11 Nov Turbine Cafe & Bar, South Yarra

Cafe by day, bar by night, Turbine Cafe & Bar has been in operation for a number of weeks and I was invited to their launch party. It was a pleasantly warm evening, and to the backdrop of live music we snacked on roasted nuts along with our drinks.

We sampled some of their food offerings such as focaccia with pumpkin and beetroot dip, vegetable sliders and fried chicken sliders. Though the buns of the sliders were a bit dry, the juiciness of the chicken helped to offset it. I also particularly enjoyed the zucchini fritters with smoked salmon which were flavoursome and moist.

Focaccia with Pumpkin and Beetroot Dip

Zucchini Fritters with Smoked Salmon

Vegetarian Slider

Fried Chicken Slider

Salted Caramel Macaron, Lemon Tart, Lychee and Raspberry Tart

Lychee and Raspberry Tart

We finished with a selection of sweets – salted caramel macarons, lemon tarts and a delicious lychee and raspberry tart. The cream was refreshing, the lychee flavour subtle. There was even the surprise of an actual piece of lychee inside.

I loved the ambience of the place, which was warm and casual, with striking light fixtures and a large ceiling fan bearing resemblance to Turbine’s logo. It did feel a bit like a cafe, and a bit like a bar at the same time – the overall feel largely influenced by the dimmers. With a bit of time to develop the menus, they may just pull off the concept.

Disclaimer: I was invited to Turbine Cafe & Bar as a guest, however, opinions expressed here are purely my own and not influenced by them in any way

Turbine Cafe & Bar
357 Chapel Street
South Yarra, VIC, 3141
(03) 9827 9764
http://www.turbinecafe.com.au/