Atlas Dining

Inspired by Melbourne chef Charlie Carrington's eight-month trip spanning 15 countries, Atlas Dining features the unique concept of exploring different cuisines of the world as the seasons change.
 
Only 22-years old, Carrington has worked alongside an inspiring range of chefs at restaurants including Firedoor and Marque in Sydney, Vue De Monde in Melbourne and various restaurants in London, Antwerp, San Francisco, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, Bangkok, Singapore and La Paz.

The influences are readily apparent from the skilfully prepared menu focusing on local ingredients, which Carrington transforms minimally with wood cooking techniques learnt under the guidance of Lennox Hastie at Firedoor.

The intimate dining space features an open kitchen pass providing a view through to the wood fire oven, hearth and kitchen.  The restaurant also features a courtyard with banquette seating around a custom designed fire pit for casual dining and drinks. The 50 seat venue offers four and six course menus with a selection of smaller plates available at the bar. The beverage list features cocktails to match the cuisine, a selection of wines from Australia and Europe, and local Victorian ciders and craft beers.

The first menu is largely inspired by Northern Vietnam – from Hanoi to Sapa. As Melbourne shifts into summer and different produce comes into season, the menu will evolve to reflect the cuisine of Southern Vietnam.
 
We loved being taken on a delicious journey with Carrington's 6 course menu. The beautifully decadent ash-peppered chicken liver parfait with lashings of honey set the scene of what was to come - simply stunning!

The next course of King Salmon and sweet potato was an explosion of flavours blending harmoniously to create a bright dish with a perfect sweet-salt-sour balance.

Our favourite course of the evening was the Wagyu Beef Pho Tartare. Precisely diced morsels of tender wagyu beef boast nostalgic flavours of a hearty bowl of pho. It was a great concept, executed wonderfully. 

To finish, the dessert of rice, cashew and banana concluded our evening on a sweet high. It was a delectable amalgamation of textural puffed black rice and crunchy cashews brought together with a creamy banana ice cream.  

Carrington may be young but his menu is both elegant and mature. Atlas Dining certainly pleases with an exciting fine dining (yet casual) restaurant with no rules - A must try.

Location: 133 Commercial Road, South Yarra
Phone: (03) 9826 2621
Link: www.atlasdining.com.au.

Upcoming event: Lennox Hastie ventures to Melbourne for one-off dining event with Charlie Carrington

Charlie Carrington will reunite with his mentor Lennox Hastie for an exclusive evening at Carrington’s new restaurant Atlas Dining on Monday, 24 October.
 
As the head chef and co-owner of Sydney’s Firedoor, Hastie is renowned for his unique use of wood fired ovens and grills in the modern kitchen and serves as an inspiration to 22-year-old Carrington. 
 
Guests can expect to enjoy seasonal local produce cooked over wood coals. Hastie has designed a menu incorporating some of Firedoor’s most celebrated dishes including his Rangers Valley Black Market 200+ day dry aged rib on the bone, which will make the journey down from Sydney. 
 
When:                         Monday, 24 October 2016
Time:                           Bookings from 6pm
Where:                        Atlas Dining
Cost:                           $175 for fives courses with matched wines
Bookings Essential:     www.atlasdining.com.au/reservations or (03) 9826 2621