French-born and Sydney-based business partners Vincent Ventura and Johan Giausseran came together a decade ago – and opened their first restaurant Brassiere L’Entrecôte in Pymble in 2016; keen to bring an authentic French steak-frites to Australia.
They’ve since opened many other restaurants since including Bouillon L’Entrecôte in 2022 and the Basque inspired venue Deux Frères in Sydney’s CBD.
Inspired by traditional French bouillons, the venue centres on a tightly focused menu of steak, fries, green salad and signature sauces while Basque regional dishes expand their repertoire too.
Vincent and Johan spoke to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
VINCENT VENTURA: Bordeaux. It’s a beautiful place and the capital of wine in the world. What makes it special is the incredible combination of gastronomy, culture, and vineyards all around the region. You can eat amazingly well without spending a fortune, and wine is part of everyday life there.
JOHAN GIAUSSERAN: Paris, I was born there. The history, the architecture, and some of the best restaurants in the world make it a very special place.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
VINCENT VENTURA: My mum’s cooking on Sunday mornings, preparing lunch for the whole family before my grandmother arrived. The smell of the kitchen, slow cooking and everyone gathering around the table is something I still remember very vividly.
JOHAN GIAUSSERAN: Poulet and potatoes on a Sunday. It was a family tradition to go to the market, buy a beautiful roast chicken on the pit which let the juices drip over the potatoes while roasting. Simple and unforgettable.
FAVOURITE BAR
VINCENT VENTURA: My favourite bar is Deux Frères in Sydney. I love the atmosphere -relaxed but lively, and the freshly squeezed juices used in the drinks. I usually order a Piña Colada, and I like that you can also have small bites like pintxos with it.
JOHAN GIAUSSERAN: Deux Freres, not just because it’s part of our group, but because we created a bar with beautiful homemade cocktails using fresh ingredients. It’s also one of the rare places where you can sit outside and enjoy the vibe.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
VINCENT VENTURA: A Negroni. It’s simple, strong, and balanced; classic but with character.
JOHAN GIAUSSERAN: Champagne, elegant, celebratory, and something that brings people together.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
VINCENT VENTURA: Fresh oysters in the morning. After that, you’re ready for another night.
JOHAN GIAUSSERAN: Steak frites and another glass of wine, that’s the French cure!
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
VINCENT VENTURA: Eau de Vie in Melbourne. The cocktails are incredibly precise and the whole experience feels like stepping into a different era.
JOHAN GIAUSSERAN: State of Grace in Melbourne. Always vibey with great drinks, and the excitement of finding the secret entrance gives it that incredible speakeasy atmosphere.
OVERSEAS BAR TIPS
VINCENT VENTURA: Always sit at the bar and talk to the bartender. That’s where you discover the real culture of a place and often the best off-menu drinks.
JOHAN GIAUSSERAN: Always ask locals where they go, they’ll guide you to the real hidden gems.
FAVOURITE WINE
VINCENT VENTURA: One of the most memorable bottles I’ve ever had was at Château Petrus. I visited with my father-in-law, and they opened a bottle for us that we shared together. It was a very special moment and an unforgettable wine.
JOHAN GIAUSSERAN: A special moment with my friends Vincent and Sam (Big Sam Young). We reunite a few times a year and share great bottles. That day we opened Château Rothschild and Penfolds Grange from 1989 — older than I am.
FAVOURITE WINERY
VINCENT VENTURA: Château Beauséjour Bécot in Saint-Émilion. It’s a family estate and what makes the visit unforgettable are the underground tunnels beneath the vineyards where the wine is aged.
JOHAN GIAUSSERAN: Château La Croizille in Saint Emilion. It was the first winery I ever visited after my study and learning at school or living the real experience is completely different. I think that’s when my real passion for wine started.
NEXT DESTINATION
VINCENT VENTURA: France. Even though it’s my home country, there’s still so much to discover – new regions, wines, and food traditions.
JOHAN GIAUSSERAN: France, first for family, but also for the culture, food, and wine. After being away for so long, it’s always a pleasure to enjoy it again.
