Chef and Restaurateur, Luke Mangan will open his first Melbourne restaurant in more than a decade in June.
Bistrot Bisou is a relaxed French bistro that will be located in the newly opened Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders, an IHG Hotel.
Melbourne-born Mangan says he’s excited to be back amongst the city’s bustling food scene, and to continue his love affair with French cuisine, having trained under Michael Roux at Michelin-starred London restaurant, Waterside Inn.
“Melbourne has a real European feel to it – especially as we come into the cooler months – and French fare is having a moment, so I can’t wait to share my take with diners.
“We’ve created a thoughtful menu full of classics like steak frites, an incredible twice-baked gruyere souffle and apple tarte tatin, with modern twists.
“Enjoying these in the stylish bar and dining room, with its leather banquette seats, marble benchtops, red leather bar stools, and gold touches, you’ll feel like you’ve taken a trip to Paris.”
Dishes will be cooked over the kitchen’s wood-fired grill, with slow-burning ironbark and hardwood charcoal used to add smoky flavours, while the team will also be smoking its own salmon and crafting house-made terrines from free-range, Victorian roosters.
Bistrot Bisou’s Head Chef, Rory Kennedy, says the expansive open kitchen overlooking the restaurant is one of the reasons why “he does what he does”.
“There’s nothing better than seeing people smiling from ear to ear after they’ve enjoyed a great meal.
“To get that feedback in real-time is priceless, while guests will be taken on a sensory experience from the comfort of their seats, as they see and smell their food being prepared on the wood-fired grill before they taste it.”
Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders, General Manager, Joseph Simmons says the new restaurant and bar offering will deliver a welcoming and fun dining experience.
“It’s the perfect place to settle in for a happy hour cocktail or French wine before you treat your tastebuds to our delicious menu.”
Bistrot Bisou will open for lunch from Wednesday to Friday, and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday.
For more information, visit bistrotbisou.com.au.
