Last Friday night

It was one of those wintery, Melbourne nights. Actually, those sorts of nights are what Melbourne is all about in winter.  Embrace and you too, will love.

They’re the nights where, even as a local, you discover a new, hidden, cosy bar – one of the intriguing places Melbourne is known for – and you caress your first drink, whilst sinking into the well-loved couch and making new, best friends.

My guests for the evening were from Chicago, USA.  They were looking for something different. Something else to do in Melbourne. After Dark. A tour, but, not a tour.

So I was the girl to speak to. And they got lucky. Spending an evening in Melbourne with a local – that’s me – is the only way to see Melbourne.

Seriously.

Because Melbourne is like a hidden, treasure trove. There are so many edgy and exciting places popping up constantly, that even the most “in-the-know” locals can’t keep up. And I’m not just talking bars. I mean restaurants, theatre, cafes, boutiques, galleries, cinemas, the list goes on.

So… I digress

Back to my guests

A buzzing Friday night – we took a drive round the city – I gave them the lay of the land. Put them in the picture as to why I love Melbourne and why it is what it is today. Showed them what has shaped and moulded this incredibly sophisticated, yet approachable city.

Funky and secret places – got them covered. Sophisticated dining – tick.  Mouth-watering bites – yep.  And wine with a local focus, you bet ya.

Dinner done, we’re ready to move on. A brown door, no letters or numbers, leads up the stairs to one of Melbourne’s institutions. A sleek, stylish, inviting bar awaits and invites us in from the cold.

Cocktails, world class wine lists, attentive staff and knock-out views, this bar is one to know and one to experience. Take a good look around, because you may never find it again.

So I wave my magic wand and vanish, but not before returning my guests safely to their hotel, sprinkling my magic Melbourne dust and plotting the next MPT adventure.

Suzarella’s Hot Tip:

Make a dinner reservation at Cutler and Co. Dining Room and Bar (55-57 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, 0061394194888). One of my favourite chefs, Andrew McConnell, has just opened this sexy and sociable restaurant which is housed in a former industrial workshop.  Order the starter of grilled quail – simple, sexy and perfectly cooked.  And don’t go past dessert – but the choice between the granita and chocolate ice-cream sandwich is one I’ll leave up to you!