The Meat & Wine Co. South Yarra Launch
Since first opening in 2000, The Meat & Wine Co has made a distinct mark on Melbourne’s food scene. With two restaurants currently in operation in Melbourne (Southbank and Hawthorn East), and two in Sydney (Darling Harbour and Circular Quay), a fifth has just opened its doors at The Como Centre - a boutique retail shopping centre in South Yarra.Tuesday night marked the pre-opening celebration, and The World Loves Melbourne went along to enjoy a sneak peek at the new location.
The style of The Meat & Wine Co, South Yarra is evident upon arrival. Sleek and modern interiors meet ambient warmth. A festive atmosphere greets guests at the door, with African drummers sharing lively rhythms, and Moet & Chandon champagne being lavishly served in gold glasses.
The multileveled restaurant offers private dining spaces, as well as communal seating areas. Curious visitors wander through, eager to see what diners are in for. The kitchen is full of life as rows of canapés line the pass, and mouth-watering aromas waft through to tantalise our tastebuds.
The canapés served throughout the night reflect the broader restaurant menu which emphasises modern and culturally diverse cuisine. Monte’s highest quality beef is a hit with guests, the flame-grilled flavours and melting textures revealing the quality of the meat. Sourced from premium breeders, the philosophy of paddock to plate awareness is integral to The Meat & Wine Co, with all meat going through a twenty-one day minimum aging process.
Succulent South African Boerewors (grilled beef sausages) circulate, served with a barbeque relish and miele pap, a creamy porridge made from maize and corn kernels.
Scallops with pea puree, wasabi and chili oil are a fresh and colourful addition. Lamb ribs with Portuguese sauce fall off the bone, and beef strips with kimchi provide a fiery conclusion of intriguing combinations.
The Meat & Wine Co go to great measures to pair unique Australian wines with their moorish menu. From award winners to the under-rated and boutique, their wines have been carefully selected to ensure a food and wine synthesis for the senses.
The vibrant heartbeat of this new venue is sure to engage with food lovers. While the unique diversity and quality of the menu may leave some overwhelmed with choice, a sure solution would be to keep coming back for more. The Meat & Wine Co, South Yarra is officially open.
- Rachel Mason
(@curiouspressmelbourne)