Neil and Sam Perry have made the decision to reimagine the Double Bay site where Song Bird currently perches, announcing that it will be transformed into an Italian restaurant called Gran Torino.
Following extensive renovation of the historic premises at Gaden House, the ambitious Song Bird opened with a vast menu at the end of August last year. Likening it to a “Chinese version of Margaret”, the star chef has alluded to it being one of the most stressful launches of his career.
“We missed the mark by creating a three-level Chinese restaurant in Double Bay,” admitted Neil Perry, in a statement. “Now, we’ve got the size right over two levels and – just as importantly – acoustics that have finally been tamed, we’re ready to move forward into a new future.”
That future will go by the name of Gran Torino, calling upon Perry’s prior experience with Italian cuisine, via his two iterations of Rosetta in Sydney and Melbourne.
To this end, Gran Torino’s ground floor will focus on an aperitivo menu centred around Bellinis, Martinis, bitter vermouths, Campari and Aperol; accompanied by a selection of snacks, small dishes and shared plates. The upper level, meanwhile, will feature a more structured restaurant menu with antipasti, fresh pastas, produce-driven mains featuring grilled seafood and meats, and classic Italian desserts.
“The change to Gran Torino will be a better fit with Margaret, and the more approachable menu and laidback setting will have people wanting to return time and time again for drinks, casual bites and celebrations.”
Seating 100, the transformation to Gran Torino will involve some personnel changes across the hospitality group. Executive chef of the award-winning Margaret, Richard Purdue, will oversee the Gran Torino kitchen alongside Margaret’s current head chef, Ervin Mumujesi. Song Bird head chef Mark Lee will relocate to Margaret as head chef alongside Perry.
Details on Gran Torino’s menu and opening hours will be confirmed closer to the opening, which will take place on Saturday, 9 August. Song Bird’s final service will be dinner on Sunday, 3 August.
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