Martinez sets her sights on Sydney

 

Shannon Martinez, the chef behind two of Australia’s most prolific plant-based businesses, Smith & Daughters and Lona Misa, is to join mixologist Andrea Gualdi, to lead the evolution of Alibi Bar & Dining in what will be Martinez’s first foray in Sydney.

Alibi Bar & Dining, located on Woolloomooloo’s Finger Wharf (a wonderful destination that has not always been a culinary crowd puller) will relaunch in late January with a new plant-based Mediterranean-inspired offering set inside a newly refurbished, ‘indoor-alfresco’ dining room.

So no chance of a bacon sandwich then. 

“I’m thrilled to be part of Alibi’s new direction," Martinez says. 

"This will be my first project in Sydney, and I look forward to bringing a taste of plant-based Latin cuisine to the bayside and giving Sydneysiders their own version of Smith & Daughters.

"I love working with Ovolo; our venture in Melbourne, Lona Misa, holds an extremely special place in my heart and I’m super excited to be able to continue this relationship in a new part of the country.”

Diners can expect a menu that leans heavily on Martinez’s Spanish heritage and will be cooked by executive chef Jiwon Do (formerly Hippopotamus Restaurant & Bar, Wellington). 

The menu will include several of Martinez’s Melbourne signature dishes.

Gualdi, Ovolo’s beverage director, will unveil a drinks menu that takes inspiration from the Mediterranean. 

Think Mediterranean G&Ts and spritzes, high tea cocktails, zero proof options and a range of beers.

The wine list will be sourced from smaller, sustainable, Australian producers using Mediterranean varieties, with around 30% of the wine list to be vegan friendly.