Monster bares its new teeth

Posted on 11 December, 2014

Monster kitchen and bar has unveiled a new formal dining area – and the eclectic space is as ‘fierce’ as you’d expect. The entrance to the space is schizophrenic: mad scientist’s laboratory on the right and 70s Italian lounge on the left. There’s a multitide of contrasting textures – terrazzo, neon, wood, cork – but somehow it works.

The focal point is an incredible fireplace, rivalling its sister in the Monster lounge area. This one is ‘in the round’, with seating at 360 degrees…it’s just screaming for red wine and cheese on a winter’s day.

To the left, you’ll find casual seating; to the right, more traditional seating. But no matter where you sit, you’ll enjoy the inventive regional cuisine of Sean McConnell.

 Monster serves breakfast, lunch and dinner from 6:30am to 1am in Hotel Hotel’s uber chic lobby every day – this new formal area is opened up at night time.

For breakfast, try to choose between the House made crumpets with Hotel Hotel honey (hive #9) $11 and the Snowy River hash brown, fried free range egg, soft herbs ($16)...or maybe you feel more in the mood for Poached eggs, avocado, whipped curd, dukkah, toast ($16).

Lunch is equally adventurous, with Yabby jaffle, creme fraiche, horseradish ($16) commanding attention, but the Fried Pork Belly Banh Mi ($12) is a taste explosion. And then dinner and dessert…for my money, it’s hard to go past the Pressed lamb shoulder, pistachio, yoghurt, vine leaf, pomegranate ($28) and the Mandarin souffle, chocolate sorbet ($18). 

If the food isn’t enough to keep you coming back, the inviting interiors will be.