MIDDLE BRIGHTON BATHS BRINGS THE BAY TO THE TABLE
Enjoying one of the most breathtaking views of any restaurant in Melbourne, the Middle Brighton Baths has relaunched after an interior refresh of its upstairs dining space, led by respected hospitality creative, Wendy Bergman. Begrman’s clever redesign aims to complement the Bayside venue’s stunning 180 degree vistas and seaside theme, through blue toned walls and a quirky yet practical cork floor, while retaining some of the sweeping space’s original charm. Positioned above Port Phillip Bay, the venue’s floor-to-ceiling windows remain, allowing clear vision all the way to the CBD skyline, and, at the opposite end, a glimpse of Brighton’s famous multi-coloured beach boxes.
Owner and chef, Paul Raynor, has also made subtle updates to the menu in the upstairs restaurant, offering a tempting selection of dishes with a strong seafood focus, sourced daily from the best local suppliers available. Guests perched above the water will be able to order Raynor’s signature seafood platter, a decadent mélange of crustaceans and fresh fish; all cooked, shelled and shucked to order. Training for many years at Stokehouse and Michelin star restaurant Le Gavroche, Raynor built a reputation within the hospitality community and has amassed a wide array of contacts from whom he is able to source top-quality produce.
For those not wishing to eat from the sea, there will be options such as twice cooked pork belly, caramelised apple and ginger purée, calvados jus and chicken coq au vin, lardons, button onions, mushrooms, soft polenta. Raynor is looking forward to building on the venue’s current client base, hoping to attract guests from across town for a range of occasions. “I want people to know that they can visit us for all sorts of experiences; they’re just as welcome for a quiet drink on the balcony as they are for a three course meal,” says Raynor.
The Baths is open from Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner; 12pm – 4pm and 6pm till late and breakfast on Saturday and Sunday from 7:30am to 12pm.
For more information visit http://www.middlebrightonbaths.com.au/
FRENCH PATISSERIE LADUREE TO OPEN IN MELBOURNE
Ladurée will be opening the brand’s first Melbourne site this October, located within Chadstone’s $660 million redevelopment. Founded in Paris in 1862, Ladurée is a luxury global patisserie, world famous for its opulent Macarons and Tea Houses. This site will be Ladurée Australia’s third location, following two existing stores in Sydney’s Westfield and Woollahra. Set to take prime position within the delicate structure of the unique‘pod’ ; Ladurée will sit at twelve metres high, boasting the best vantage point of Chadstone’s new grid shell roof. The site will be nestled between a group of quality flagships brands. Melbourne’s Ladurée will house a stunning 9-seater marble bar featuring a delicate mosaic artwork, within an opulent Parisian-inspired tearoom seating 21. The dome space will exceed architectural expectations, yet Ladurée’s iconic design accents will remain true to the brand’s classic French legacy.
Diners can take respite within the bar or tearoom space and order Ladurée delicacies from the tea and macaron menus, as well as purchase macarons to-go, or choose from a range of the brand’s luxurious retail items. Available for purchase will be Ladurée’s famous collection of macarons packaged in beautifully designed boxes, chocolates, confectionary, teas and a selection of perfumed candles and home fragrances. The new store is set to open its doors to the public late October and will be the perfect addition to the Melbourne food scene providing a sneak peak into the lavish world of the Parisian tearoom.
SCOTT PICKETT SETS UP SHOP AT THE QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET
Realising a life long dream, chef and restaurateur Scott Pickett has opened Pickett’s Deli & Rotisserie at Melbourne’s iconic Queen Victoria Market. The European-style deli will open seven days a week from 7am through to 11pm, serving as a casual morning or lunchtime pit stop and evening wine bar. Located on the prominent corner of Elizabeth and Therry Street, Pickett’s Deli & Rotisserie will showcase quality produce from Victoria, particularly from surrounding neighbours at the market.
Designed by Melbourne’s Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), the world’s leading interior design firm, the heart of Pickett’s latest venture is the rotisserie and charcuterie station, a floating communal island that gives the impression of dining in someone’s home. Seating up to 36 people in total, the marble-topped charcuterie counter is lined with stools, providing guests with front row seats to the magic of the kitchen. In true Pickett style, everything has been meticulously considered, from the house-cured and smoked bacon slow-roasted overnight and carved in the morning as ordered, to the array of homemade preserves, pickles and vinegars lining the deli walls.
Guests popping in for breakfast will be greeted with freshly ground Duke’s coffee and Pickett’s signature bacon and egg buttie, along with an assortment of fresh pastries. Roast chicken coated in a special spice rub will be available for lunch, layered generously between French baguettes, or for dining in with the likes of tarragon mayo and pickles, as well as a special rotisserie du jour. Transitioning into a wine bar in the evening, a “short and sharp” dinner menu will include snacks such as freshly shucked oysters, charcuterie boards and devilled eggs, along with heartier options like crumbed lamb brains, leek and sauce diable; wagyu meatballs, cuttlefish and jamon crumbs; and rotisserie rock flathead, kombu butter and peas.
Heading up the kitchen is Aaron Brodie, transferring over from Pickett’s north-side restaurant Estelle Bistro. And for perfectly matched wines, Estelle by Scott Pickett’s sommelier, James Dossen has curated a wine list of 20 bottles available by the glass.
Pickett is passionate about this latest venture, and feels honoured to have secured such a prime space within the strong community of traders at one of Melbourne’s most eminent attractions. “My very first memory of Melbourne is visiting the Vic Market with my dad and tucking into a grilled bratwurst before the footy. It’s a special moment for me to be able to now work in this unique destination with an offering that I’m so passionate about,” said Pickett.
Pickett continues, “I’m excited to showcase an approachable menu that’s all about good food without the fuss.”
Pickett’s Deli & Rotisserie is now open at the Queen Victoria Market.
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