It’s a busy time for Melbourne’s Made in the Shade group with Connie’s Pizzeria set to open a new and larger venue in January, and a new De Luxe Cocktail Collection available from Everleigh Bottling Co.
The iconic Connie’s is moving upstairs into the space above Heartbreaker, after being a part of the bar since 2017.
Seating more than 70 guests, the dining room features crimson red vinyl booths, checked tablecloths, leadlight pendants and iconic 80s film posters. While the menu will include Connie’s deep dish or classic 18-inch pizzas, pasta of the day, eggplant parmigiana and baked clams alongside mozzarella sticks, cheesy garlic bread and a selection of retro gelato desserts from Mr Pisa.
The drinks list will champion Made in the Shade’s dedication to fine drinking with classic and sparkling cocktails from The Everleigh Bottling Co., wines from Bar Margaux, and select bottled and tap beers.
Co-owner Zara Madrusan said: “We had always planned for Connie’s to evolve beyond Heartbreaker’s four walls, into its own restaurant, but the right location had never presented itself.
“Michael and I have had our eyes on the space for some time and when it came available, we jumped at the opportunity and immediately started working on the new concept.”
Michael Madrusan added: “I have so many great memories of my younger years spent at my family’s Italian restaurants. I wanted the new Connie’s to showcase the best traits of old school family-run pizzerias.
“It will be fun, familiar food and a really good time. Our venues are known for the theatre and attention to detail. With Connie’s, the music will play a huge role in bringing the experience to life.”
In addition to the new venue Zara and Michael have also released a new De Luxe Cocktail Collection from Everleigh Bottling Co (EBC). Part of the annual series from Everleigh this year’s De Luxe Collection is made to the high standards you expect from EBC and features four delightfully balanced 85ml bottled cocktails, presented in a leatherette gift box. Each set is numbered with only 500 collections available.
The collection includes:
- Rosita
Featuring Don Julio Añejo Tequila, sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, Campari andAngostura bitters, The Rosita is a rebellious take on the classic Negroni, our Rosita is a spicy summer sipper. Anchored by Don Julio Añejo Tequila, this bittersweet aperitif serves as an excellent pre-dinner party starter.
- Vesper
Featuring Tanqueray 10, shaken not stirred, Ketel One and Cocchi Americano, the Vesper was made famous as the drink of choice for a favourite fictional secret agent.
- Bobby Burns #3
Featuring Johnnie Walker Gold, Cocchi sweet vermouth and Drambuie, the Bobby Burns #3 is Named after the romantic Scottish poet Robert Burns, this riff on the classic Scotch Manhattan is rich, robust and rustic. Johnny Walker Gold provides a hint of peat and blends with Cocchi vermouth and Drambuie for a herbaceous, dry finish.
- Rum Old Fashioned
Featuring Ron Zacapa 23, sugar, Angostura bitters and orange bitters, the Rum Old Fashioned shows that everything old is new again especially when you use 23 year Ron Zacapa Rum to elevate the most classic of cocktails.
Michael told Bars and Clubs: “The De Luxe Collection is something we’ve been planning for some time and a range we’re very excited to release in time for Christmas.
“We’re thrilled to announce that this collection will be an annual collector’s item, released with a new range of cocktails and top-shelf spirits every year. It’s the perfect gift for any cocktail-lover or discerning drinker.”
The De Luxe Cocktail Collection is available now for $100 from everleighbottling.com.
