Alibi, Sydney's latest cocktail destination and the first Australian hotel with a 100% plant-based dining menu, opened yesterday, 22 March at Ovolo Woolloomooloo. Alibi is spearheaded by renowned US plant-based chef, restaurateur and global plant-based dining pioneer, Matthew Kenney (pictured above). This is his first venture in Australia and will have a seasonal, colourful and innovative menu designed to share alongside an exciting cocktail and wine programme.
Alibi, which features lounge and bar seating, plus share tables, is an alternate destination for the already established Woolloomooloo dining hub, and for those who embrace a healthier lifestyle, a unique after-dark option.
Ovolo Hotels Founder & CEO Girish Jhunjhnuwala recognises the global wellness trend, particularly in Australia, with customers wanting to embrace wellness and the demand for a clean lifestyle and plant-based foods.
“We have listened to the market and know that healthy eating that doesn't compromise on taste is a priority, so we made the decision to partner with Matthew to develop a new plant-based concept not yet seen in an Australian hotel,” he said.
The Alibi menu has been devised to bring as much of Kenney's food philosophy and style to the plate as possible. Trained at the French Culinary Institute, Kenney and his team use a combination of classical and innovative cooking techniques to give locally-sourced plant-based ingredients a creative makeover. Smoking, fermentation and molecular techniques all feature.
Alibi's signature dishes include Kimchi Dumplings with Sesame and Ginger Foam, Heirloom Tomato and Zucchini Lasagna with Pistachio Pesto and a fun-take on the Roman classic pasta, Cacio e Pepe, with Kelp Noodles and Crispy Olives. Hibiscus Strawberry Cheesecake with Lime Curd, Vanilla Shortbread and a Sorrel Gel plus a deconstructed Tiramisu with Frozen Almond Chantilly rounds off the dessert menu.
The new menu, overseen by Group Executive Chef, Kasper Christensen, ex-Noma Sydney, also extends to Ovolo Woolloomooloo's breakfast, room service and conferencing offering, with a focus on, but not exclusively, plant food. Ovolo's renowned free Happy Hour for guests continues and will feature a 100% plant-based offering.
Alibi will match Ovolo Woolloomooloo's colourful feel and concept, from the vivid produce in dishes to the dynamic and innovative drinks programme, particularly the cocktail list that offers guests a truly unique experience including molecular techniques, cooking and even pastry.
The wine list, by former sommelier of the year and wine book author, Chris Morrison, shines the light on a section of smaller producers from Australia but also features well-known wineries for those who find navigating wine lists a task. All have been chosen for their drinkability, value and ontrend styles or varietals. A focus on owner/operator producers shares Alibi's own philosophy of sourcing local, sustainable and seasonal where possible.
Kenney, who continues to pioneer his plant-based cuisine and philosophy via his restaurants, cookbooks and entrepreneurial pursuits, is confident that Alibi will be well received by both Sydney and its visitors.
Kenney said: “The lifestyle is already here, the products are here, the quality of ingredients is incredible. Australia is the founder of avocado on toast – we have our own version of course!
“People should expect a beautiful, bright modern interior with lots of seating options plus a globally inspired menu that matches that – it's so colourful and vibrant.
“I think some venues don't have all the components – they might have great food but not atmosphere, for example. But I think Alibi has everything,” he concluded.
Ovolo Hotels Group Executive Chef, Kasper Christensen, who has Quay and Noma Sydney on his resume, will continue to develop the menu seasonally with Kenney.
On a mission to redefine modern hospitality, Ovolo Hotels refuse to take a cookie cutter approach to their properties. From check in to check out, Ovolo guests enjoy all the comforts of intelligent, effortless living. From property-wide free wi-fi with an unrestricted number of devices and downloads, through to easy access power outlets at your bedside, it's the attention to all the little details that make Ovolo Hotels stand out.
Alibi is open Tuesday to Friday dinner only and lunch and dinner Saturday. There will be a limited menu with plant based offering available for daytime snacking Tuesday to Saturday.