Premium non-alcoholic brand NON has certainly made some serious inroads, the Melbourne based company’s unique drinks can now be found on some mighty lists around the world including The Fat Duck [UK] Alinea in Chicago and Quay in Australia.
The Write Drop catches up with NON founder Aaron Trotman for our At The Bar series – sharing food memories in Western Australia, a Melbourne that he’s loving right now, and a winery on the Mornington Peninsula we must visit.
While non-alcoholic premium drinks is his daily shtick, he’s a fan of mixing it up when traveling.
MY CITY
I live in Australia’s foodie capital, Melbourne which is very fitting considering I am a self-proclaimed foodie myself. I love the fact that in any suburb there are hidden gems of nearly every cuisine, catering to any price range. You don’t just have to go to fancy places to eat well or drink delicious beverages in Melbourne – just go for a stroll down your local strip and there is bound to be something awesome.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
I was blown away the first time I had WA Marron at Vu De Monde(Circa 20110ish). I’m salivating thinking about the native Australian curry broth that it’s served on. It’s no wonder this has become a signature dish there. It’s a must-try for any foodie or anything who likes seafood. Think: juicy poached Marron served in a complex bisque made of of curry flavours and seafood stock. Delicious.
FAVOURITE BAR
Essie Wine Barin Malvern, VIC is one of my go-to’s. It’s perfect for a cosy date night and also has a great vibe for celebrating a special occasion or catching up with mates. The food and snacks is always reliable and they also offer a very extensive drinks menu.
BEST NON HANGOVER
Go to a local market, look around for something you haven’t eaten before and try it! You can make a day trip out of it or just wander down to your local. There’s nothing better than getting amongst the hustle and bustle of a market and finding a vendor who is doing wonders with local produce.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
Bar Copains in Surry Hills, NSW is sensational. They offer a simple menu accompanied by a plethora of wines, beers and of course non-alc options. It’s a nook that doesn’t disappoint and I find myself visiting every time I go up to Sydney.
FAVOURITE WINE
Anything from l’Octavin wines by Alice Bouvot. Alice’s winemaking skills are dynamic to say the very least. Everything I’ve tried is exciting and full of flavour.
FAVOURITE WINERY
You have to visit Polperro Wineryin Red Hill, VIC. It’s just over an hour out of Melbourne and worth the drive. Naturally, there is plenty of great wine on offer and the way they tie in Sri Lankan flavours into a modern Australian food menu is inspiring. If you’re spending the night down there, you may as well do a private tasting at their cellar door and make the most of it.
NEXT DESTINATION
Hong Kong and a couple of places in the U.S.A. Probably not all in one trip – but Hong Kong and the USA are equally on the top of my travel list at the moment.
