The Grand Dining Room Richmond Re-opens
A Melbourne favourite The grand Dining Room is re-opening after lockdown. In more good news on Melbourne’s revival, The Grand Dining Room in Richmond will re-open on 12th May after closing last March for the first lockdown. One of the city’s favourite dining venues, the restaurant is known for its consistent quality, modern Italian cuisine and impeccable service. A restaurant that evokes many a fond memory with more chapters to be written.
The award-winning pub dining room will celebrate it’s 18th birthday this year. Much remains the same, and so it should. That said, the team have made some subtle changes to this elegant space; striking a harmonious balance between modernity and Grand Tradition.
Maro Kobayashi, from Hiroshima, Japan, was promoted from Sous Chef to Head Chef shortly before the venue closing at the start of the pandemic. Maro brings to the Grand Dining Room kitchen a wealth of experience that includes cooking Japanese in his home country and the USA, before joining the 2 Michelin Starred Italian restaurant, Marea in New York, where he worked as sous chef.
Needless to say, he is excited to be able to welcome guests to experience his modern Italian menu – the heart of which is drenched in the roots of classic Italian dishes, interpreted with the refined clarity that sets Japanese cooking apart. We love the interplay.
The Grand Dining Room menu will feature a range of classic Antipasti such as San Daniele prosciutto, beautiful salame and a stunning rendition of a Piemonte favourite – Giardiniera. Primi plates are just as appetising, including Negroni Cured Kingfish Crudo ($21), Eye Fillet Carpaccio, Rocket & Parmesan ($19) and one of Maro’s new signature dishes -Tiger Prawn Ravioli, Chilli Butter & Pangrattato ($27).
For mains it’s a difficult choice with the menu including dishes such as Wild Boar Ragu Lasagna ($29), the signature Roast Duck, Semolina Gnocchi, Green Beans, Orange & Juniper Sauce ($39) as well as locally sourced Market Fish and Aged Steaks of the day. To finish, Dolci include Bomboloni, Burnt Orange Crème & Chocolate Crumble ($15) and a devine Lemon Tart & Marscapone Cream ($16)
There is also the Chef’s Menu option where guests will receive six dishes for $65 per person – perfect for those who can’t make a choice or wish to try the chef’s favourites.
The Grand Dining Room will be offering Italian Yum Cha the first Sunday of each month - The Grand's beautiful Italian food served Yum Cha style. Think steamed baskets of tortellini, mini pizzas, croquettes, little lasagne, signature gnocchi, beautiful crudo, bomboloni, need we say more!
“We are delighted to have such a skilful and focused artisan to lead our team as we re-open our Dining Room,” says The Grand owner Barnie Bouchaud. “His talent and passion shines through his food and, after a very tough 2020, we are excited to once again welcome guests to our very special little dining room. We have also made some subtle changes to the décor that will excite our regulars and new guests alike.”