It’s easy to see why Melbourne’s glorious rooftop bar Fable was such a success when it launched late this summer. Delicious food, great drinks and unmatched views of the CBD had eager city dwellers lining up to visit. With winter well and truly hitting the city, you’ll be glad to know that Fable can keep up with the elements. My plus one and I were invited to cosy up in their all-weather enclosed rooftop and sample their new winter drink and dining menus.
Developed by venue manager and well-known mixologist Alessandro Nardini (Beneath Driver Lane) and Michelin-starred chef Alex Xinis (Melbourne Press Club), the new winter menus are driven by seasonality and have plenty of vegan and gluten-free options.
First up we heard from Nardini who has crafted some delicious and unusual cocktails, perfect for colder nights. Some of the new drinks include the ‘Fountain of Youth’ which combines brandy, Caribbean pineapple liqueur, peach and rosemary verjuice. There are also a few twists on old classics like ‘The Ptolemaic Solution’, a Mediterranean take on the Aviation. We were happy to hear that the martini menu will also remain. With so many world-class spirits made locally, it was great to see these producers featured in the cocktails and on Fable’s well-stocked back bar. The majority of the cocktail menu is also vegan.
Proving that Mediterranean cuisine can cater to everyone, the entire new winter menu at Fable is gluten-free and has plenty of vegan options. With an emphasis on local, sustainably-caught seafood, the cured kingfish with granny smith, lime and chive oil and scallops with celeriac and black garlic were a delicious start to the night. We particularly loved the jalapeno poppers with vegan chevre and romesco and chargrilled heirloom carrots with caramelised sweet onion and hummus (which we were encouraged to pick up and eat with our hands). The main course really turned things up though with slow-cooked lamb shoulder with roasted parsnips and lavender honey – perfect for cold winter nights.
Fable is already well on the way to being another Melbourne institution with their glorious city views and an all-weather fit-out, perfect for cozy winter nights with your favourite people.
– The Plus Ones
Fable is located on level 13, 168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne. Check out their opening hours and upcoming events on their website.
