Chef Nick Stanton quits Nieuw Amsterdam for Carlton's Five Points Deli and Longhorn Saloon

Chef Nick Stanton has stepped away from city bar-eatery Nieuw Amsterdam after almost a year to become executive chef at the deli and steakhouse taking shape at Carlton's former Muttis. "It's been a really hard decision to leave but this is exactly where I want to go," Stanton says of the project being put together by Will and Mick Balleau, who run Richmond's Chingon taqueria and Louisiana hotspot Le Bon Ton in Collingwood.

Stanton says he worked with Will Balleau in Brisbane about seven years ago and they've remained close.

Work begins next week building the New York-style Five Points Deli downstairs and wood-fired bar and grill Longhorn Saloon upstairs. Downstairs, Stanton pictures staff carving brisket to order for sandwiches, making bagels with lox and plating sweet pie by the slice for customers lining up with trays at the counter. Upstairs the classic New York-style steakhouse, which will seat around 150, will serve dry-aged T-bones, oysters, potatoes various ways and a range of sides.

The deli and steakhouse, at 118 Elgin Street, are expected to open in February 2015.