In a major coup for Australia’s Second City, Grey Goose announced earlier this month that its first standalone bar would be arriving imminently in Melbourne. Dedicated, as luck would have it, to the classic Martini cocktail. As of this week it’s finally open.
The ultra-premium distiller (which has produced and blended its vodkas in France since 1997) has partnered with Crown Melbourne to bring this exclusive new concept, entitled Le Martini, to life –– a lavish setting, consisting of 33 seats, where enthusiasts of mixed beverages will sip “expertly crafted Grey Goose Martinis, while immersed in exquisite surrounds”.
One of mixology’s most elemental and deceptively simple recipes, it’s no exaggeration to say (as Grey Goose certainly has) that the Martini is the soul of a world-class cocktail bar. Traditionally composed of just two ingredients –– with the spirited element so often being vodka –– the Martini has, over many decades, become a universe unto itself.
RELATED: How To Make The Best Classic Martini
With delicious historical variations like the Gibson, Vesper, and Tuxedo No. 2 to crib from, Le Martini is noteworthy for reasons that go beyond its title as the first ever global Grey Goose Martini bar. At a bare minimum, all signs seem to point to the venue becoming a permanent addition to Crown Melbourne’s stable of eating & drinking destinations.
Guillaume Brahimi, Head Chef of neighbouring Bistro Guillaume, has been brought in to oversee the creation of Le Martini’s “bespoke food menu”; and the bar shall kick off operations with a range of takeovers by internationally acclaimed bartenders.
Discerning drinkers will immediately discern the measure of Grey Goose’s commitment by looking at the author of its first menu –– New York barman Dale De Groff.
A North American legend (once referred to by The New York Times as the “father of the craft cocktail movement”) De Groff is responsible for penning Le Martini’s debut menu. According to spokespeople for both Grey Goose and Crown Melbourne, expect one-off menus and guest shifts from a range of award-winning international cocktail bars to follow.
Le Martini is open from Friday 24th May, Thursday –– Sunday; 5pm –– until late. To learn more about the venue, please visit the Crown Melbourne website here.
