If you know anyone whose not-so-illustrious actions have earned them an unwelcome nickname, you’ll be aware that tags can be hard to shake.
Not that “gastropub” is anything like Penny Pantsless, rather it’s just not what Michael Lambie is doing inside The Smith. But don’t be disheartened by your inability to categorically define it— The Smith is far more than a pub tricked out in modern industrial threads.
Take, for example, Lambie’s intrepid “Culinary Safari”. Gallivant through six different regions of the world, stopping over in Mexico for a soft shell crab tortilla and finishing up in Africa with a sinfully rich chocolate dulce de leche with banana foam and plantain chip. And probably a pretty decent buzz too, since the six course degustation means an equal number of bang-up cocktails.
If you’d rather plan your own itinerary the spring menu lets you bounce between old favourites and seasonal dishes available as “small mouthfuls”, “tastes” and “mains”, all of which are better shared. And don’t forget to take advantage of the bespoke sommelier service.
If you’re not stumbling a little as you climb down from the bar top, you’re not doing it right.
The Smith
213 High Street, Prahran, Melbourne, 3181
Mon to Sun 12:00 pm – 11:30 pm
T: 03 9514 2444