Maison Bâtard

It already feels like a Melbourne institution- even though it’s only just opened. 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

Gimlet

When it comes to special occasion dining, it’s hard to top Gimlet. There’s something timeless about the room- the curved booths, the glint of glassware, the sense of ceremony without the stuffiness. I usually go for the lobster risotto and steak and chips, which is about as close as you can get to a fancy surf and turf. It’s consistently excellent, and the service is always on point.

Monday to Sunday, 12pm - 12am
- 33 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Cicciolina

Cicciolina in St Kilda is one of those places that just never misses. It’s cosy, a little loud, and always packed- which is exactly how I like it. When I’m in the mood for Italian, this is where I go. My order doesn’t change much: lamb ragu, every time. It’s rich, comforting, and tastes like something your nonna would make- if your nonna had a serious wine cellar and impeccable taste.

Monday to Sunday, 12pm - 9:00pm
- 130 Acland St, St Kilda VIC 3182

Prefecture 48

For upscale Japanese, Prefecture 48 in Sydney is the one. We hosted an event there recently and it really impressed me. It’s part of the 5 Precinct, a slick multi-venue space with serious hospitality chops. The main restaurant nails the fine balance of elegance and energy, and there’s a brilliant whiskey bar upstairs to keep the night rolling. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger.

Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm - 12:00am
- 230 Sussex St, Sydney NSW 2000

Mimi’s

If I’m settling in for a long, boozy lunch, it’s got to be Mimi’s. It’s right by the water in Coogee, so the setting’s already doing half the work. The food leans indulgent, caviar, oysters, that sort of thing and there’s a fantastic bar off to the side for the before and after. If things really get going, we end up down at 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

Gilson

Gilson has become my go-to café in South Yarra. It’s probably busier than most nightclubs these days- and almost as hard to get a table. There’s something about the buzz here that’s addictive, from the energy spilling out onto Domain Road to the steady stream of locals who treat it like a second home. Coffee’s consistently great, the food is spot on, and it nails that mix of polish and casual charm.

Monday to Sunday, 7am - 11pm
- 171 Domain Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141

Sussudio

I don’t exactly live in the clubs anymore, but I did find myself wandering into Sussudio after dinner recently and I have to admit, it was cool. It’s got this chic, low-key vibe that hits just right for a late-night drink. Not too loud, not too flashy- just the kind of place 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

France-Soir

It’s Melbourne’s most authentic French brasserie bustling, timeless, and totally unpretentious. I keep coming back for the steak frites, which they’ve absolutely mastered. The service is sharp, the waitstaff mostly French, and the wine list… well, it’s not so much a list as a tome. It’s one of those places where the chaos adds to the charm. A classic. No notes.

Monday to Sunday, 12pm - 12am
- 11 Toorak Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141

Byron Bay, without a doubt. It’s got that perfect mix of laid-back energy and good food. My ritual usually starts with a visit to Suffolk Park Bakery- best pastries and coffee in the area, then ends at the Suffolk Park Pub for a low-key drink as the sun goes down. Nothing fancy, just consistently good vibes.

For me, a proper reset has to involve the ocean and a running track. I don’t do well sitting still for too long, so anywhere I can throw on the runners and go for a hit-out by the water is ideal. Byron Bay hits the brief again- great coastline, fresh air, and space to breathe.

The Yarra Valley is hard to beat. It’s close to home, which makes it perfect for a quick escape, and I’ve always been partial to cool climate wines. There’s a great mix of old favourites and exciting new producers popping up all the time. Every visit feels a bit different.

We’ve been pretty grounded with a 1.5-year-old at home, so the recent standout was Capel Sound- simple but exactly what we needed at the time. That said, I’m really looking forward to an upcoming stay at both The Beverly Hills Hotel and The Belmont later this year. It’s been a while since I’ve had a proper hotel experience, so expectations are high.

We’ve had a long-standing relationship with Art Basel through Q, so I always keep an eye on what’s coming up- particularly the shows in Hong Kong and Miami. There’s something about the global scale of it that’s both energising and overwhelming in the best possible way. It’s where you see what’s next before it hits the mainstream.

Music shaped a big part of my twenties, but somewhere along the line it took a bit of a backseat. Lately, I’ve been reconnecting with it—getting some old muso mates together, picking up the guitar, and just jamming. It’s amazing how quickly that creative energy comes back when you take the pressure off and just play for the love of it.

I’ve just started reading Keith McNally’s I Regret Almost Everything- he’s the man behind Balthazar in New York, so naturally I was curious. Four chapters in, and it’s already one of those books that makes you laugh, wince, and keep reading in one sitting. It’s raw, wildly honest, and full of behind-the-scenes grit from a guy who’s seen it all in hospitality.

We’re incredibly lucky to have the NGV here in Melbourne- it really is a world-class institution. Whether it’s a major international exhibition or something more experimental, they manage to pull it off with precision and style. It’s a space I keep coming back to, and it never fails to reset the perspective.

I recently saw Jesus Christ Superstar, and it absolutely delivered. Michael Painter, who I was lucky enough to tour with back in the day, completely crushed it- vocals, stage presence, the lot. It’s a powerful show to begin with, but watching someone you know command the stage like that adds a whole new layer. Easily one of the best performances I’ve seen in years.

I’m all in for the Oasis reunion- assuming it actually happens. Still waiting to see if they can make it to the stage without breaking apart again, but the idea of hearing Live Forever and Don’t Look Back in Anger live is too good to pass up. Fingers crossed.

THE BOOK OF MORMON
The award-winning musical The Book of Mormon returns to Sydney in 2025. From the creators of South Park, this sharp, irreverent comedy follows two mismatched missionaries on assignment in Uganda. Since its 2011 Broadway debut, it’s become a global phenomenon- praised for its bold humour, clever writing, and unforgettable performances.

- Capitol Theatre
- 15th July - 26th October