Geelong's newest wine bar, Meet Me At Mary's, dances to its own tune
After shutting Geelong hotspot Zigfrids earlier this year, owners Richard and Donna Flanders (The Arborist and Beav's Bar) have transformed the former industrial warehouse into a contemporary wine bar and restaurant.
The new name, Meet Me At Mary's, pays tribute to Richard's mother and Donna's mum's middle name. The fit-out, designed by Donna, features an eye-catching Daisy James wallpaper mural, exposed brick, curved booth seating with tan upholstery, polished concrete floors and a striking blue tiled bar with matching stools that runs through the centre of the room.
The indoor-outdoor space seats about 70, with chef Adam Langridge's menu taking inspiration from both Korea and the Mediterranean.
Shared plates are the go here, with starters such as potato and salted fish croquettes, school prawns with Korean salt and lettuce cups filled with bottarga-dressed kingfish rillettes, while larger dishes include roasted chicken breast with rhubarb jam and sweet-and-sour grapes, slow-cooked lamb neck, and baked cheese with peppered figs, walnuts and toasted fruit bread. If you can't decide, you can "leave it to the chef" for $60 a head.
The long drinks list takes a sweeping approach, with wines from around the world by the glass or bottle, locally brewed beers, classic cocktails and a broad range of international spirits.
Open lunch Sat-Sun noon-3pm, dinner Wed-Sat 5pm-9pm.
66 Pakington Street, Geelong West, 0460 315 574, meetmeatmarys.com.au
Continue this series
December 2021 hit list: Hot and new places to eat and drink in Victoria this monthUp next
First look: Collingwood's Runner Up leads the pack on rooftop bar fun
Lighthearted Italo-Australian drinks, a DIY fit-out and a seriously good music program are a formula for good times above the city.
Daylesford gets a cosy yet quality local in the form of Bar Merenda`
An eclectic wine collection, vegetables grown by the owners and a menu featuring the best of Daylesford's many producers all add up to one charming package at this new wine bar.
Previous
Navi's new cocktail lounge in Yarraville is fine-dining in bite-sized form
Snacks like duck baklava and drinks that are clever and low-waste offer a new way to taste an inner-west fine-diner that's booked out months in advance.
Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox.
Sign up