Chef celebrates flying first year

By Kath Gannaway
CHEF Mark Christian has been the creative inspiration behind Healesville RSL’s Light Horse Bistro for a year.
And, he’s loving it.
The friendly, welcoming atmosphere that members and visitors enjoy at the RSL is the same quality which Mark said has contributed to a fantastic first year at Healesville.
“The year has just zipped by and the support of the Healesville community has been superb,” he said announcing that he and his team would celebrate by offering a range of $14.90 birthday specials Monday through to Thursday, as well as daily blackboard specials.
Mark said the bistro team, which includes manager Dianne Niehoff, soux chef Cindy Bell, two dynamic apprentices and a team of friendly and efficient floor staff, places the RSL bistro as a strong contender for the title of most popular eating spot in Healesville.
The bistro offers an a la carte menu, daily specials and seniors’ and children’s meal deals.
The winter menu, coming on board in a couple of weeks, will provide plenty of delicious enticements for patrons to brave the winter chill.
Osso Bucco, mulligatawny soup and steak and kidney pie are just a sample of the winter-warmers Mark has planned.
And, of course, there is a great selection of entrees and desserts to choose from to make a delicious and satisfying three course feast.
As an extra enticement, Mark said the $14.90 special will be available right through winter.
The bistro is proud of its family friendly reputation with children’s meals from around $6.50 and colouring-in activities to ensure that the kids enjoy their visit and mum and dad do as well.
The Graceburn Day Club is a new RSL initiative which provides an opportunity for local residents to engage with the club … and enjoy a meal in the bistro.
The Day Club meets every Thursday from 10.30am for a meal, social activities and outings.
The Graceburn Day Club is open to all members of the community and Mark said it has become a favourite part of the week for the bistro team.
“We’re very much orientated towards the local community,” he said.
“It’s nice to get the tourists but it’s the support of the local people who have seen us through this first year and who keep us going,” Mark said.
“With the planned refurbishment of the bistro, we are looking forward to an even greater year ahead.”
Healesville RSL Light Horse Bistro is open from noon for lunch and from 5.30pm for dinner, every day.
Phone 5962 5017 to book, or call in at 275-279 Maroondah Highway, Healesville.