Paris After Dark at Dolly

Step back in time to the glamorous dining scene of 1920s Paris with "Paris After Dark," an exclusive culinary experience at Le Méridien Melbourne’s signature subterranean diner, Dolly. Nestled at the Paris-end of Bourke Street, Dolly will transform every Friday and Saturday night throughout August, into a lavish Parisian bistros from a bygone era, offering a five-course menu curated by Bordeaux-born Executive Chef Hervé Borghini.

From the moment you step inside, you’ll be warmly welcomed by waiters dressed in classic 1920s black and white attire, setting the tone for an evening of elegance and sophistication. The journey begins with delightful canapés, including a velvety butternut velouté with Espelette pepper and pumpkin seeds, and delicate gougères filled with Comté custard and mushrooms.

As you settle into the ambiance, the first course arrives, presenting a masterpiece of textures with a dish featuring the versatility and beauty of beetroots. Accompanied by a blackberry sherry gastrique and a whimsical feta cloud, this course pays homage to the artistic innovation of 1920s Paris, reflecting the era’s spirit of creativity and experimentation.

The culinary adventure continues with a braised beef cigar, where slow-cooked beef is wrapped in a crispy pastry shell, enriched with red wine onion jam and a hint of blood orange for subtle acidity and sweetness. This dish perfectly embodies France’s deep connection to viticulture, providing a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is both nostalgic and luxurious.

For the main course, diners are treated to the exquisite duck confit, served with Kipfler potatoes, radicchio chiffonade, and a rich Bordeaux red wine jus. The alternative, sole meunière, features pan-fried sole in a caper and lemon sauce, complemented by a mesclun and compressed grape salad, highlighting the delicate flavours and refined techniques of French cuisine.

As the evening progresses, the cheese course arrives, showcasing a crémeux de brie infused with truffle, accompanied by pear compôte, walnuts, and bread crisps. This dish epitomises the decadence of Parisian dining during its golden age.

The grand finale is a caramelised tarte tatin, flambéed tableside with Calvados and served with vanilla ice cream. This dessert not only delights the palate but also adds a dramatic flair to the dining experience, reminiscent of the theatricality and elegance of 1920s Paris.

Priced at $150 per person, "Paris After Dark" promises an evening of opulence and culinary delight, bringing the golden age of Paris to the heart of Melbourne.

Find out more here.

Location: Le Méridien Melbourne, 20 Bourke St, Melbourne

Phone: (03) 9123 3960

Link: dollymelbourne.com