Taking the Plate - 'Life's A Dish'

Bendigo Pottery; Australia's oldest pottery; has been producing ceramic products since 1858.

For those not in the know, Bendigo is two hours north of Melbourne and was once a gold-rush town.

Tweleve of Bendigo's restaurants and Bendigo Pottery are behind an initiative called 'Life's A Dish.' The restaurants in conjunction with Bendigo Pottery each designed a signature plate that is then produced in small numbers by Bendigo Pottery. The plates are hand-painted so no two are the same and each is an original piece. Diners at the restaurants have the opportunity to buy the plates as a remembrance of their meal.

The idea is based on a venture from Northern Italy; started in 1964; called Unione Ristoranti del Buon Ricordo. Restaurants in 110 countries have also been inspired by the idea.

It's a superb idea that the pottery maker, restaurants, tourism and patrons all benefit from.

So now if you go to Bendigo you can eat off your plate and take it home too!


Photo: plate from Whirrakee Restaurant, Terri-Anne Kingsley