Andrew McConnell's new restaurant, Cote Basque, is set to reopen in Melbourne's Crossley Street, breathing new life into a beloved city dining space. This marks a significant moment for McConnell, who, alongside Jo McGann's Trader House group, is bringing a European grill to the city. The venue, which first opened in the 1950s as an offshoot of Pellegrini's Espresso Bar, has a rich history, having housed Italian restaurant Becco for over two decades. McConnell's vision for Cote Basque is deeply personal, drawing inspiration from his memories of the Basque Country, a region spanning northeastern Spain and southwestern France. His first meal on the Basque coast, at the renowned Arzak Restaurant, left a lasting impression, and he hopes to capture that essence in his menu. The restaurant's design, with its steel-framed windows and mid-century green terrazzo floor, is a nod to the industrial yet whimsical atmosphere of the Basque Country. The menu, curated by head chef Allan Doert Eccles, showcases a concise a la carte and a spontaneous grill menu that changes daily, offering a unique dining experience. McConnell's passion for seafood is evident, with a focus on local ingredients like strawberry clams and royal red prawns, served raw with a crouton topped with boudin custard and smoked tomato. Vegetables, too, take center stage, with roasted greens and artichokes served with celeriac and marjoram. The restaurant also pays homage to its past with cheeky throwbacks, including a 1990s-style Cosmopolitan cocktail and a Monday veal cotoletta special. McConnell envisions Cote Basque as a space that embraces the city's easy rhythm, inviting people to create their own adventures, whether it's a quick espresso, a cocktail before a show, or an unforgettable meal. Despite the challenges of the current dining landscape, McConnell remains optimistic about the CBD's energy and potential, and he's eager to see how Cote Basque will become an integral part of Melbourne's culinary scene. With a focus on quality ingredients, a unique menu, and a warm, inviting atmosphere, Cote Basque is poised to become a new favorite for locals and visitors alike.
