One of Victoria’s most highly lauded chefs, Annie Smithers (du Fermier), has joined forces with the NGV Garden Restaurant this winter to offer foodies and art lovers alike a bespoke French farmhouse menu. Running for a limited time only, the much-anticipated restaurant collaboration coincides with the world premiere of the NGV’s latest exhibition, Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Mahdavi.
“Annie Smithers’ food is reminiscent of the traditional French bistros Pierre Bonnard would have frequented in Paris in the 1900s,” commented director of the NGV, Tony Ellwood AM.
Smithers, too, has shared her own inspiration from the artist, describing Bonnard as one of her “favourite French painters, bringing to life the idyllic rural settings and the importance of the ‘the table’ with such vivid colour and style”.
Smithers is known for fusing regional French flavours with fresh Victorian produce at du Fermier, a prowess her residency at the NGV Garden Restaurant will no doubt highlight. Du Fermier opened its doors in 2013 with a menu ‘du jour’ ('of the day') in the style of provincial and urban cafes around France. This flexibility allowed Smithers to serve fresh produce harvested from her farm in Lyonville with true spontaneity and cemented her connection to the land and seasons.
While du Fermier is Smithers’ signature experience and often books out months in advance, her takeover at the NGV Garden Restaurant is an exclusive opportunity to taste the best of her techniques in an artistically elevated environment.
Comforting bistro-inspired classics on the menu include potato and gruyère terrine; beef bourguignon; confit duck leg with pommes frites; and Calvados crème caramel, among other recognisable and well-loved dishes. A selection of curated Victorian and French wines will be on hand for pairing.
Bookings are available over lunch daily with additional dinner sittings across NGV Friday Nights. Check the website for more information.
