New Circa, the Prince, unveiled... (Circa 2010)
Circa, the Prince has long been one of Melbourne’s great dining experiences. So rest assured Matt Wilkinson’s imaginative produce-driven menu won’t change. Nor will the sublime service and style, typical of John and Lisa van Haandel. But things will be done differently. And it will open late October 2009.
“We’ve turned the restaurant inside out to deconstruct the dining experience,” explains John van Haandel. “But it’s more than just a refurb. It’s evolution. The next exciting chapter, if you like.”
More versatile use of space offers a variety of dining and entertaining options without losing the laid-back luxury that’s very much a van Haandel hallmark.
“Similarly with The Prince hotel, Circa’s new interior has come together through a collaboration of local furniture designers, retailers, artists and stylists. We’ve created a warm, textured palette that’s modern, relaxed and fresh – very much an environment to soothe and stimulate the senses,” continues van Haandel.
With the new mood comes a new menu, expanding the offering to small plates and shared dishes in the bar and courtyard, and tailored to suit in the private dining rooms.
Wilkinson’s elegant and innovative dishes feature hard-to-find high quality produce, beautiful rare breeds and organic heirlooms. So he’s almost always working in collaboration with passionate local growers and producers, to ensure what’s best and freshest in season appears on the plate. Add a lush working kitchen garden and a world-class wine list that’s lauded and awarded, and you have Circa, today.
The new Circa, the Prince, open 31 October 2009.
Opening hours: breakfast 7-11am, daily; bar menu noon till late, daily; dinner Monday-Saturday, from 6pm; and Sunday lunch 12.30-4pm.
