Backroom Baz: The restaurant that refused a booking from Dan Andrews

One of Victoria’s top restaurateurs has revealed how he refused a booking for former Premier Dan Andrews, telling him “I’m sorry it’s not available”.

Jacinta Allan and Bev McArthur have formed an unlikely friendship.

One of Victoria’s top restaurateurs has revealed how at the height of Covid, he refused a booking for former Premier Dan Andrews.

Well-known critic of the Andrews regime and boss of eateries including Grill Americano and Society, Chris Lucas, has detailed how Dan’s wife Cath Andrews rang up to get a table at his Hawker Hall restaurant.

“I said sorry it’s not available,’’ Lucas told the Financial Review on Saturday.

It was also revealed Dan was knocked back for a booking at one of his favorite restaurants Di Stasio.

“Look, he’s got his own cross to bear but we’re allowed to disagree right? We live in a democracy,” Lucas added.

It’s not the first time Dan has been shunned by Melbourne’s high society.

Last year, members of the prestigious National Golf Club on the Mornington Peninsula joined the fairways revolt against Dan.

In a letter sent to the club’s committee, a National member claims more than 100 fellow golfers have “expressed a clear stance against … Daniel Andrews’ potential membership” at the Cape Schanck golfing mecca.

“I seek assurances for myself and fellow members that should Daniel Andrews express interest in joining the National Golf Club that his application would undergo the standard membership approval process,” the letter said.

Unlikely Spring St pair surprise onlookers

An unlikely pair left onlookers scratching their heads this week when they were spotted in a friendly embrace at a parliament BBQ.

Jacinta Allan beelined through the crowd gathered for the seafood feast to conservative Liberal MP and regular trouble maker Bev McArthur before pulling her into a hug.

Baz hears smiley exchanges between the two political enemies have become a regular occurrence.

Far more chummy than John Pesutto’s frosty relationship with the outspoken Lib.

Inside the chamber, Bev had a special request for her new friend – to extend an invitation to Donald Trump to visit Victoria to scrub the state clean of “anti-woke” policy.

Meanwhile another odd couple, ousted Liberal MP Moira Deeming and Libertarian MP David Limbrick, joined forces, holding a joint presser to call for pepper spray to be legalised for self-defence.

A new alliance forming on the crossbench?

Merch moment highlights generational gap

It’s not like our politicians shy away from a chance to chase likes and shares on social media.

So, what better way to grab attention than Ausmusic T-shirt Day — a perfect occasion to celebrate Aussie tunes and raise some funds for the industry?

Premier JA definitely brought the energy, rocking a Kylie T-shirt and busting a move in the chamber.

Gabrielle Williams and Jacinta Allan got into the spirit.

Opposition Leader John Pesutto rocked a Cold Chisel shirt.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader John Pesutto paid homage with Cold Chisel merch.

And it wasn’t just a one-man show; a solid chunk of the Labor caucus joined in, flaunting their AC/DC shirts for a happy snap at parliament.

But Baz couldn’t help but wonder if this merch moment highlights a generational gap, with no Kid Laroi or Amy Shark tees in our political line-up.

Prime cuts go begging at awards night

The annual “battle of the newsrooms” trivia night has been run and won. There was plenty at stake during the second Melbourne Press Club event, which pits TV networks against newspapers, radio stations, and news wires.

The Age snagged the win and received a bulging meat tray from Brenta Meats in Fairfield. Hungry journos had been licking their lips at the prospect of picking up the generous platter, with one of Baz’s spies admitting “the thing I was struck by was its size”.

Alas, the Age team departed the Carlton Brewhouse without their prize, with those propping up the bar joking that the lack of tofu and soy burgers may have played a role. From all reports it was a cracking night with more than a dozen tables of journos battling wits.

It would be remiss of Baz not to mention The Age’s second ribbing of the night, after its trivia team reported an impressive tally of 17 in round one – from a total of 16 points on offer.

Badge of honour for Maurice Blackburn staff

Lawyers at Maurice Blackburn have been entangled in a heated pay dispute for months.

Yet, with the festive season upon us — and the lure of free drinks — could there be a truce for a night of holiday cheer? Maybe not.

In a bold move, MB staff have been informed that their industrial action will spill over into the Christmas party. Will they stage a boycott to make a statement? Not quite.

Instead, the Australian Services Union has rallied the troops to stand firm, stay united, and rock an ASU badge at the party to show their solidarity.

Spring Street buzzing with festive vibes

Ho, ho, ho! Spring St is buzzing with festive vibes, and the Libs kicked of the season throwing the first Christmas bash. But the unusual choice to host the shindig on a Monday night, just before the last sitting week, left some feeling a bit like the Grinch.

Leaders made a quick exit within the first hour, and many shadow cabinet members were complete no-shows. This had some attendees secretly vowing to throw an even bigger bash if they ever snagged the top job.

Tim Bull with his winning gin.

In stark contrast, the very next night, the Nationals threw a wild, gin-soaked party for the press. Known as one of the best nights in the parliamentary calendar, the Nats’ annual drinks had each MP bringing a bottle of gin from their constituencies.

The winning gin, hailing from the state’s far east, earned Tim Bull the prestigious title this year. It was a surprise twist, edging out Jade Benham’s widely favoured espresso-inspired concoction, which was expected to clinch first place.

Perhaps the biggest shocker of the night was the noticeable absence of the recently departed leader, Peter Walsh.

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Originally published as Backroom Baz: The restaurant that refused a booking from Dan Andrews