If there's anything we can rely on Shannon Martinez for, it's to keep us on our toes. The fabulous plant-based chef, author and restaurateur has thrown us plenty of wildcards over the years, from trailblazing vegan deli Smith and Deli to ambitious Latin American vegan restaurant Lona Misa.
Though there's been a spate of much newer projects from Martinez to get excited about in recent months – namely, Marvel Stadium's new Amphora and Friends of Fire – there's one restaurant that will always feel like the truest essence of Martinez' rock 'n' roll brand of inventiveness and deliciousness: Fitzroy restaurant Smith and Daughters.
But even that legendary venue is changing its stripes! Reimagining itself as a social club, the former Italian fine-ish diner wants to ooze a more casual vibe moving forward. New head chef Sean Mears will introduce a laidback twist to the famous vegan restaurant, with fun snacks like corn dogs, golden curry ketchup and pickled mustard; a plant-based spin on the classic fillet o' fish; and a crispy-gooey pizzette, among others.
“This is food that we love to cook and love to eat,” says Martinez, with snacks starting at just $7 a pop. The entirety of the updated menu and hot new cocktail list will be available from September onwards.
Whether you're looking for a relaxed place to catch up, meet a vegan date or enjoy a solo journey by the bar, Smith and Daughters' next chapter looks promising.