Sydney’s latest cocktail destination and the first Australian hotel with a 100% plant-based dining menu has opened in Woolloomooloo.
Alibi, part of Ovolo Woolloomooloo Boutique Hotel, is spearheaded by a renowned US plant-based chef, restaurateur and plant-based dining pioneer Matthew Kenney, and is his first venture in Australia.
The menu has been devised to bring as much of Kenney’s food philosophy and style to the plate as possible. Trained at the French Culinary Institute, Kenney and his team use a combination of classical and innovative cooking techniques to give locally-sourced plant-based ingredients a creative makeover. Smoking, fermentation and molecular techniques all feature.
Signature dishes include Kimchi Dumplings with Sesame and Ginger Foam and an Heirloom Tomato and Zucchini Lasagna with Pistachio Pesto.
Alibi’s vibe matches Ovolo Woolloomooloo’s colourful feel and concept – from the vivid produce in dishes to the innovative drinks program, and particularly the cocktail list that offers guests a unique experience including molecular techniques, cooking and even pastry.
The wine list, by former sommelier of the year and wine book author, Chris Morrison, shines the light on a section of smaller producers from Australia but also features well-known wineries.
All have been chosen for their drinkability, value and on-trend styles or varietals; a focus on owner/operator producers shares Alibi’s own philosophy of sourcing local, sustainable and seasonal where possible.
“People should expect a beautiful, bright modern interior with lots of seating options plus a globally inspired menu that matches that – it’s so colourful and vibrant,” says Kenney.
“I think some venues don’t have all the components – they might have great food but not atmosphere, for example. But I think Alibi has everything.”
