CuttaCutta

CuttaCutta, a restaurant named after a cave in northern Australia that translates to "cave where the stars sleep," is the latest venture by Glen Ballis.

The restaurant, located on Patriarch's Ponds, is a reflection of Ballis's 27 years living in Melbourne. He wanted to create a space that felt both Australian and personal, and he's achieved that with a menu of simple, delicious food and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The menu features a variety of small plates and sharing dishes, perfect for trying a little bit of everything. Some of the highlights include:

* Romanesco salad with tonnato sauce and parmesan * Seared bass with raspberry balsamic and shichimi togarashi * Beef cheek croquettes with pepper-tomato sauce and sour cream * Burrata with Cantabrian anchovies and tomato tartare * Conchiglioni with eggplant and stracciatella in a béchamel sauce * Chicken pâté with pistachios and brioche * Crab salad with avocado, mango, crab, stracciatella, tomatoes, and lettuce

The cocktail menu is equally impressive, with a focus on Australian ingredients and flavors. The bar manager, Ivan Panyushkin, has created a menu that is both creative and delicious.

The wine list is also well-curated, with a focus on wines from small producers and family-run wineries. There is also a selection of Coravin wines, which allows guests to try a variety of wines by the glass.

The restaurant's interior is designed to evoke the feeling of being in a cave. The walls are lined with textured marble, and the floor is covered in a pattern that resembles lightning. There is also a fireplace in the center of the room, which adds to the cozy atmosphere.

Overall, CuttaCutta is a unique and memorable dining experience. It's the perfect place to go for a special occasion or just to enjoy a delicious meal with friends.