The buzz: Having worked with Gianmaria at Vino di Zanotti, Alex Morabito goes it alone (well, with some silent partners) at his newly opened wine bar and restaurant, Opus.
The décor: The converted home is a classic space that serves as both a bar and restaurant. The glass-encased wine cellar at the back grabs the eye while the wooden bar and tables, high leather chairs and a couple of cream leather couches next to the cellar are prime drinking spots. Towards the front is the dining area with more formal seating. It’s a minimalist but warm spot with a few kitsch touches like the vine sculptures connecting the columns. Upstairs is a private room and there are also plans to create a library room with high back chairs for a more exclusive feel.
The cuisine: Traditional Italian. Come with an appetite and a friend and order the tapas platter, which includes Arancini, juicy calamari, skewers of tenderloin, fried mushrooms and shrimp. Another worthy starter is the salmon carpaccio. Plump pieces of fresh Tasmanian salmon in a pink pepper and orange sauce served with slices of fennel and dill. For a main go with the Australian beef served with balsamic vinegar, rocket and a potato mash. Order some good risotto and get the porcini, packed with flavor and sauce.
The Booze: It’s an Italian wine bar so get a bottle. Eventually, they hope for 400 plus Italian labels and some high-end bottles from France, Australia and other countries. For now, the price range is B1,500-B35,000 with well over 200 labels on the menu.
The crowd: Business types and heavy weight politicians.
