Locals knew the old Belvedere Hotel in Daylesford as "The Swinging Arms" because some of its more colourful patrons had a predilection for settling arguments with a bout of fisticuffs. Today, the building in which the Belvedere was housed still has a strong reputation, but for very different reasons.
James Frangos bought the old hotel in 1974 and, since then, he and his family have converted it into an iconic Daylesford institution. James and his partner Dianne, manage the flourishing business with a flair rarely found outside a capital city.
First came the cosmopolitan Frangos and Frangos, oozing European style and a Mediterranean flavour. With a menu of superb food featuring seasonal local produce, and a wine list that included regional favourites, the restaurant soon established an enviable reputation among locals, visitors and critics.
"Shabby chic and country style prevail. Frangos stands for tradition and customer savy. Elegant food, coupled with attentive service, makes eating there a must. After all, Frangos and Frangos is Daylesford."
Epicure, The Age, 4 September 2001
Koukla, the baby sister of Frangos and Frangos, followed. A delightfully warm and welcoming café, Koukla serves award-winning affordable meals from breakfast to dinner, including some of the best wood-fired pizzas this side of Italy.
"The aesthetic (and the excellent coffee) would fit comfortably into any of Melbourne's groovier streets; the all-day menu smacks of lazy holidays… Wood fired pizzas topped with plump sardines or fiery chorizo ooze Mediterranean authenticity, as does spaghetti tossed with roasted garlic and lemon juice… Relax, have a glass of wine - the spa can wait."
Cheap Eats, 2003
"The crisp pizzas are terrific; the pastas and meat dishes show off regional produce… Brilliant coffee and lemon tart top it all off."
Good Food Guide, 2004
A few steps down Vincent Street and you're outside Frangos Collection. A stylish storehouse of old, new and exotic pieces gathered from local and overseas sources, this is the perfect place to splash out and spoil yourself or shop for that elusive, special gift.
At the rear of the Frangos Collection shop you'll see an elegant space. Here, weddings, birthday parties, cocktail parties and corporate functions are catered for with considerable style. The interior opens onto a beautiful stone courtyard, the perfect location for a photographic shoot. Here, too, groups can gather for a long Sunday lunch. Sitting in the fresh country air, eating delicious food, drinking fine wine in the company of good friends while a musician serenades the party … sweeter times than this are hard to imagine.
"Every seemingly innocuous detail has weight, adds value and speaks a succinct language impacting on the whole…. What we eat should equal joy, happiness, contentment, conviviality and good health."
James Frangos, Melbourne's Restaurant Leaders, Melbourne Magazine.
Despite the acclaim, James Frangos and family are not content to rest on their laurels. They continue to explore areas in which to express and share their passion for good food, fine wine and life.
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- Address
- 82 Vincent Street, Daylesford, Victoria, Australia, 3460
- Telephone
- 03 5348 2363
- Fax
- 03 5348 4089
- Website
- Click Here
- Opening Hours
- Frangos & Frangos Mon, Tues 4pm-late; Sat, Sun 11.30am-late. Koukla 8am-late
- Town
- Daylesford
- Contact
- Jim and Dianne Frangos
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