Operator Profile: Owen Westman & Paul Fitzsimmons

They came. They leased. And they’re in the process of conquering the Melbourne scene. Owen and Paul from the Collection Bar are also doing more that just serving up drinks, with their recently released range of bartender syrups set to hit bars soon.

My Mexican Cousin

Having launched in late 2011 MMC is taking a self proclaimed ‘cultural journey’ under the guidance of its head chef, Maurice Esposito.

The team behind the quirky venue are challenging you to enjoy all that the magic of Creole cuisine has to offer. Dishes are all about ‘to share’ and ‘tasting plates’ although there are mains and smaller delights to take your fancy. Creole-style chicken stew, spiced and blackened fish with avocado and a classic cassoulet are all on the menu.

The Prahran Hotel

With the closure of the Prahran Hotel in late 2010 it seemed certain that Melbourne would loose another iconic site on the nightlife scene. However with a six month renovation by Techne Architects under the guidance of new owners, the Sand Hill Boys (The Post Office Bar Pizza, Holliava, The Richmond Club Hotel and The Bridge Hotel).

Der Raum now Members Only

Australian Bar Awards 2010 Cocktail Bar of the Year, Der Raum (Melbourne), has recently become a members only bar.

Kodiak Club

If Bourbon focused cocktails and a hankering for the Americas are your thing, then this is a place for you to certainly check out. Nathan Debritt is heading up this now ‘not so old’ Melbourne bar and is proud of the driving Bourbon influence that they’re showcasing to their guests and the reports are that the mix of drinks and food are really turning the tables with the humble little venue bustling from open till close.

Aussie Lads Double Win

Australian bartenders have showed their dominance on the international cocktail competition scene with a double haul. Andy Griffiths (Cookie, Melbourne) and Daniel Gregory (Eau De Vie, Sydney) took out the Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge and the Bols Around the World cocktail competition respectively.

Reaburn Leaves 1806

Cocktail historian, bar philosopher and mixology front man Sebastian Reaburn has packed up his swizzle stick and mixing tin and moved on from Melbourne’s iconic and award winning bar 1806.

Whisky Education From The Left Bank

The Left Bank Melbourne recently played host to an intimate whisky education experience. Greg Sanderson - master of ceremonies - enlightened and educated guests on the origins of whisky and how it has evolved over time.

Mamasita

Opening its doors in February this year Mamasita occupies the site that once held the café/bar Recorded Music Salon. This authentic Mexican bar and restaurant - read no burritos or nachos - is a meeting of the minds between Matt Lane (ex-owner of The Poinciana and ex-GM of New York’s La Esquina) and Jason Jones (former executive chef at Orange in Windsor).

Mick Formosa Moves to Moet-Hennessy

After more than three years with Suntory, Mick Formosa, the Brand Ambassador of the Year at the Bartender Magazine Australian Bar Awards 09 , has decided to move on. Mick will be joining the team at Moet Hennessy Australia in the Victoria as in an account manager/brand ambassador role made vacant by Robb Sloan’s migration to Behind Bars in Sydney.