Tucked in an unassuming neighbourhood street in Fitzroy is where you’ll find boutique hotel The StandardX – and within its chic premises is where Bistro X delivers seasonal and elevated bistro dishes you might not immediately think you’d find here.
It hardly feels like a hotel restaurant though; that’s because it’s all about fusing the best of Fitzroy in one location – a mix of art, a relaxed dining atmosphere, a Zen mood throughout with a curated playlist cued at the ready, and a cuisine rotation that leans into the best of Asian, Middle Eastern and American bistro dish inspiration.
We spoke to Executive Chef Ben John for our At The Bar series.
He takes over at Bistro X after a pop-up stint by celebrity chef Shannon Bennett. John arrived in Australia from his native New Zealand on 2014, and has built years of trusted industry relationships with suppliers to bring the best to the table here. The menu here is ideal for sharing; and while 45% of those who dine here are hotel guests, there’s a push to bring everybody else along for the ride.
MY CITY
Melbourne is just a really great place to be. I’m originally from New Zealand, but when I moved over here in 2014, I couldn’t leave, it’s very similar, beautiful scenery, multicultural, friendly, random odd weather, but the hospitality scene and the upbeat hustle and bustle of Melbourne has always kept me entertained. It has this energy to it that’s very easy and welcoming.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
It’s hard to choose one, but one that stands out is when I went out with a group of 10 chefs after work for some late night eats at a Korean joint called Dosirock. We always ordered far too much, but one night after all the usual suspects like kimchi beef rice, the tofu and spicy pork belly, fried chicken among many others. At 2am, we asked the waiter to order the entire menu we just had all over again! It’s a memory that sticks because it was so many of us around a table, chatting, catching-up, enjoying food, coming together – and you could hear the kitchen laughing when they got the docket again too.
FAVOURITE BAR
Leonard’s House Of Love – a good old ‘Stone & Wood on a hot day, it’s a great spot, good music, nice outdoor seating, and best of all, they serve these dangerously good fried chicken sangas – what’s not to like.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
Negroni – Bold, sharp, defined.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
Strong coffee, followed by a long bike ride with some friends with lots of carbs, only way is to sweat it out.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
Burdette in Adelaide. It’s a newish bar run by a friend Baine Stubbs and his partner. It’s in a great spot-on Union Street, some fantastic drinks, and the bar snacks are super elegant. It’s one of those places you could probably spend all day.
OVERSEAS BAR
Bert’s Bar in Wellington New Zealand. An awesome bloke called Bradley Power runs it. He was the head cocktail artist/bar manager at Caretakers in Auckland, New Zealand. This guy’s knowledge of classic cocktails is second to none and the way he looks after you and creates an experience whilst your there is insane.
FAVOURITE WINE
That would have to be Torbreck, Woodcutter’s Shiraz from the Barossa Valley. A really nice, medium-bodied red, great dark fruit notes and soft in tannin. It’s a really nice drop.
FAVOURITE WINERY
Ten Minutes By Tractor is a must in Main Ridge Victoria. It’s been around for a while now, has a great reputation and they consistently put out some fantastic wines.
NEXT DESTINATION
I need to get down to Yiaga in Fitzroy Gardens and see what chef Hugh Allen and the team are up to, can’t miss food and wine service like that!
