NomadMelbourne
Themuch-lovedformulaofstripped-back,
Mediterranean-accented,localproduce-focused
cookingthathasworkedsowellforJacquiChallinorat
Sydney’sNomadis makingitswaysouthtoMelbourne.
Takingoverthebasementspaceformerlyoccupiedby
long-runningrestaurantEzard,NomadMelbournewill
makethemostofVictorianproduceandwinefrom
smallproducers.MelbournearchitectClareCousins
is onboardforthefit-outofthe100-seatrestaurant,
set to open in April. 187 Flinders Ln, Melbourne, Vic
TheTasman
Tasmanian-born,Naples-raisedchefMassimoMele
hasbeenappointedculinarydirectoratTheTasman,
a newluxuryhotelatParliamentSquareinHobart.
MelewillbringhisItalianandTasmanianinfluences
tothetable,makingthemostoflocalproduceinthe
yet-to-be-namedsignaturerestaurant.Melestarted
hiscookingcareerinHobartathisparent’srestaurant
andhassinceworkedatDonovan’sinMelbourneand
openedLaunceston’swell-receivedMudbar.The
restaurantandhotelaresettoopen in June.
Parliament Square, Hobart, Tas.
BarAria
Ariahasbeena stapleontheever-changingSydneyfoodscene,
andremainsthecrownjeweloftherenownedSolotelGroup.
Now,thefine-dininginstitutionis settocommandeeroneofits
twoprivatefunctionspaces,transformingit intoa relaxedwine
bar.ThecasualHarboursidespot,settoopeninthefirsthalf
oftheyear,willbespearheadedbyAria’sheadsommelierAlex
Kirkwoodandoffera sprawlingwinelistwithmorethan 80 wines
bytheglassand 1700 bottles.Therewillbea seasonal,produce-
drivensnackmenucreatedbyAria’sexecutivechefJoelBickford,
allowinggueststoexperiencetherestaurant’screativestyleand
technique in a laid-back setting. 1 Macquarie St, Sydney, NSW WORDS MICHAEL HARDEN & GEORGIE MEREDITH (ARIA). PHOTOGRAPHY PETRINA TINSLAY (CHARCUTERIE).