not judged in 2012 - first judge in 2011 said:

Elkhorn Roadhouse in rural Wallington is a very enjoyable place to visit with a nice country feel being surrounded by farmland and the ability to use herbs from the garden, and having chooks and horses over the back fence.  The food is great and careful thought is put into the menu and the dishes. Elkhorn uses mostly regional and local produce to create clever satisfying dishes. The food is cooked with skill and well presented.  Everything other than the Zeally Bay Sourdough Bread is home made and uses ingredients that the customer can buy at the produce store (highlighted on the menu). Every wine on the Elkhorn wine list is available by the glass. They comprise an interesting selection - mostly of local and regional wines. The two boutique beers available are also locally produced and reasonably priced. We arrived in the midst of pouring rain and were ushered inside to a warm and cosy table that had been set aside for us even though we had only booked half an hour before. The staff were friendly, courteous and helpful with menu decisions, and the owner chatted about how much she enjoys being part of the local community, commenting on how the locals bring in their plums, quinces, and other produce to be made into preserves for the shop. Elkhorn Roadhouse is a wonderful place to sample local produce. The coffee served at Elkhorn was extremely good - strong, nutty and smooth, but not bitter. Elkhorn Roadhouse is a very easy place to spend money because the food, wines, and produce on sale are so attractive!  Start with breakfast or lunch, take a couple of glasses of wine and coffee with cake (if you can fit it in) and then browse the produce store. If you really liked the candied walnuts or chutney you can find them on the shelves, or saffron made by a lady down the road!  But everything is well priced and amazingly good value for money. Great foods and wines, lovely staff, lots of things to buy and take home at reasonable prices!  And the coffee served at Elkhorn was extremely good. Elkhorn Roadhouse has been set up by people who really know and are passionate about hospitality. 

Not judged in 2012 - final judge in 2011 said:

Elkhorn Roadhouse has an engaging clutter, but everything looks cared for, the staff are friendly and knowledgeable and there is a very attractive air to the food at Elkhorn. The informality of the seating is actually part of its charm and the selection of newspapers for customers is perfect for a place serving breakfast or just coffee (which is very good).  The Elkhorn menu is casual, but well suited to the style of the café and the different menus for breakfast and lunch are very appropriate. The use of local ingredients is clearly marked - and most of them are available retail which provides a good local showcase. The blackboard menu is also available as a printed sheet on the menu. We ordered snapper and the tasting plate, followed by a house-made cake and coffee. The quality of the food is impressive, and so is the way it is a showcase for local products. 
In terms of value for money Elkhorn’s ability to deliver more than might be expected is the major strength. A roadhouse that supports its surrounding producers and provides delicious and interesting food is a major asset to the area. A great stop for those touring the region, an excellent meeting place for those who live in the area. It's a cafe, a shop, an example of how to promote local wines and foods. Overall a very enjoyable place to visit.