Eighty-six does pasta Mondays

Eighty-six, pictured, the Lonsdale Street eatery packed since opening day, is now opening Mondays for pasta and risotto. Co-owner Sean Royle says the pasta is rolled fresh on the day and served in dishes such as pumpkin, ravioli; smoked trout tortellini; squid ink risotto with fried baby squid; and beetroot risotto with goat’s chevre and candied walnuts ($28-$30).

Perhaps this is your chance to get a seat. I’ve made several attempts to book on a weekend with not even the hint of success. A popular spot, although the best-friends approach to service from ultra-familiar staff isn’t everyone’s favourite thing. Royle says they’ve been overwhelmed since day one, booked out and busy, but they’ve got to a point now where they’re in better control of the mayhem and bookings. As to the service, he says they’ve wound back the in-your-face aspect a little, but the idea is still to be themselves and to be “really nice to everybody”. “Familiarity can come as something of a shock,” he concedes, “but spending time overseas and especially in New York breaking down barriers is what it’s all about.”