The home of vermouth is a spectacular city. And it is genuinely a city that is dedicated to the tradition of aperitivo. From 4pm, bars and caffes are full of people sharing a quick drink with friends before they head home for dinner. Aperitivo snacks are also mostly free here (expect anything from olives to a full platter), which is something that has started to fade away in other places in Italy.
“This time around it’s been very different: Alice is open, so we can base things on the style and feel of the place, and we also have a team, including Head Bartender Dante Davies, who I get to throw ideas around with. Collaborating on a cocktail list again has been a lot of fun.” – Steve McDermott, Hunter St. Hospitality Group Bar Manager
From Barolo to Panzano, we got the chance to experience the landscape and see the towns that the 20th century forgot. Places with a just church, a cantina or two, a farmacia and that’s about it.
Light Years 139 Jonson St, Byron Bay, NSW Lightyearsasiandiner.com.au After closing their original venue in…
Oxford Street has recently welcomed the new Japanese restaurant and party bar Kissuu. Spearheaded by ex-Nobu chef Adam Burke in collaboration with music curator and DJ Richy Penny, the all-in-one venue is open till late for dinner and disco Tuesday through Sunday.
First stop on our Aperitivo Tour was Milan. It’s a city that gets a bit of a bad rap thanks to the smog and congestion but we loved it. There is a real aperitivo culture, stunning architecture and little alleyways dotted with cafes and trattorias are full of twinkling fairy lights and awnings.
“Rockmelon is the perfect in-season summer fruit to complement tequila, a no-brainer. The bitter citrus aperitivo adds an incredible depth of citrus and a welcome bitterness to balance the sweet rockmelon, the salty tajin salt rim to add savoury notes.” – Prudence Farquhar, Bar Mellow, Newcastle
One or Two embodies the spirit of Japanese hospitality – exceptional ice cold drinks served with famous familiarity and warmth.
Here are three cocktails from the team members Martin McConnell, Magnus Moore and Liam Murphy as well as an interview with co-owner Pete Hollands about the state of the Brisbane bar scene and what’s next for them in 2023.
I encourage constant training and revision of whatever the most popular 50-100 cocktails are in your particular city and at all my bars over the years, this has been the very foundation for all other drinks. Without a grounding in the classics, you can’t, or shouldn’t, be attempting avant garde drinks that are poorly executed.
The bar has been brought to life by the creator of Sydney’s famous Saga Bar, Julian Frederick and is a place where expertly crafted cocktails are served amongst the scenery of lush waterfalls and mythical island legends.
Etymon Projects are expanding fast and getting lots of props for their latest offering, Charles Grand Brasserie and Tiva. Jono Carr is on board as Director of Bars.