New Melbourne Hot Spots: Spice Market and MoMo
As part of its $45 million redevelopment, Melbourne’s Grand Hyatt has been busily reinventing itself as a stand-alone, premium food and wine destination.
While new Cocktail bar RU-CO and innovative restaurant Collins Kitchen (both opening in late 2008) raised the bar, the arrival of a further two venues within the complex in early 2009 – new bar Spice Market and the reopening of acclaimed modern Middle Eastern restaurant MoMo – will complete the metamorphosis.
Photography by Mark Chew
Spice Market, Beaney Lane (off Russell Street, adjacent to Grand Hyatt) Melbourne Ph: (03) 9660 3777
In a town famous for its lo-fi, hole-in-the-wall bars, Spice Market is destined to stand out. A new Middle and Far Eastern bar that occupies 800 square metres of subterranean space under Melbourne’s Grand Hyatt, Spice Market has capacity to cater to approximately 600 guests and fills a void the city has been crying out for: an upmarket public venue that can accommodate large groups.
Taking its inspiration from the ancient spice route travelled by traders of old from Asia Minor to the Far East, its richly detailed opulent interior is awash with antiques, exotic furnishings, objects of art, luxe fabrics and an abundance of colour, ceramic and glass mosaics.
Cannily designed with plenty of secluded alcoves and private rooms to get lost in (including an indulgent mosaic-tiled VIP room called the “Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque Lounge”), Spice Market even has its own ‘laneway-bar style’ hidden entrance from Beaney Lane, which runs off Russell Street (between Collins Street and Flinders Lane).
The owners and operators of Spice Market, Dean & Geremy Lucas and Robert and Victor Zagame, personally designed ever element of the venue, including the personal design of ever item of furniture. They also travelled the world to put together the Spice Market Collection of beautiful antiques and objects of art.
A premium beverage offering includes the signature Turkish Delight Martini and the menu comprises mezze style dishes in authentic Middle Eastern favours, designed by Greg Malouf, executive chef of MoMo.
Photography by Dianna Snape
MoMo, Lower plaza level, Grand Hyatt, 123 Collins Street, Melbourne
Ph: (03) 9650 0660
The reopening of multi award-winning Moorish restaurant MoMo, the flagship for the remarkable cooking of Greg Malouf, has been one of Melbourne food scene’s most keenly anticipated events.
Formerly operating out of George Parade, MoMo began its hiatus in late 2006.
Owned and operated by innovative restaurateurs, brothers Dean and Geremy Lucas, in partnership with brothers Robert and Victor Zagame, the new look MoMo dining experience will evoke the beautifully crafted flavours of the Middle East and the Mediterranean.
The wine list features a solid representation of the finest old and new world wines. There will also be a strong focus on Australian wines with representation from both new, up and coming boutique and iconic wine.
An elegant and indulgent atmosphere, including a spectacular chandelier featuring 25,000 Swarovski crystals, is complimented by a modern yet welcoming plush interior of leather and velvets.
For further information, go to:
www.spicemarket.net.au
www.momorestaurant.com.au
Media contact (The Spice Market / MoMo): Clemence Harvey, Ph: (03) 9682 8555 or email: clemence@harveypublicity.com.au
Portia Dixon Ph: (03) 9682 8555 or email: portia@harveypublicity.com.au