Arguably Melbourne's best restaurant, and the one with the best view, Vue de Monde has seen some incredible chefs through its doors. But current executive chef Hugh Allen has achieved quite a lot in his 29 years and counting, and now he can add restaurateur to his resume.
The wunderkind, who has worked with the Rockpool Group and Noma just to name a few he's now embarking on his own jourey with Yiaga. "Being born and raised in Melbourne I've always known that one day I wanted to open a restaurant here. Working and travelling around the world has only deepened my connection to this city," he says.
The restaurant will be set in Fitzroy Gardens, in former tearooms dating back to 1908 that has housed hospitality businesses for more than 100 years. A fire damaged in the 60s and a neighbouring building has been empty for a decade. Now, it's set for a new life.
"I've always envisioned creating a serene, distinctive restaurant that enriches both guests and our team—a space that celebrate sAustralia's beauty and bounty. While exploring locaitons in 2019, I discovered a derelict pavilion in Fitzroy Gardens during the first COVID-19 lockdown. It reminded me of my childhood visits, and I knew this was the place for the restaurant I've always dreamed of," Allen says.
Yiaga will serve a multi-course tasting menu focusing on local seafood, wild game and rare natives. Allen and his team are currentily in R&D for the restaurant, but whatever they come up with, we can be sure it will be special.
The restaurant itself is being built using nearly all Victorian materials, from burnt earth clay tiles lining the dining room wall, bricks inspired by the texture of surrounding tree bark and ceramics made from the same clay as the cricket pitch at the MCG.
"Once we're fully operational we aim for Yiaga to become more than just a dining experience. We want as many people as possible to feel connected to [the restaurant], whether visitng for dinner, attending a talk, or participating in a workshop. Ultimately, we would love and envision Yiaga evolving over the years into a vibrant campus of gastronomy," Allen says.
Stay tuned for more updates on Yiaga, which is set to open in spring this year.
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