Sorolla and Bar Triana at AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank
We enjoyed a Spanish affair at AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank starting with drinks at Bar Triana (including their exceptional Gin Bar) and dinner at Spanish-inspired Sorolla Restaurant.
Seating 70 people, Sorolla Restaurant is perched upon the perimeter of the CBD and affords stunning views, whilst offering a menu that is a love letter to Spanish food and culture. It's a modern minimalist vibe. Stand out, must-try dishes included Braised sugar loaf cabbage in a carrot coulis Crème Catalan topped with grilled macadamia.
A seriously sophisticated bar that features a continuation of Sorolla’s sweeping views, pull up a stool at Bar Triana and get ready for a treat. We enjoyed a top notch experience gazing out at the cityscape while being treated to a modern cocktail and bar snacks experience. The entire beverage list is Mediterranean-inspired and offers classic gin cocktail styles such as Martini, Espresso Martini, Negroni, Margarita and well as a homage to great gins from around the world.
Bar Triana offers no less than 28 boutique gin varieties. From an Olive Leaf Gin to Monkey 47 from Berlin and a hugely impressive range of local distillers, Bar Triana excels in passion and presentation of gin-based cocktails. The bar manager gave us an impressive gin tasting from a special gin cart - before choosing a Patient Wolf Gin classic cocktail (with grapefruit).
Highlights of our meal included Jamón Ibérico (superbly presented), Tostada de Anchoa (love my anchovies), Hummus de Garbanzos (w chickpea crunch), Empanadas de Patata Dulce y Anacardos, Hamburger (top notch, accidentally ordered but needs a mention), melt in your mouth 200gm Collinson And Co Beef Striploin, Chipirones Fritos fried baby squid, Pan seared Goldband snapper and a surprise hit of Repollo a la Plancha Grilled Sugarloaf Cabbage.
Our meal was finished off with Churros that we dipped in chilli chocolate.