In 2000 when Vue de Monde first opened in a terrace building in Carlton, the notion that this restaurant could continue another 23 years and face a thriving future would have been the dream.
However, that’s what it’s done, albeit bending and adapting to changes and shifts
along the way as we all do over time and space. Today’s Vue de Monde maintains
its reputation as one of Australia’s most awarded and internationally
recognised restaurants, with sister bar Lui and events space after a 3-month
closure for a refresh.
The re-imagined space at Level 55 of Melbourne’s Rialto Towers, has unveiled a new look for the bar and a significant refresh of the Vue de monde dining room and kitchen.
Hugh Allen, Vue de Monde Executive Chef, says: "We’ve been working on the changes to Vue de Monde and Lui Bar for a few years now and it is wonderful to see everything come together. Taking a few months away from the day-to-day has helped us create what we believe are really special menus across the restaurant and the bar. We’re looking forward to showing our regulars the changes we’ve made, but also welcoming new guests to the venues.”
The 18-serving menu feels familiar to Vue de Monde, while also offering a completely new experience.
Dishes from the opening menu include: grilled lamb sweetbreads with asparagus sourced from Koo Wee Rup finished with sauce of fermented macadamia; padrón peppers filled with heirloom eggplant cooked in wild nasturtium oil and a two-part marron serving of marron tail slowly grilled with a paste made from fried native herbs followed by a warm marron roe custard.
Wine Director Dorian Guillon (MS) and Head Sommelier Mathieu Gobin are responsible for managing Vue de Monde’s impressive wine programme comprising 2000 bins, showcasing an outstanding selection of wines from both Australia and around the world.
The open kitchen has long been a signature of the Vue de Monde dining experience and the kitchen has also had a major update encompassing a new pastry section.
The Lui Bar menu has been expanded to include a larger range of snacks. The menu incorporates the same premium produce and ingredients used in the restaurant, presented in a more accessible and snack-friendly style. The menu includes Sydney rock oysters; Blackmore Wagyu ribs; roasted macadamias with saltbush; caviar service; Vue de Monde’s chocolate soufflé and a wide selection of Australian cheeses to name just a few.
Cocktails in the opening list feature ingredients such as sunrise limes, Geraldton wax, Tasmanian wasabi leaf, macadamias and quandong, with a favourite drink on the new menu being the ‘Margot’ - a spritz of Davidson plum, rhubarb and lacto-fermented yellow tomato. Guests can also access the Vue de Monde wine list and Lui Bar’s large selection of vintage spirits and rare cigars.
Vue de Monde is open for dinner Wednesday to Saturday and lunch on Friday and Saturday.
Lui Bar will open on November 8 from 5.30pm Wednesday and Thursday, 11.30am Friday and Saturday.
