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When it comes to modern-day Melbourne hospitality legends, it's hard to think of a name more impressive than Andrew McConnell. The prominent chef and restaurateur, along with his partner Jo McGann and their tight-knit Trader House group, have spearheaded some of the city's best-loved restaurants and bars over the years – Gimlet, Apollo Inn, Supernormal, Builders Arms Hotel, Marion, Cumulus Inc, Cutler and several more successful projects.
And the powerhouse team aren't planning to slow down anytime soon, with a brand-new restaurant to add to their portfolio: Côte Basque.
Opening on Friday, August 7 in the former Becco site in Melbourne’s CBD, the European-style grill will take inspiration from the fresh ingredient-driven, flame-grilled cuisine and vibrant energy of the Basque Coast.
“Since my first trip to the Basque in the '90s I have been inspired by the region,” says McConnell. “We wanted to do an authentic wood grill and wood-oven restaurant, dedicating a menu to the beauty of that tradition of cooking. We’re trying to keep it as simple as possible – the best produce we can get our hands on, treat it with care, grill it perfectly, put it on the plate.”
The two-part menu will feature a daily grill list of fresh seafood, prime cuts of of David Blackmore’s Rohne hybrid of Wagyu and Galician rubia gallega, desserts such as a chocolate soufflé and what's set to be an instant Côte Basque classic: the calamari à la brute (aka calamari seasoned with its own ink).
“We’re taking this opportunity to pare things back, and focus on really great-quality produce, saucing and technique – traditional service styles that elevate these dishes,” says head chef, Allan Doert Eccles.
The restaurant will seat around 100 guests, and the thoughtful renovation means many of the building's original features have been retained, from the green terrazzo floor to the stepped dining room and street-level windows along Crossley Street. It's been designed in collaboration with Vince Alafaci and Caroline Choker of Acme, with a strong focus on preserving the cultural heritage of the space, both in terms of its mid-century architecture and its predecessor inhabitants (Becco, Pellegrini's, Bella Vista).
A standout design element is the 12-metre mural by artist Magnus Reid, which adorns the bar area. It's the perfect for sipping from the Euro-leaning wine list or sampling one of the cocktails or aperitifs. The upper section can even be curtained off for private dining – long birthday lunch, anyone?
Côte Basque opens on Friday, August 7. Bookings are now open via the website.
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