Melbourne's ongoing and ever-growing love affair with wine bars has now gone bayside, with the arrival of Middle Park European. Located in the charming Armstrong Street village, this sleek bistro comes courtesy of the quickly expanding Valarc Group — whose stable also includes Tartine Bistro, Sistine and The Meatball & Wine Bar — and is bringing an Italian- and French-inspired all-day offer to a spacious, sun-washed setting. Middle Park European channels the spirit of wine bars one might find dotted along the back streets of Paris or Rome, with a design that nods to both old-world Europe and the venue's heritage surrounds. The refined yet laidback tone is set via hand-shaped walnut detailing crafted by a local boatbuilder, soft lighting, rustic tiling and natural stone finishes. The venue is open for lunch and dinner, so you can settle in for as long as you like. [caption id="attachment_1007757" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chege Mbuthi[/caption] The same sense of refinement is evident in the menu by Head Chef Aaron Wrafter, whose resume includes stints in Michelin-starred kitchens in the UK. Here, he has worked under the mentorship of legendary chef Ian Curley to create a considered menu that's rooted in classics, with small plates like caviar, crème fraîche, chives and pickled shallot served with house blini, and raw Spanish mackerel lifted with zucchini, olive, cucumber and tomato. Larger dishes include steak frites with tarragon butter and pan-roasted chicken finished with green olive and white wine sauce. Dry-aged steaks also feature, as do handmade pasta. The drinks list is similarly thoughtful. Alongside an approachable list of Australian, French and Italian wines, you'll find a selection of premium champagnes and a range of signature cocktails inspired by the group's other venues. Despite its location between South Melbourne and St Kilda, Middle Park has long been one of Melbourne's most slept-on suburbs. With this elegant new arrival, we don't expect that'll be the case for too much longer. [caption id="attachment_1007760" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chege Mbuthi[/caption] Top images: Chege Mbuthi.
