Although Justin Hemmes had announced the closure of his considerable restaurants and bars due to COVID-19 just a few weeks ago, his Merivale empire is now switching to delivery with the of launch a “Merivale at Home” platform.
This will allow diners to take advantage of a new at-home dining service that delivers some of Sydney’s best menus straight to their doors. Produce boxes are being put together too, and drinks are definitely an option.
Merivale venues taking part in the new delivery-only platform include Mr. Wong, Totti’s, Bert’s Bar & Brasserie, Fred’s, and Vinnie’s Pizza. That means some of the group’s biggest superstars will be working up menus each week, including executive chefs Dan Hong, Danielle Alvarez, Jordan Toft, Mike Eggert, Ben Greeno and Vincenzo Biondini, alongside Master Sommelier Franck Moreau and multi-award-winning Group Bars Manager, Sam Egerton.
“Merivale At Home has been in the works for a while now, but we haven’t had the time to bring it to life,” said Hemmes. “Now, with our regular operations on hold due to government restrictions, and our chefs and sommeliers craving new creative outlets, we have been able to fast-track the launch and deliver it at a time when our guests need it most. We’re thrilled that we can keep being a part of their lives and bring the best of Merivale to their homes.”
Meal boxes will be put together for amateur chefs to follow simple recipes and come up with their own restaurant-quality meals. There’s simply five to choose from, each changing regularly and priced from $70.
The meals are lifted from each venue’s signature dishes and all the hard work has been taken care of. Diners will just have to take care of the finishing touches themselves.
Those wanting drinks can order special beverage packs priced from $40. Moreau has put together some handpicked wines to complement each menu, while Egerton has whipped up some pre-batched aperitifs. The new at-home sommelier service provides access to Merivale’s world class sommelier team who will be on hand to provide recommendations over the phone and open up the ivy cellar for bespoke drink orders.
Produce boxes are also on the cards, with Merivale sourcing from and supporting some of their long-standing food suppliers. As such, Merivale at Home also includes options like a fresh fruit and vege box from Parisi, premium meat (including grain-fed sirloin steak and lamb cutlets) from Havericks, and high-quality fresh seafood from Poulous Bros. The boxes are complete with a list of weekly recipe suggestions from Alvarez.
The launch menus for each venue have been included below. Orders can be made via http://www.merivaleathome.com from 10am today, Monday 6 April.
Mr. Wong at Home by Dan Hong
$95 for two
King prawn wontons in supreme broth
Kung Pao Chicken
Braised broccoli and snowpeas in garlic and rice wine
Steamed barramundi fillet with white soy, garlic and shallots
Mr. Wong special fried rice
Ben Greeno’s chocolate mousse
Totti’s at Home by Mike Eggert
$90 for two
Wood fired bread, olive oil and salt
Burrata, kumbo and olive oil
Tomato, lemon and herbs
Prosciutto
Fresh pappardelle, lamb ragu and parmesan
Fresh linguine, spinach and herb pesto, walnut pangrattato
Rocketed parmesan salad
Baked eggplant chili dressing
Ben Greeno’s chocolate mousse
Bert’s Bar & Brasserie at Home by Jordan Toft
$95 for two
Bert’s brioche rolls, cultured butter
Duck liver pate, madeira jelly, sourdough toasts
Prime rib, soft garlic jus, mustard butter
Crushed olive oil potatoes, oregano
Butter lettuce, chives, lemon dressing
Ben Greeno’s chocolate mousse
Fred’s at Home (Vegetarian) by Danielle Alvarez
$80 for two
Whole roasted cauliflower with smokey paprika, turmeric and garlic butter
Jewelled rice with sultanas, saffron and pistachio
Mint and lemon yoghurt sauce
Chopped tomato, cos, radish and sunflower seed salad with lemon and za’taar vinaigrette
Ben Greeno’s chocolate mousse
Vinnie’s Pizza at Home
$70 for two
Antipasto misto
Prosciutto San Daniele, mortadella, burrata
Mixed marinated olives
Focaccina al rosmarino
Pizza x 2: Margherita, maiala, capricciosa, vegetarian, gamberi
Insalata di rucola pere e grana
Ben Greeno’s chocolate mousse
