Inside the glamorous VIP event for Melbourne’s newest restaurant

Socialites, billionaires and footy players were among the who’s who given a special invite to a night of Parisian glamour at Maison Batard’s opening.

Melbourne hospo king Chris Lucas and wife Sarah have hosted a VIP launch night for their new city restaurant Maison Batard.

Stepping out at the long-awaited four-level French inspired venue for a night of Parisian glamour were a mix of socialites, billionaires, TV personalities and footy and political names.

Chris and Sarah Lucas. Picture: Jack Henry

New Lord Mayor Nick Reece dined with rich-listers Fiona and Raphael Geminder; Heloise Pratt was also there as was the Geminders’ daughter, Gem founder Georgia Danos, who is due with her second child in February.

Marc and Jessie Murphy. Picture: Dan Castano

Chris and Sarah Scott. Picture: Dan Castano

Geelong coach Chris Scott and wife Sarah were there, along with Channel 7 presenters Rebecca Maddern and Karina Carvalho and Channel 10 sport presenter Stephen Quartermain.

Billionaire cryptocurrency and casino entrepreneur Bijan Tehrani attended with his partner, Melbourne model Mila Mary. Nadia Bartel, Effie Kats, Lana Wilkinson, Chris Kontos, Elliot and Georgia Garnaut, Rebecca Harding, Michelle Greene, Jade Kisnorbo, Jane Scandizzo, Jack Charles, Shirin Pulitano, Suzy and Alan Eskander and Jessie and Marc Murphy were also in the fashionable crowd.

Nadia Bartel. Picture: Dan Castano

Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece and wife Felicity. Picture: Dan Castano

Fashion leaders J’Aton, Jacob Luppino and Anthony Pittorino, plus Con Ilio, Michael Lo Sordo and Johnny Schembri were also in the crowd, along with Erin Deering and husband Zac Keane, plus Shane Delia and Rabih Yanni.

Opening another hotspot, Lucas has been buoyed by having his three overseas based children — Conrad, Ryley and Holly — back in Melbourne for the occasion.

“That’s the best part, we’re all together,’’ Lucas said, adding that wife Sarah’s two daughters Liv and Bella were also there in support.

“I don’t understand what slowing down means. I get up every morning and love what I do. To see my restaurants full of people is one of the best feelings.”

Rebecca Harding. Picture: Dan Castano

Zac Keane and Erin Deering. Picture: Dan Castano

Lucas has just launched his Japanese offering Tombo Den which he says has been a revelation, plus Carlotta in Canberra; he has a Greek restaurant and another Asian concept to open on the corner of Bourke and Queen Streets, and another French bistro in Canberra.

He loves all his venues “dearly, like children” but Maison Batard, at 23 Bourke St, is special for its historical significance and the fact it took eight years to bring the four-level behemoth to life.

Elliot and Georgia Garnaut. Picture: Dan Castano

It is already a hangout for the stars, having hosted the likes of Steve Dimopoulos, Peta Credlin, Tom Hawkins, Caroline Ralphsmith, plus Marty Fox during the week.

Lucas says wife Sarah, who has taken the lead as creative consultant, has “a good eye and good taste”.

“It’s a tough market but the brands are doing well in the circumstances,’’ Lucas said. “People still want to go out and have fun. The cost of a meal and a drink is still pretty affordable in Australia.”