STYLE
“We don’t do minimalism here,” says Jo. “We don’t do minimalism here,” says Jo.
“Our collective style is loud, unapologetically “Our collective style is loud, unapologetically
bold and colourful.” Pascale favours striking bold and colourful.” Pascale favours striking
jewellery such as her evil bunny ring by Emma jewellery such as her evil bunny ring by Emma
Abrahams from Heart of Bone, while metallic Abrahams from Heart of Bone, while metallic
threads and big prints are offset by the odd threads and big prints are offset by the odd
neutral for balance. Jewel-toned flowers against neutral for balance. Jewel-toned flowers against
a dark backdrop add drama to the table. a dark backdrop add drama to the table.
MENUMENU
It’s all about easy, shareable, seasonal It’s all about easy, shareable, seasonal
food that’s big on flavour, colour and texture. food that’s big on flavour, colour and texture.
Vibrant bottarga shaved over potato, a Vibrant bottarga shaved over potato, a
summer-worthy skirt steak bathed in mojo summer-worthy skirt steak bathed in mojo summer-worthy skirt steak bathed in mojo summer-worthy skirt steak bathed in mojo
verde, and subtle seafood offset by smoky verde, and subtle seafood offset by smoky verde, and subtle seafood offset by smoky
chilli and rich slivers of lardo. chilli and rich slivers of lardo.
PLAYLISTPLAYLIST
From Marvin Gaye and Grace Jones’ From Marvin Gaye and Grace Jones’ My My
Jamaican GuyJamaican Guy to Michael Jackson’s to Michael Jackson’s Beat ItBeat It
and satanic pop rock by Ghost, with a little and satanic pop rock by Ghost, with a little
Nancy Sinatra thrown in for good measure, Nancy Sinatra thrown in for good measure,
the tunes are as eclectic as the group’s style. the tunes are as eclectic as the group’s style.
DRINKSDRINKS
“Always start and end with bubbles!” yells “Always start and end with bubbles!” yells “Always start and end with bubbles!” yells
Linda. Punchbowl cocktails scream party Linda. Punchbowl cocktails scream party
fun and are a great way to make cocktails fun and are a great way to make cocktails
an easy affair when entertaining. A twist an easy affair when entertaining. A twist
on everyone’s favourite, the Negroni, is on everyone’s favourite, the Negroni, is
also perfect, even outside also perfect, even outside also perfect, even outside aperitivoaperitivoaperitivo hour. hour. hour.SET THE SCENESET THE SCENE
THE AVERAGE AUSTRALIAN DINER
may not know Melbourne-based architect
Pascale Gomes-McNabb by name, but
they’ve certainly heard of the restaurants
she’s had a hand in bringing to life. In
designing high-profile establishments such
as the original Cutler & Co. and Cumulus
Inc. in Melbourne, Sydney’s Bentley
Restaurant & Bar, Cirrus and Monopole, and
SA’s Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant (to
name but a few), she’s had a hand in the
way Australians dine at the top end of town.
We’re gathered at Pascale’s latest
masterpiece – the North Melbourne
terrace she calls home – to break in her
new digs (not that these guys need
much of an excuse to pop a bottle of
Champagne). It’s full of her signature dark
metals, contrasting textural finishes and
pops of colour by way of bowerbird curios.
The guests include chef Matt McConnell
of Bar Lourinhã; his wife and business
partner, Jo Gamvros; close friend Linda
Jones of Alimentari; Felix Allsop of
cocktail bar The Everleigh; his mate Joe
Jones from cocktail bar Romeo Lane and
restaurant The Mayfair... and yours truly.
Matt’s eclectic Latin-spiked cuisine
displays an ease and generosity of flavour,
with an uncomplicated style that belies
the extensive experience he’s picked up
from his travels and years spent overseas.
“Fun is kind of crucial,” he adds.
Cocktails are mixed by former chef
Joe Jones, who has built his drinks career
on elegantly simple beverages with
classic roots and minimal fuss.
There’s a sign at Bar Lourinhã that reads
‘Good Times’, and those are certainly had
every time these friends get together.
CLOCKWISE (from top
left): left): Joe’s cocktails help Joe’s cocktails help
get the party started; get the party started;
catching up over drinks catching up over drinks
and canapes; Matt and and canapes; Matt and
Joe get prepping in Joe get prepping in
Pascale’s kitchen.Pascale’s kitchen.