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[title]Herald the weekend in relaxed style fashion with local’s hour at TOTE Bar and Dining, a splashy new restaurant bringing all the sheen and spectacle of Melbourne’s classiest establishments to Moonee Ponds.
Every Thursday and Friday from 5pm to 7pm is Locals’ Hour, when you can wind down with $14 glasses of Piper-Heidsieck, $2 oysters and $9 wines and pints. Prefer a cocktail? They’re serving $12 glasses of their house Spritz too, a refreshing tipple of Aperol, gin, sweet vermouth, passionfruit and grapefruit soda that’ll perk you right up.
Housed in a lovingly restored heritage building within the lush grounds of Tote Park, TOTE Bar and Dining is pitching itself as a lunch-and-dinner destination for every occasion. The menu is a self-assured cross section of modern Euro-Australian hits, using top-tier produce in mains ranging from Roaring Forties lamb loin with green pea, zucchini and herb pangrattato to whole market fish, simply prepared. The kitchen also sports a large, glowing dry ager used to enhance the flavour of their best cuts, with a chef’s cut special offered each day alongside a selection of mustards, horseradish and béarnaise sauce.
For a casual bite or quick rendezvous, sit up at the bar for classic steak frites, or some creamed corn croquettes with yuzu mayonnaise and salumi to go with your wine. They’re pouring both local and European wines in a list that encompasses both Yarra Valley sav blancs and French Chablis, with plenty of bottles at palatable price points. Otherwise, there’s draught and craft beers plus creative cocktails like a wattleseed choc Espresso Martini and the house’s spin on a Pimm’s cup.
The restaurant’s arresting, architectural design is a homage to the historic racing club it adjoins, with bronze finishes and dark leather booths giving the space a distinctly upmarket feel while retaining a warm and welcoming character. Al fresco areas are sure to be a hit in the warmer months, while a crackling fireplace keeps punters toasty in winter.