Overview
World-famous vegan chef Matthew Kenney has opened his very first eatery in Australia. He's popped across the Pacific from California to launch Alibi on the ground floor of Ovolo Woolloomooloo.
Given that plant-based offerings are thin on the ground on the Finger Wharf, vegans should be high-fiving. Moreover, Kenney isn't just any old animal-free chef — he's an international legend. His TEDx talks have attracted masses of views and Food and Wine Magazine has listed him as one of America's Best New Chefs.
The menu is big on creative combinations of fresh, local, seasonal ingredients. Kenney has a reputation for experimentation and innovation, and it shows in dishes such as the cheese-less cashew raclette, kelp noodle cacio e pepe and the chickpea and mushroom udon. He'll be working with Kasper Christensen, who'll also be rejigging the Ovolo's brekkie and room service menus.
"I've had a long relationship with Australia and the timing was simply right," Kenney said. "The food scene is so vibrant here – great produce, chefs, sunshine... Ovolo came to me with the opportunity at the right time."
To match Alibi's plant-based delights, there's a new drinks list focused on Australian drops — both classic and boutique — as well as signature cocktails.
Alibi is now open on the ground floor of Ovolo Woolloomooloo, 6 Cowper Wharf Roadway. For more info, visit alibibar.com.au.