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MELBOURNE | Mr & Mrs P is a love story expressed through a venue, inspired by the love shared between a husband and wife, and their mutual love for hospitality. This is the first venue owned by Greg and Georgia Poliwodzinski since they got married. Encompassing vibes that are on-trend and slightly sophisticated, their unique concept on this side of town certainly impressed us when we came to visit.
More of a wine bar than a restaurant, the main dining area is occupied by high benches and bar seating, with an outdoor courtyard towards the back that is ideal for quieter get-together’s or group functions. Inside, a remarkably illuminated wall of shelves is filled with bottles of wine, spirits, liqueurs and champagne, easily becoming the centrepiece of the venue. The warmly intimate ambience elicits the feeling of entering Mr & Mrs P’s basement wine cellar, complete with friendly table service and finer-dining food.
Given the venue layout and atmosphere, we can’t help but feel that the food is just an accompaniment to the star of the show, the cocktails. The signature cocktail is the Mr & Mrs P, a delicious blend of vanilla vodka, passionfruit and white chocolate served in a martini glass. An expertly balanced concoction of sweet yet slightly tart flavours coat the palate, finished off with white chocolate shavings garnished around the rim of the glass. Another highly recommended cocktail is the Matcha Made In Heaven, whose subtle hint of matcha flavour compliments the stronger citrus and floral tastes. In keeping with the romance theme, many of the cocktails are named after infamous couples, such as Adam & Eve, Romeo & Juliet, and Lady Or The Tramp.
The condensed food menu includes both small and large sharing plates, as well as charcuterie and cheeses, all ideal for grazing. Executive Chef Matthew Butcher (ex-Morris Jones & Co.) has cleverly focused the menu on locally sourced ingredients, many of which have been picked from within the local area. It may be the garnish of wild cabbage accompanying the roast cauliflower with caper raisin puree and yoghurt, or the saltbush foraged from Brighton beach and naturally salted by the sea air, closely resembling addictive salt and vinegar chips after they have been dehydrated, fried and finished with soy salt and vinegar.
A signature dish is their Blackmore Wagyu Beef sitting atop buttered risoni and green goddess dressing. The juiciness of the cube-shaped beef pieces is an ideal accompaniment to this rice-like pasta, although the beef was a bit more chewy than we would usually prefer. The Pumpkin Salad is another must-order, with meltingly soft texture and sweet flavours are enhanced by candied pepitas, feta, honey and cumin, warming you up on a cold winter’s night.
Prices are slightly higher than your average beachside eatery, but you get your money’s worth in the quality of the food, refined ambience and high level of service. Mr & Mrs P stays true to their love-story concept, whether you are seeking an intimate destination for your next date night, or a casual venue for after-work drinks.
Mr & Mrs P
312 Bay Street
Brighton
Victoria 3186
Australia
Telephone: (03) 9596 4468
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Tue – Sun: 4:00pm to 11:00pm