Overview
If anyone knows the recipe for an highly talked-about hospitality venue, it's the Merivale crew. As always with the Hemmes empire's new openings, there's been a whole lot of buzz surrounding the launch of the group's two latest ventures — and now they're set to open tomorrow on Oxford Street.
Seasonally-focused restaurant Fred's and intimate basement bar Charlie Parker's are as ambitious as you'd expect, with some big guns at the helm and an exciting, produce-driven food philosophy at their core. Both venues have been designed by Justin and Bettina Hemmes, Vince Alafaci and Caroline Chocker of ACME & Co., and styled by Amanda Talbot. Inspired by provincial French manors, Fred's sees a light-filled, pared back interior detailed with old French oak timbers. Downstairs, Charlie Parker's cocktail bar is more of a cosy den of exposed sandstone.
Steering the ship at Fred's, head chef Danielle Alvarez comes by way of the USA's acclaimed Chez Panisse and French Laundry, bringing a passion for sustainability and some serious farm-to-table flair to her new kitchen. She's spent the past year been scouting out the very best local producers (as well as likeminded chefs), and will be using a combination of old-world and innovative techniques to make those ingredients sing. Cooked on free-standing Tuscan grills and a large hearth, the menu's set to change regularly, based around whatever seasonal goodies Alvarez can get her hot little hands on. First up, leg of lamb a la ficelle with laver bread, broad beans and mint, or handmade cavatelli with rabbit and peas, or rhubarb and beaumes de venise mille feuille.
Fred's also boasts handmade crockery, carefully handpicked artwork, and a carefully curated, 120-strong wine list from head sommelier Caitlyn Rees, boasting small-batch labels aplenty and a hefty lineup of pouring wines — the 'wine by the glass' list will change daily according to Alvarez's menu.
Downstairs, the Charlie Parker's offering is similarly thoughtful. Duo Sam Egerton and Toby Marshall are throwing down an innovative, produce-driven cocktail list, backed by an Alvarez-designed menu of clever bar snacks — think Willowbrae feta with grapes and pickled chilies baked on lemon leaves.
Find Fred's and Charlie Parker's at 380 Oxford Street, Paddington.
Fred's is open for lunch Friday to Sunday 12pm-3pm and dinner Tuesday to Saturday 5.30pm-12am and Sunday: 5.30pm-10pm.
Charlie Parker's is open Tuesday to Thursday 5pm-12am, Friday 3pm -12am, Saturday 12pm-12am and Sunday: 12pm-10pm.