fried in copious butter, was the crispy fried capers that came alongside.  Little nuggets of saltiness and crunch!


Dad got a baguette which featured ham off the bone, blue cheese and quince.  It was like a cheese platter in a baguette.  The bread was fresh and the lovely bumpy crust of a perfectly baked fresh bread.


Kiddo similarly had a baguette but her's was the vegetarian version.  It came with falafel, carrot and sultana relish, toasted cashews and mesclun leaves.  Whilst Kiddo enjoyed her falafels, I had a little taste test and found them missing the usual crunch and rather soggy. Kiddo had a real aversion to sultanas so unfortunately that resulted in her picking apart her baguette to eat the components of it not touched by the fear inducing dried grape.


Kiddo enjoyed her fresh squeezed kiddie sized Pink Lady apple juice.

Verdict

We loved it.

Overall

The General Food Store is a cosy local fave and we certainly enjoyed our visit there.  A healthy food selection and friendly staff makes it a good place to earmark for a return visit.

Find it at

The General Food Store
377 Belgrave-Gembrook Rd
Emerald VIC 3782
Phone: (03) 5968 3580