Having recently been voted most liveable city in the world for the sixth year in a row, it’s no wonder Melbourne is constantly opening new culinary experiences for us to sink our teeth into. One of the latest examples: a dual offering from two new sister restaurants who have made their way from Sydney to Melbourne after considerable popularity in the harbour city, setting up in Melbourne’s new multi-level dining precinct.
What better way to test them out than a progressive dinner?
Although Fratelli Fresh and The Cut are sister restaurants literally located on top of each other, their unique atmospheres and individual style of cuisine make them the perfect juxtaposition. Whilst Fratelli Fresh boasts traditional Italian with its home style pizza, decadent cheeses, and pillowy soft pasta’s, The Cut is the epitome of luxury, with its signature steak, and fully stocked bar. The two spaces have this intimate New York feel to them that is further enhanced by the small details that tie everything together so well. The rounded bar that faces the pizza oven, the grand staircase that leads up to the breathtaking foyer of The Cut, and the small decorative trimmings in each space that transform the ordinary into extraordinary.
We start our evening basking in the warm ambience that exudes from Fratelli Fresh, casually perched around the bar hypnotised by the rising dough and melting cheese that can be glimpsed inside the pizza oven. Watching the chefs knead the dough before carefully hand selecting the perfect pairing of ingredients is quite transfixing. You can tell by the nature of their work that they are truly inspired to create the perfect dining experience for their customers. We drained our house made on tap Negroni, sampled some opulent wine, devoured our pizzas, and climbed the beautiful arching staircase towards our second destination for the evening.
The Cut transports you to a by gone era when men dressed in suit and tie to dine, before heading to the bar to smoke cigars and drink fine aged whisky. Green tones, gold fixtures and high ceilings create a sophisticated elegance, whilst still retaining modern elements. Since the array of steaks truly are the pièce de résistance, a platter of finely crafted steak knives are presented upon ordering to the patron for his/her cutting pleasure. It’s the little touches such as this that really do place this award winning restaurant a ‘cut’ above the rest.
Our evening finished much as it begun, with a fine drink in hand, great company, and a selection of decedent cheeses. The conjoined Whisky Bar further enhanced my fantasy of 1920s New York as we lounged back and revelled in what had been a marvellous mix of sophistication, charm, elegance, and above all hospitality.
Fratelli Fresh
Address: The Alfred – 7 Alfred Place, Melbourne, VIC, 3000
Contact: 1300 253 733
Website: www.fratellifresh.com.au/fratelli-fresh-the-alfred
The Cut
Address: The Alfred – 7 Alfred Place, Melbourne, VIC, 3000
Contact: 1300 253 733
Website: www.cutbarandgrill.com/melbourne
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