Brisbane is home to a vibrant and diverse culinary scene that is constantly evolving, making it a top food destination. From small street food vendors to world-renowned restaurants, there is something to satisfy every craving in the city. Mr. Vain Bar & Dining is one such venue that has been making waves since its opening in October 2022, in Fortitude Valley. The restaurant is a stunning 90s-inspired laneway bar and eatery, tucked away down a small lane, the street entrance to Mr. Vain is via a black gate.
Mr. Vain Bar & Dining boasts an atmosphere that is both bold and sophisticated. Upon entering, you will be greeted with a glowing lamp-lit room that features bustling open kitchens, gold chain partitioned booths, exposed handmade brick walls, leather banquettes, and original wood-framed casement windows. The interior is designed by Courtney Low, with a 90s-influenced aesthetic emphasizing elegance and sophistication while underscoring the site’s rustic glamour. Along one wall just inside the entrance, a long digital screen shows black and white footage of 90s icons, including supermodels and fashion shows, while music plays 90s pulsating dance hits.
Head chef Tim Young, who has previously worked at Blackbird Bar & Grill and Melbourne’s Matilda, leads a team of artisan chefs who strive to let the ingredients shine with minimal manipulation through a truly bespoke menu steeped in simplicity, world flavours, and bold ideas. Envisioned and created by Young, the menu is a creative culinary offering of seasonal ingredients and local produce demonstrating Tim’s original and bold approach. The cuisine is inspired by the French bistronomy movement and its roots in 90s Paris. Bistronomy is about highlighting fresh, quality ingredients and presenting them in an approachable yet unique style through techniques of gastronomy. Mr. Vain's goal is to deliver guests a gastronomic experience in a warm and approachable atmosphere that features an aesthetic blending of a Parisian bistro and New York bar.
The dishes at Mr. Vain are thoughtfully crafted, season-driven, and anchored by locally sourced and native produce, with a minimalist style of execution letting ingredients shine. The menu ranges from cutting-edge cocktails to handpicked modern wines by local and international producers. The wine list is focused on predominantly family-owned, sustainable, modern wines featuring local producers and a handpicked selection of international wines. The cocktail menu highlights cutting-edge techniques and unique ingredients that aim to bring each flavour to life through extensive preparation, cooking techniques, and pairing.
The cuisine at Mr. Vain is designed to be shared. Dishes can be ordered separately, or as a set chef's tasting menu ($105pp), while larger groups of 8+ can enjoy a group dining menu for $80pp. The menu features a range of smaller dishes such as Sydney rock oysters with finger lime and fermented chilli; rye and poppy sourdough (freshly baked in-house) with kefir butter, or Falls Farm pickled and preserved vegetables with fresh milk curd. Entree-style dishes include eggplant sesame, maple and yoghurt; seared kangaroo with fermented pepper and buckwheat cracker; Fraser Island spanner crab, creme fraiche and langos or Hasselback potato, coastal herbs, wash rind cheese, and chives.
In the bar, Jhon Gavino Hinestroza crafts a beverage program that is equal parts modern and nostalgic, headlined by a six-strong selection of signature cocktails. The main course is where Mr. Vain's menu really shines, with an impressive selection of dishes that showcase the restaurant's philosophy of letting quality ingredients speak for themselves. One such dish is the pork tomahawk with coffee, turnip top and pineapple, a unique combination of flavors that is sure to impress. If you're feeling adventurous, try the butterflied reef fish with champagne butter, coral mushroom and salt bush, a dish that perfectly balances bold flavors with delicate textures.
Overall, Mr. Vain Bar & Dining is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique and sophisticated dining experience in Brisbane. With a menu that is both modern and nostalgic, a warm and approachable atmosphere, and an impressive selection of cocktails and wines, Mr. Vain is sure to impress even the most discerning of diners.
Image Source
Comentários