What’s On according to Bo- A curated lens on elevated living
Why we're handing over the reins to our CEO this month, and what it says about how we do things differently.
At Quintessentially, we’ve always believed that life’s best experiences don’t just happen - they’re curated. Tailored. Chosen with care. And this August, we’re doing things a little differently.
We’ve handed the editorial reins to our CEO, Bo Phillips, for an exclusive What’s On guide - a personal edit of the restaurants, rituals, and cultural moments capturing his attention right now. Think of it as a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how someone who lives and breathes access, taste, and timeless style approaches the month ahead.
Dining
Bo’s Best Picks for Food, Wine & Where to Be Seen
Your must-try restaurant of 2025?
Maison Bâtard
“It already feels like a Melbourne institution. Chris and the team have built something that delivers on every level, quite literally. Each floor offers a different experience, from an intimate bar to a lively dining room to something a little more private upstairs. It’s one of those rare places where you can go for a quick bite or settle in for the full ride. As usual, I kept it simple- steak frites, done to perfection.”
Monday to Sunday, 12pm - 11:30pm
- 23 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Best spot for a long, boozy lunch?
Mimi’s
If I’m settling in for a long (boozy) lunch, it’s got to be Mimi’s. It’s on the water in Coogee beach, so the setting’s already doing half the work. The food leans indulgent- Think caviar, oysters… that sort of thing and there’s a great little bar off to the side for the before and after. If things really get going, we might wander up into the Coogee Pav. It’s a full afternoon well spent.
Wednesday to Thursday, 12pm - 10:00pm
Friday to Sunday, 12pm - 12am
- 130a Beach St, Coogee NSW 2034
Which Italian restaurant never fails to impress?
Cicciolina
“Cicciolina in St Kilda is one of those places that just never misses. It’s cosy, a little loud, and always busy. When I’m in the mood for Italian, this is where I go. The lamb ragu is a standout- rich, comforting, and tastes like something from nonna’s kitchen.?
Monday to Sunday, 12pm - 9:00pm
- 130 Acland St, St Kilda VIC 3182
Which café nails both the coffee and the vibe?
Gilson
Gilson is one of my go-to cafés in South Yarra. It’s busier than most nightclubs these days- and just as much fun getting a table. It has a lively buzz, from the energy spilling out onto Domain Road to the steady stream of locals who treat it like a second home. The coffee’s great, as is the food, and there’s always someone interesting to catch up with.
Monday to Sunday, 7am - 11pm
- 171 Domain Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141
Where do you go when you’re craving upscale Japanese?
Prefecture 48
We hosted a lunch here recently and it really impressed me. It’s part of a slick multi-venue space in a beautiful heritage listed warehouse in Sydney’s CBD. The main restaurant, ‘Garaku’ is superb and there’s a brilliant whiskey bar upstairs for pre or post drinks. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger longer.
Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm - 12:00am
- 230 Sussex St, Sydney NSW 2000
Best club in Sydney to celebrate something big?
Sussudio
My club days appear to be well behind me, however I did wander into Sussudio after dinner a little while ago and I have to admit, it was pretty cool. It’s got a chic, vibe that is just right if you want to be if you’re not ready to call it a night, but you’ve aged out of dance floors and sticky shoes.
Friday to Saturday, 10pm - 3:30am
- 2 Kellett St, Potts Point NSW 2011
Out of Town Experiences
A great bakery, a morning run by the sea, a glass of wine in the hills - these are the rituals and places that help me reset.
What’s your ultimate weekend getaway spot outside the city?
Byron Bay, is a family favourite. It’s got that perfect mix of laid-back energy and good food. A hidden gem, sightly out of town is the Suffolk Park Bakery- best pastries and coffee in the area. And after a day at the beach we love to head to Light Years or Pixie, owned by great friends of ours – or for a super lowkey, fun one we might head to the Suffolk Park Pub for a drink and a few laughs with friends that live local.
What’s your favourite wine region in Australia?
Being a fan of cool climate wines, I love having the Yarra Valley on our doorstep - with the likes of Levantine Hill and Oakridge producing some superb Chardonnays. There’s a great mix of old favourites and exciting new producers popping up all the time. Every visit feels a bit different. To that end, the Adelaide Hills is also well worth a visit, if not heading to WA or NSW on a wine trip.
What’s the best luxury hotel you’ve stayed at recently?
We’ve been pretty grounded recently with a 1 year-old at home, however, I would say domestically, Capella, Sydney, is hard to beat. A stunning property, beautifully appointed and in a good part of town. There’s been a gap in market in Australia for a long-time for truly great hotel experiences and I’m excited to see the landscape evolve and level up in the next couple of years.
I’m looking forward to checking out the Mondrian, Gold Coast – which has just opened on the and have no doubt the Waldorf Astoria coming to in Sydney next year, that will make waves. Outside of Australia, I’m visiting an old Quintessentially favourite, The Beverly Hills Hotel nest month – and also heading up to Santa Barbara for a few days visiting El Encanto - which I’ve heard wonderful things about.
Art & Culture
What’s Inspiring Me Lately
Whether it’s reconnecting with music, discovering new artists, or revisiting old favourites, here’s where I turn when I’m looking for a creative spark.