New Bars
Having launched in late 2011 MMC is taking a self proclaimed ‘cultural journey’ under the guidance of its head chef, Maurice Esposito.
The team behind the quirky venue are challenging you to enjoy all that the magic of Creole cuisine has to offer. Dishes are all about ‘to share’ and ‘tasting plates’ although there are mains and smaller delights to take your fancy. Creole-style chicken stew, spiced and blackened fish with avocado and a classic cassoulet are all on the menu.
The Smith in Prahran is making some noise as a great mix of food, drink and atmosphere. It’s even developed the common English moniker of ‘gastro-pub’, although those behind the site are happier to call it a restaurant and bar – with a purpose built event space. Nevertheless, The Smith offers cozy corners, communal tables and talented professionals and brings a unique slice of socialising to hordes of happy locals. “We’ve had immediate success since launching,” said The Smith’s Elania Musto.
With Neutral Bay slowly filling up for prime bar real estate there have been a couple of recent additions further down the road in Cremorne. The Mayor Bar & Dining is proving a hit, and came online just in time for the summer rush. “The building used to be the old Cremorne post office and we have done a great transformation to make the bar a warm great space,” says Tim Harvey, venue manager.
Jamie Oliver has landed and he’s bringing with him all the expected bells and whistles. Inspired by the culture of laneway gastronomy and tippling Jamie’s Australian foray features antique coppers, earthy coloured tiles, leathers and blackened steel.
The venue features a fully operational pasta preparation station, which produces all the fresh pasta required while also satisfying the curious urge of onlookers. Jamie’s Italian also has an impressive bar area that turns out an array of delightful drinks, all under the watch of the 150kg tiered chandelier, which is suspended over head.
This new bar & café is looking set to revolutionize the Chippendale area. Up for offer is a mix of well crafted cocktails, imported and local wines, draft brews and bar food to match. The Freda’s crew make regular jaunts to the Sydney fish market and Flemington markets in order to source the best and most interesting produce around. Billing their service as ‘sharp yet simple’ they aim to give customers incomparable food and drink.
Andre Bishop (Robot Bar and Golden Monkey) is a self confessed Japanophile – of Japano-geek. He’s a man that’s taken the business of sake and made it his business by bringing its unique flavor and style to the streets of Melbourne.
Most recently he has launched Kumo Izakaya & Sake Bar in East Brunswick. “I have relished the opportunity to combine what I love most about izakayas in Japan with original elements that celebrate local culture and produce,” Bishop said of his latest venue, “Kumo is the complete picture for me.”
Threefold is a newly opened bar that’s combining a few elements in order to bring out its best. Operating as a food shop, café and bar that serves through breakfast to lunch Monday to Friday, it also operates as a bar that serves dinner and snacks on Thursday and Friday evenings.
The Mediterranean styled food is enough to tempt you in while the sun is high, and then come back for the night time offerings which includes sommelier Jane Thornton’s wine list of 15 by the glass options. The head chef, Stephen Black, striving to capture
Danger. Madness. Vernon Chalker’s newest Melbourne destination – Bar Ampere – is finally up and running. It’s been a while in the making, but good things come to those that…you know the word. Bar Ampere, which stands above an antiquated electrical substation, serves as a monument to the French physicist Andre-Marie Ampere.
Bar Ampere is Chalker’s realisation of a futurist dream and in testament to his vision the staff reject all traditional notions of consumption. Splayds (those things that look like a fork, knife and spoon in one) are the tool of choice for diners – a move which Chalker says ‘allows guests one hand free to engage in more animated table talk’.
The land of the ragged student is getting another facelift in its ever developing makeover and now Newtown can boast something shiny and new in Jester Seeds. Owner Ray Vircansa has combined the best of Sydney’s burgeoning small bar scene with an edginess that’s sure to attract the local crowd.
Concrete Blonde is a new look restaurant and bar that’s making some big waves in Kings Cross and is boasting a sensational fit-out and food and drinks menu.
Patrick Dang is at the head of the kitchen having spent time at Fratelli Paridiso, Salt, MG Garage and the 2 Michelin starred Amber Restaurant (Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Hong Kong).
Sydney is still growing with the recent opening of Bar100 down The Rocks end of George Street. Set in a heritage styled building that dates back to 1856 owner Charif Kazal said that the new haunt will be showcasing cutting edge food, entertainment and drinks in a world class venue.
A new restaurant lounge bar has opened up in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs – Kong’s Jungle Restaurant. “Kongs Jungle Lounge is a Tiki themed restaurant lounge right in the middle of Bondi Junction (jungle), in the heartland of the Eastern Suburbs,” says Sean Finlay co-owner of Kongs.