Taking on a motto of “kinda hood, kinda classy”, Ripponlea Food and Wine have finally reopened their venue, unveiling their expanded space after being closed for renovations since October 2.
Expertly designed by Black Milk Interiors (Sash Japanese, Ms Collins), the new space features a glamourous new cocktail bar that seamlessly connects to the existing restaurant.
Drawing inspiration from the drinking establishments of New York and London, the sleek yet edgy space features luxurious semi-circular emerald green velvet booths, sat within a space of sleek metallic finishes, geometric feature floor tiles, and gold statement lights. In addition to the new cocktail bar, ‘The Parlour’ is an intimate new private dining room, tucked away between the two main dining spaces.
The opportunity to renovate came about after securing the building next door. Realising the potential to expand, the team at Ripponlea knocked down the dividing wall and turned the 40-capacity venue to 80.
“2017 marks three years since we first opened for business in Ripponlea Village and as this vibrant pocket of Melbourne continues to evolve, we recognised the opportunity to extend our offering to include a casual yet stylish bar where you can grab a bite and enjoy a wine or cocktail in the evening,” said co-owner Brendan Leeds.
To pair with their cocktail bar, a new menu has been crafted to feature more a generous selection of small plates, designed to share. With a modern Italian influence, enticing highlights of the menu include a selection of crostini, duck pate with thyme and biscotti, and gin and lime cured salmon.
Signature dishes from their previous menu have also made a comeback, such as the mac and cheese sliders, steak tartare and famous choc bomb dessert. For something a little heartier, larger dishes are available including crispy skin half chicken with spring vegetable and pinot griscaponata and ‘bistecca con salsa delle erbe’ – a rosemary and oregano rubbed Wagyu flat iron (8+) with celeriac puree and red wine jus.
“The new menu will be available throughout the entire venue and stays true to our ethos of simple, nostalgic comfort food with a touch of fine-dining finesse. We want Ripponlea to be a home away from home for locals and visitors alike – a place to bond over a great conversation and an even better meal,” said Leeds.
Ripponlea Food & Wine
Address: 15 Glen Eira Rd, Ripponlea VIC 3185
Contact: 03 8804 1313
Website: ripponleafoodandwine.com.au
Hours: Restaurant: Mon-Sun 11:30am-11pm; Bar: Wed-Fri 5pm-11pm, Sat-Sun 3pm-11pm
Images supplied
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