Local restaurants are pivoting to takeaway due to Coronavirus
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Local restaurants are pivoting to takeaway due to Coronavirus

With the government encouraging social distancing, and enforcing 14-day self-isolation periods for everyone arriving from overseas in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19, plenty of us have, or will soon, face the challenge of getting food. Thanks to the panic buyers and the hoarders, supermarket shelves are empty, and unfortunately, many people don’t feel safe or responsible heading into a restaurant to enjoy a meal, which is really putting the pressure of small businesses.

Not only are small business owners worried about the future of their establishments, but the servers, bartenders, and cooks are also worried about how they will pay bills for the next few weeks.

Luckily, it’s not all doom and gloom. Restaurants are now responding to the Covid-19 threat by adding take-out and/or delivery to their repertoires. This means we can support our favorite local businesses during these unsettling times, and enjoy a damn fine meal while we’re at it – and we don’t have to battle the masses at the supermarket for a sole tin of corn kernels.

Here are a few of the local legends that will be delivering food to the region:

The Deck

Renowned as the kings at food specials for many in Geelong (their unlimited chicken wings on a Monday has long been a favourite), The Deck are now delivering select items from their menu. Available every day from 11am until 9pm, there are three main options to choose from.

First the Deck Combo. For $25, you have the choice of two burgers (beef, chicken or veggie), or two pizzas (Hawaiian, Margarita, BBQ chicken, or vegetarian), plus a serve of chips and two cokes.

Next is the $35 quick feed. Again, you have the choice of two items (including their burgers, fish n chips or calamari, or their famous chicken parmi), alongside chips, two cokes and a garlic bread!

If you’re ordering for the whole fam (or all this self-isolation has made you ravenous), there is also the $55 family feed! Here you can get two chicken parmas and two burgers (mix and match), with four serves of chips, cokes and of course, a delicious garlic bread.

To place your order, simply call 5229 5504.

Mulita

If you’re craving the best of American cooking with a touch of Mexican flavours, Mulita BBQ – joint for all burger lovers – will also be doing takeaway! Their menu includes burgers, from the Black Angus brisket to the Nashville Hot Chicken, alongside a range of tacos and a selection of Tex-Mex meals. We have our eye on the Cali Burrito!

They’ve also includes the fries on the takeaway menu, which you can have simply seasoned, or loaded up with Mulita goodness!

To order, give the team a call or shoot them a message on Facebook.

ALMA

Located on Ryrie Street, ALMA has been Geelong’s answer to providing modern Australian with a good splash of South American flavour, featuring the best produce served in an unadulterated way! With the aim of continuing to provide their customers with the best possible dining experience with the freshest, local produce, the team have introduced ALMA AT HOME… and we are living for it.

The generous take-home boxes will contain your choice of Pork Belly ($29), Chicken ($29) or Sweet Potato (v) ($24) and your choice of side including either Seasonal Greens, Crispy Potatoes or their delicious Corn.

All you need to do is simply call them on 0498 012 622 and place your order, pay by card over the phone and when you arrive, a team member will run it out to you (there’s dedicated parking right out the back of the restaurant at the top of Downes Lane off Little Malop Street). How’s that for service?!

Westend

Westend is one of Geelong’s newest eateries, with the modern interpretation of a great pub, dining room and a bar, boasting a refreshed, pretty schmick and lively space.

While the space is stunning, if you’re after a meal to go, the team are offering the same chef-cooked, comfort food you get at Westend for you to enjoy in your home or office!! They’ve got Pork Belly, Bolognaise arancini, sweet potato gnocchi, and there’s even a cheese plate.

Better yet, they’re also including a free bottle of wine with minimum orders!! This one is pick-up only.

Blackman’s Brewery

Local legends and creators of good beer for everyone, Blackman’s Brewery also announced their delivery service, spawned from the interest of keeping the beer brewing (phew!) and their awesome team working.

Commencing yesterday, the Blackman’s Team are delivering beer and pizza to Torquay, beer and burgers to Ocean Grove and beer to Geelong. You can view their menu via their Facebook, but we’ve got our eye on the mushroom and pancetta pizza and the classic Blackman’s Burger!

As for the beers, you can order either a four pack, 16 can case or a 24 can case, pending on the beer you choose! Our favourites are the Juicy Banger, the Blackman’s Lager, and the Winnie Cider.

To order beers, pizza and burgers from Torquay, call 5261 5310.
To order beers and burgers from Ocean from, call 52563735.
If you’re simply just after beer, you can make your order here.

Pistol Pete’s

If you are craving a Southern feast this pandemic, Pistol Pete’s have you covered!

On offer is a range of burgers and po boys, from the tasty Mojo Burger, to the Shrimp Po’Boy, as well as a crispy Southern Chicken BLT, the pulled pork roll, and Pete’s famous New Orleans style Gumbo. Other items on the menu include chicken and waffles, jambalaya balls, and cajun fries. You can suss the full menu online.

To take your taste buds directly to the Southern States, call 5221 0287.

The Bridge Hotel

This one’s for our friends out in Castlemaine. This week The Bridge Hotel announced it would be closing its doors for a while… but good news is that they’ll still be providing delicious food with their ‘pub meal delivery service’. Launching as of Monday, this service will be available from 5pm – 8pm daily. For $25, you can order a chicken parma or chicken schnitty with chips and salad, the famous Bridge Burrito, fettucine, and mushroom risotto. If you’re feeling like a lighter meal, you can choose from a range of hearty salads for $14, and there’s kids pizza available too!

To order, call 4406 6730.

You can, of course, find a tonne of great local food via food delivery apps like UberEats, Deliveroo and DoorDash, but it’s always better for the local business if you can order direct.

It’s never been more important to support local and independent. Look after each other, prioritise our health and health system and enjoy some good food and beer!

Photos via ALMA’s socials. @emilyythompson__