
BRISBANE
Aquitaine Brasserie
The name may conjure images of the best of Bordeaux and south-west
France, but this new riverside arrival (pictured) doesn't define
itself by brasserie tradition or by region. On offer are modern
Australian riffs on the classics while the wine list roams wider
still - not just through France but also across a clutch of
Australian and New Zealand vineyards. Savour the best of the
Sunshine Coast with an entrée of prettily plated Glasshouse snails
or share charcuterie with house-made relishes from a separate bar
menu. There's certainly a French sensibility, but the vibe is
bright and breezy Brisbane. R2 River Quay, South Bank, Qld,
(07) 3844 1888 FIONA DONNELLY
SYDNEY
After Hours Wine Bar
Could this after-dark alter ego of the newest Bourke Street Bakery
branch be Potts Point's best-kept secret? Not for long. Get in
quick for the light-and-easy likes of the Blackmore wagyu salt-beef
bagels or the vitello tonnato-stuffed gherkins, or go for something
a bit more robust - a whole roast Coorong Angus shin to share,
perhaps. It's just the ticket with a Collector shiraz from the
snappy, state-centric wine list. Hit the chocolate sponge swaddled
in passionfruit mousse and lightly torched meringue to take things
out on a high. 46A Macleay St (enter via Crick Ave), Potts
Point, NSW, (02) 9569 3225 PAT NOURSE
MELBOURNE
Epocha
It's understandable why Epocha's already something of a go-to for
off-duty chefs: the refreshing, relaxing absence of hype, the
simply-but-effectively decked out terrace space opposite the
Exhibition Gardens, the excellent service and the quality drinks.
Chef Mick Bolam's food suits the space: stylish but not flashy
pan-Euro dishes such as venison carpaccio topped with pickled
mushrooms, Pedro Ximénez jelly, hazelnuts and radish slices. 49
Rathdowne St, Carlton, Vic (03) 9036 4949 MICHAEL HARDEN
PERTH
Mechanics Institute
While Flipside's new Northbridge outlet packs 'em in, its
cooking is best appreciated at its attached small bar, Mechanics
Institute. Same hefty burgers and thick-cut chips as downstairs,
only they're accompanied by some of Perth's best-made (and
best-priced) cocktails. How does an absinthe-fuelled Pan American
Clipper and a char-grilled beef burger sound as a meal deal?
Sweeten the pot with a four-tier outdoor deck and you've got summer
in the city nailed. Rear 222 William St, Northbridge, WA, (08)
9228 4189 MAX VEENHUYZEN