MELBOURNE | Over his 20 year career, Gippsland-born and raised chef Scott Eddington has worked in some of Melbourne and Sydney’s top restaurants. Places like Mamasita, Automata, A1 Canteen, and Manze. In September last year, Scott and his partner, Lauren Chibert, opened their own venue, Arnold’s Wine Bar. I popped in last week to grab some shots for What’s on Melbourne.
The homely, welcoming local’s spot is named after Scott’s grandfather, Arnold. It fills a gap in the area’s food and drink scene that Scott and Lauren noticed when they moved into the neighbourhood to live. Walk inside, and you’ll find yourself in a narrow space, dominated by a long bar on one side, and an open kitchen and impressive vinyl collection at the back. Further back, there’s a little courtyard, and there are a few tables at the front. It’s cosy, but not cramped, with much of the artwork and furnishings created or donated by friends and family.
The menu is based around the best quality seasonal produce from growers like Yarra Valley’s Wandin Yallock Farms, and Five Tails Farm in Gippsland. It’s constantly changing, and draws on Scott’s extensive kitchen, in particular his stints at Mamasita and A1. Mexican flavours and technique feature heavily, with bold, zesty flavours, but make no mistake, this ain’t a Mexican restaurant.
You can expect to find things like beef tartare with tomatillo salsa, almonds, and crème fraiche; pan-fried peppers with a mole-like sauce; flathead crudo with annatto seed dressing and blood orange; and fried mortadella with a mix of sweet and spicy peppers.
To drink, it’s a tight, exciting wine list designed by James Dickson-Hoyle, with a focus on winemakers from Gippsland. There’s also a couple of cocktails, locally sourced spirits, and a few beers and non-alcoholic options. I highly recommend the tomatillo martini, made with Four Pillars Olive Leaf Gin, Dolin Vermouth, and green tomato brine, and tomatillos, which replace the usual olives.
Arnold’s Wine Bar
192 Bellair Street
Kensington
Victoria 3031
Australia
Telephone: 0415 604 802
E-mail: n/a
Website
Open
Wed – Thu: 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Fri: 5:00pm to 11:00pm
Sat: 12:00pm to 11:00pm