Later this month, Kyneton’s French bistro and bar, Midnight Starling will reveal its newest concept, Ma Cave at Midnight Starling, a private space beneath the restaurant offering a fine dining experience.
Head chef and owner, Steven Rogers (Jacques Reymond, Michael Rostang, Pierre Gagnaire, Paris) will put together a set degustation menu, offering five or eight courses at $100 or $140 respectively.
Rogers will incorporate locally sourced and seasonal produce when creating dishes such as the signature poached cuttlefish with a salad of bronze fennel and wood sorrel; grilled rouget with glazed cipollini onion and rouget liver sauce; rare roasted venison farci aux epinards with glazed shallot, celeriac puree,sauce perigourdine; and petit fours of canale bordelaise and madeleine chaude.
Ma Cave at Midnight Starling will serve a collection of European wines and French 'Michel Couvrier' whiskies, as well as a range of classic cocktails such as the Boulevardier with Bourbon, Campari and Punt e Mes.
“Ever since I embarked on my career as a classically trained chef and opened Midnight Starling, it has been an ambition of mine to create an intimate restaurant and experience that is truly reflective of my capabilities, philosophy and the local landscape.” Rogers said.
Designed in contrast to the rustic, ground floor restaurant, Ma Cave at Midnight Starling features exposed bluestone walls and beams in the ceiling, complemented by a soft French-grey colour palette.
Ma Cave at Midnight Starling will seat 24 and will open on Friday and Saturday evenings, with the space available for private dining events. The official opening is slated for 25 November.