Overview
Earlier this year, the onsite restaurant at Brisbane's Ovolo The Valley announced a considerable change, with Tel Aviv-inspired eatery Za Za Ta Bar and Kitchen switching to an entirely vegetarian menu. But it isn't the only venue at the chain that's making the shift — with the hotel group's full suite of bars and restaurants at its Australian and Hong Kong sites all adopting a completely plant-based range for the next 12 months.
Ovolo is calling the move its 'year of the veg', and it came into effect from Thursday, October 1. As well as Za Za Ta, the change also covers Mister Percy at Sydney's Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour, plus Monster Kitchen and Bar at Ovolo Nishi in Canberra. And, Ovolo Woolloomooloo's Alibi Bar and Kitchen, too, although it already served up a wholly plant-based menu before this announcement.
In Brisbane, diners can keep tucking veggie-heavy Middle Eastern fare, such as hummus made with braised chickpeas and a 63-degree egg; shish barak, aka Lebanese-style pumpkin dumplings; and cauliflower shawarma with smoked labneh and quince.
For Sydneysiders, Mister Percy is now dishing up a vegetarian Italian menu, including pastas, pizzas and antipasti. Dig into a bowl of pappardelle and wild mushroom ragout, for example, or opt for a potato, mozzarella, taleggio, rosemary and truffle paste pizza.
And, in Canberra, Monster Kitchen and Bar has a new executive chef as well. Paul Wilson's revamped menu will feature fermented and pickled foods quite heavily, and the restaurant will also start its own kitchen garden to grow its own produce.
For more information about Ovolo Hotels, its restaurants and their plant-based menus for the next 12 months, visit the chain's website.