The Gastronomic Evolution of Mille Vini.

I was recently commissioned by Mille Vini for a food photography shoot to showcase their new Winter Menu. What I discovered is that it is a foodies delight! So delicious.

Mille Vini received a warm welcome back from the locals of Surry Hills when new owners Rhaad Fogarty and Aaron Le Saux took over in 2015. Having recently appointed a rising star on the Sydney food scene, chef Dan Rocha has taken the heritage of this traditional Italian wine bar and given it a modern European twist.

Mille Vini's update to their a-la-carte Winter 2016 menu is a foodies delight!

Rhaad Fogarty explains: "Mille Vini has been a favourite of Sydney siders for years so we really wanted to keep with the traditional Italian feeling that it has always offered. For me, I wanted to expand on that and take our guests on a journey that provides a culinary experience from all of Europe. Emphasising the social aspect you get with food and wine from that corner of the world, we encourage tables to share in the discovery of these new flavours and interact with each other through the whole experience.”

Chef Dan Rocha adds: "A change in direction from traditional Italian cuisine to a menu that compliments our Italian wines has allowed me to explore the diverse tastes of modern Europe, yet present it with a modern Australian flair."

The new a-la-carte Winter menu is quite simply tantalising. A symphony of flavours awaits in the entrée of beef carpaccio ravioli, filled with truffled mushrooms and served with parmesan, aged balsamic and seeded mustard. Deciding on the confit duck paired with black berry compote, cavolo nero, eshallots and orange for the main course, takes a traditionally heavy meal into a delightfully refreshing and satisfying direction. Together they set a new standard of gastronomic delight for this trendy Surry Hills restaurant, indicative of Rocha’s creativity.

Owner Rhaad Fogarty has created an approachable Italian wine list, featuring varieties that complement the seasonal menu and is happy to make recommendations based on individual palettes. 

For those who simply want to drop in at 5pm for drinks and nibbles from the Salumi Bar or sample from their famous wine list along with their signature Formaggi Platter, Mille Vini still offers a stylish yet casually social space to whet your appetite with friends and loved ones. 

Mille Vini is located at 397 Crown Street Surry Hills and is open for lunch Thursday through Sunday from 12pm to 3pm and for dinner seven days a week from 5pm. View their full menu selection at www.millevini.com.au.