Plain Great

A long, long time ago, Roxy Music released their debut single, Virginia Plain. Thinking back, it was pretty great. Now that August 2012 has arrived on the calendar, a new Virginia Plain makes its debut.

All signs point to its own expected greatness.

Let’s look at the background: former Vue de Monde group head and head chef, Andy Harmer will be there at the culinary helm. By his side, sommelier Raul Moreno Yague.

The location is a vibrantly artsy one – next to Cumulus Inc and above Craft Victoria in the increasingly interesting eating precinct of Flinders Lane.

Marco Santucci is the owner and with a CV dotted with an impressive array of international establishments (the 2-star Michelin restaurant The Longridge, plus Le Crayers Hotel in France) and some of this city’s iconic food haunts, including Marchetti’s Latin, Caffé e Cucina, the Dog’s Bar and the Adelphi, he shifts his passion to these new digs.

Punters can expect contemporary playfulness when it comes to the menu, with the creative Executive Chef dishing up unexpected ingredients in re-interpreted European classics to suit the contemporary palate.

Such a talented sommelier in Yague means an equally innovative drinks list, with wines indexed by their characteristics, locations and varietals. Example: ‘Delicate and racy’ is the description bestowed upon one delightful drop. ‘Oak and ambition’, ‘firm and structured’ and ‘sticky and icky’ continue the informally fun tone. Drink it by the magnum, drink it by the half-bottle. Who cares? As long as YOU’RE happy. The budget-conscious need not be shy either. There are 50 wines under $65.

Art, design … and seating for 120 people in a cool combination of booths, seated areas and shared spaces.

Bookings? Impromptu walk-ins? Everyone comes together at the 18-metre long bar.