New York-style deli downstairs, bar and wood-fired grill upstairs. That's what brothers Will and Mick Balleau have planned for Carlton's former Mutti's. The pair behind Richmond's Chingon taqueria and Louisiana hotspot Le Bon Ton in Collingwood are renovating the enormous space at 118 Elgin Street, which will seat 200 in the Five Points Deli downstairs and up to 180 upstairs in the Longhorn Saloon. Expect a February opening.
Scott Pickett is expanding his Northcote restaurant Estelle, opening 50-seat fine diner Estelle by Scott Pickett (ESP) next door and turning the current restaurant into Estelle Bistro. The bistro is expected to open in early February, with ESP to follow in March.
Chef Ian Curley from the European and Kirk's Wine Bar joins Tarrawarra Estate chef Robin Sutcliffe (ex O'Connell's, Momo, Owensville) on November 16 for a four-course lunch ($140 a head with matching Tarrawarra wines). It's the first of four seasonal Sunday lunches at the Yarra Valley winery. Details: tarrawarra.com.au
Balaclava stalwart Carlisle Wine Bar has changed hands after 12 years. Owner Steven Milic says he'll spend time with his young family before embarking on a new project, perhaps involving wine importing. New owners are tipped to take over on November 10.
Former Hare and Grace head chef and The Age Good Food Guide Young Chef of the Year finalist Kah-wai Lo has won this year's Gordon Ramsay Excellence Award. Lo (known as Buddha), who works at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay Royal Hospital Road, competed against five other Gordon Ramsay employees in the final.
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