Places to visit…….food and wine to enjoy! (March 2012)

‘What’ I hear you say - never heard of it….intrigued by the name….no wonder I say! This bar come bistro may well be the hottest thing Melbourne has seen in a while, and it is backed by brothers Adam & Christian Ferrante and Mark Grixti. I have known Mark for some years now, and have been patiently waiting for this venue to open, mind you that is nothing on what the guys behind the business have been through - the wait is worth it!

Wow factor even before you step inside. The yellow door screams as you pass, curiosity draws you closer and a small amount of confidence will get you a glimpse of what is on the other side. A very smart gold plate states ‘Hell of the North’ by the front door, but unless you have gumption, or a bag full of curiosity you may just walk on by - you may lose out.

The floor-to-ceiling Tasmanian oak wood slatting and brass surfaces are striking to say the least. Inside the venue there is zoning but it doesn’t feel forced…..it simply flows from the front bar to the private dining area and then further afield to the courtyard. Ooh la la slips from my lips at every turn, and that is even before I peruse the menu!

Have I said enough to tempt you to visit……yes?…..see you there!

Bishop of Ostia

77 - 79 Nicholson Street, Brunswick East

Wine Bar with a beer garden and café (Pope Joan)!

Open Thursday to Sunday 4pm - late with food from 5:30pm

It is hard to believe that Pope Joan has been around for several years now. A very successful union by day between Matt Wilkinson and Ben Foster has evolved to launch a bar on the other side of the garden that will entertain by night! Food will also be available and the theme of local suppliers continues from food through to beverages.

Again this is a great addition for the locals, or if you are like me a stop on the way home heading north / north east (that means Northcote, Thornbury, Coburg and Preston residents)

The Classroom

Unit 1, 356 Charles Street, North Perth

Bar with cafeteria (keeping it in the theme)!

Open Wednesday to Sunday 11am - late.

Owners Adam Keane and Daniel Sterpini have only just opened their ‘step back in time’ bar in North Perth. The fit out is unique to say the least, bringing back school day memories from the 70s and 80s with chalk boards, lockers converted to beverage storage shelves and school desks and retro lunchboxes.

The theme continues with beverages and food, the former taking spirits to a new level with several ‘subjects’ to choose from, including History, Science and Art. Wine and beer are available as to be expected and we have managed to get the SOUMAH Savarro 2011 and Lamont Pinot Noir 2007 onto the list!

The food is a take on canteen classics such as the toastie, meat pie and mac and cheese, and for a step up zucchini fritters, pork sausage rolls and fish finger mini-burgers. You order at the bar, are given a buzzer and collect your food when the buzzer goes off - simple!

Living in Melbourne I am not going to get there this week - but I am slowly building up places to visit to warrant a trip to Perth. If you get there before me tell me what you think.

That’s all for now so happy sipping, drinking and dining! Cheers Sarah