New American-French eatery, Duke’s Bistro, is launching upstairs at The DOG Hotel, Randwick, on Friday 2 September.
The 170-seater bistro offers casual dining based on an American theme, like sister venues the Dove & Olive and Keg & Brew in Surry Hills, but with an additional French twist.
Playing on the Art Deco origins of the pub, the interior is French colonial style with New Orleans furnishings, including a mural by local artists Jo & Jo at the bistro’s entrance. Spaces of various sizes, from small corners to large communal dining tables and a balcony that stretches the length of the building, offer options for different occasions, from a dinner for two to a birthday party or function for up to 200 people.
The large open plan kitchen features two specially designed rotisseries. Executive chef Dwayne Baber will be focusing on a selection of slow cooked meats from the rotisserie as well smaller bistro-style plates meant for sharing and banquettes for larger groups.
“What we are aiming to do here is French classics with a modern twist at affordable pub prices. Dishes are seasonal and made for sharing, so diners can try lots of different dishes from the quintessentially French Escargot Beurre Parsill Vol au Vent and Duck Rillette to whole joints of meat with an American twist like the Beer Brined Chicken and Hanger Steak,” said Baber.
Twelve taps pouring a selection of beers including a number of craft options will be available, along with an extensive wine list, created by sommelier Louella Mathews, formerly of Rockpool, featuring Australian, New Zealand, French and American wines.
Cocktails from both sides of the Atlantic will also make the list. The French classic Soixante Quinze starts with cognac and the addition of fresh lemon, simple syrup and Crmant sparkling, while the New Orleans classic Sazerac, features stirred absinthe, rye whiskey, sugar and peychaud bitters.
Duke’s Bistro will be open seven nights a week from 5pm for dinner and Sundays for lunch.
