Brodie Green has opened Moustache, a new espresso and wine bar at The Oxley 1823
Creating a venue that is equally as enjoyable during the day as it is at night is not an easy feat, but it’s one Brodie Green has embraced with his latest project, Moustache. At only 26-sqm, the sip spot has certainly packed a lot into its small space, including a coffee machine that fires up from early morning pumping out strong Italian coffee, a hidden laneway lined with tables, a punchy selection of wines and cocktails and a hibachi grill that infuses the fare with that unmistakable flame-kissed flavour.
Delivering a taste of coastal Europe, Moustache is loosely inspired by the concept of ‘cucina povera’, which roughly translated means ‘food for the peasants’. The traditional Italian cooking style originates from peasant cooking and emphasises simple, humble ingredients and making the most of what is available. In the context of Moustache, it translates into an ethos of simplicity done well with a strong focus on community and accessibility.
As for the menu, Brodie has recruited Rodrigo Paraboa Martins (former sous chef at Paper Daisy, Little Truffle Dining Room and The Paddock Restaurant at Beechmont Estate) to take the reins crafting the succinct offering. For breakfast, tuck into the likes of ‘Eggs in Purgatory’, which is kind of like an Italian shashuka, alongside freshly made focaccia with jam and butter and what Brodie describes as “the most beautiful avocado on toast you’ve ever had.”
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As the sun sets, the menu expands to a selection of sharable plates, perfect for gathering with friends over a bottle of wine. Slurp back a couple of Smokey Bay oysters with shallot mignonette before grazing your way through the likes of anchovies on toast, beef tartare with yolk cream, capers and crisp artichokes, and stracciatella with compressed melon, basil and macadamia. For those who are keen for something more substantial can enjoy larger plates of creamy gnocchi della Val Varaita and charcoal-grilled snapper.
The beverage program is equally as thoughtful, featuring a curated selection of new-age wines, including orange varietals, chilled reds and fizzy pet-nats. For the non-wine folk, there’s a clutch of classic cocktails, including a limoncello spritz, Tommy’s margarita and Negroni, alongside a house lager on tap.
Although Moustache is primarily walk-in only, you can make a reservation for groups of six or more.
Head to our Directory for details.