Movida Lorne: Frank Camorra
“It is not only the business possibilities, but the beauty and lifestyle associated with the Surf Coast that attracted us here, along with my connection to the place.
I grew up in Geelong and have a long affinity with the region after starting my Chef’s apprenticeship at the Arab restaurant in Lorne”
MoVida Lorne combines modern Spanish cuisine, that is well known and loved in Frank Camorra's Melbourne restaurants, with the beachside atmosphere of Lorne. As Franks tells us “our aim is to ensure that guests have an incredible meal paired with fun Spanish or local wines in a relaxed setting.”
The restaurant is located under the Lorne Hotel, on the Great Ocean Road, with expansive ocean views that can be taken in from both the dining room and bar. Frank opened the restaurant in December 2018, after running a week long MoVida pop up at the Hotel the year before. “We had such a fantastic response that it got us thinking that a permanent location was viable, and next thing you know, our second birthday will be upon us in no time.”
Frank was born in Barcelona but grew up in Australia, returning to Spain for both travel and work as a chef. He has brought the best of these experiences to MoVida Lorne, celebrating Spanish flavours, technique and tradition, using locally available produce.
“Anything on the menu that features locally caught seafood, is always popular” says Frank “from our little Concha tapas to seafood paellas and beyond.”
“We are very lucky to have relationships with local fisherman, beef producers, dairy's, breweries and distilleries, they consistently deliver us amazingly high-quality products to work with.”
COVID restrictions have proved challenging for the food and wine industry but Frank has been able to keep the business operating with the Del Dia menu delivery service “however now that we have reopened the restaurant, we have ceased that, but we would like to thank everyone who supported us through the lockdown times. We are still offering a takeaway menu nightly for those based in Lorne.”
What are the advantages of doing business on the Surf Coast?
“The ability to work directly with some of the best produce in Victoria and being able to offer it to tourists and locals alike.”
One thing that might surprise you...
“Movida is in the original location of the front public bar that used to be a nightclub, bottle shop and TAB at the Lorne Hotel. It looks very different these days, but we love hearing people's old stories about wild night's out in this space.”
EAT Movida Lorne
