Ben Avramides’ latest venture, Bar Bouni pays tribute to his family heritage; riffing on a blend of flavours from the Middle East and Mediterranean.
He’s a third-generation restaurateur; continuing a family legacy that began in the 1950s, when his father and grandfather operated pastry shops and restaurants in Sydney. Iconic spots in the 1970s included Emad’s and Hunna’s.
At Melbourne’s Bar Bouni – led by Añada alumni Jessica Mantilla – you enter a world of delicious marinaded meats and vegetables which are slow cooked for extra TLC.
Rotisserie favourites are accompanied by their signature sauces – with small plates designed for grazing and sharing – think pickled vegetables, house sausage, juicy lamb and pine nut empanada and fresh seasonal fattoush salad.
Ben Avramides spoke to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
Melbourne – it caters for everyone, all the time. Our base standard of hospitality is so high, you don’t have to spend a lot to be blown away, but equally, if you want to dress up and splash out, we’ve got world class restaurants and an ‘always on’ mentality towards arts, culture and sport.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
My uncle’s Hummus and schwarma at Emads Surry Hills (Sydney) or the Aged duck at EMP in 2019 (before it turned into a vegan restaurant), matched only by the kitchen at Stokehouse (when it’s on the specials board).
FAVOURITE BAR
An Old Fashion at White Oaks Saloon & Dining on Greville St Prahran – great bourbon selection and equally cracking bartenders that love their craft.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
Old Fashioned! Simple, classic and reliable.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
Drink really well, but drink less of it – or double drop Hydralyte before and after going out.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
Leigh Street Wine Room in Adelaide, or Bobbie’s in Sydney – both spaces are so unique, neither feel like anywhere else and both give a really personal service.
OVERSEAS BAR
Baccarat Hotel lobby bar, NYC. Bartenders that take your experience anywhere you want to go.
FAVOURITE WINE
Ruinart Blanc de Blancs— being hard to get, really expensive and absolutely delicious reminds you to enjoy the moment.
FAVOURITE WINERY
Gembrook Hill Estate— generational hard crafted and limited release selection, with an annual belter dedicated to the wine maker’s dad. You can also grab a few bottles of Melbourne Gin Co. as it’s made by the same hands that make the beautiful wines.
NEXT DESTINATION
I’d like to say Japan or Italy, but most likely Gold Coast (to see mum).
