Coburg locals Tresna Lee and partner Shane Farrell have turned a double-storey brick building on Sydney Road into a cool wine bar called Gemini. They’re big on community, and share their love of food and wine with those who have stumbled on their newest addition to the high street.
And if you’re wondering, they’re both astrologically aligned, hence the title of their bar.
They talk to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
Shane: I moved from Shepparton to Coburg just before my 18th birthday and then moved back again 10 years ago. I lived in a share-house with friends near the Coburg RSL and love the mix of culture and food. Whilst I have seen many things change in Coburg over the last 20 years, new businesses come and go, but the suburb has a cool vibe. We have met so many cool people who live here, and it certainly feels like a great community to be a part of.
Tresna: We’ve lived here for a decade, but the last two years have really solidified our connections and built a really strong community. We always knew our direct neighbours, but since opening Gemini our “neighbours” now come from all over the area. It’s not unusual to end up in someone’s backyard on a sunny Sunday afternoon eating oysters and sharing a bottle of wine. If someone needs to borrow a tool or help running an errand, there’s always a support network ready to jump in and help.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
Tresna: Baking with my grandmother as a young child and learning that when you feed people, you’re sending a message that you love them.
And, secondly, eating at Rockpool Sydney for my 18th birthday dinner. I didn’t grow up going to restaurants, and here I was having dinner in one of the fanciest restaurants at the time. After that meal I was changed. Watching the team pour olive oil into delicate glass plates created this a-ha moment when I understood that when you blend food, hospitality and a little theatre you can create something more than just a meal but an experience.
Shane: Bar Nestor in San Sebastian, Spain. I dream of going back there. They make a tortilla that you have to pre-order if you want a slice. They also serve an ox heart tomato salad, padrons, steak and the tortilla – that’s it. Simple is best.
FAVOURITE BAR
Shane: Locally it’s Lombardo’s for a pint of Guinness. The tap beer is always fresh there and it’s a cool vibe. The tap beer at the Coburg RSL is fantastic and is an under-rated gem in our neighbourhood. I love the cocktails at Byrdi and Caretakers Cottage in the CBD. I also love Napier Quarter in Fitzroy because they do that interesting mix of mornings and night. It’s coffee and anchovy egg toast in the morning and focaccia, salami, crudo and a glass of wine for an evening session.
Tresna: La Venencia in Madrid opened over 100 years ago and it looks like they haven’t renovated – ever. Sherry, simple snacks, your order written in chalk on the counter and the most austere service. I love the simplicity and the feeling that I’m part of a history when I’m sipping different sherries.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
Shane: The Gemini Flawless Martini. We designed it with our friend Shaun from Maidenii. It plays into the duality of the Gemini Star Sign (the twins). Equal measures Brogan’s Way Navy Strength Gin, Milk & Honey Vodka, Sweet and Kina Maidenii dry vermouth. And because we love a drink and a snack, two garnishes. A cocktail onion and a Sicilian olive. Cheers!
Tresna: We’re both Geminis (hence the name) and this cocktail is the ultimate expression of our personalities. At first glance it might seem a little chaotic, but all the ingredients work well together and create an incredible experience.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
Tresna: A hot shower, electrolyte water, sourdough with some kind of high-fat topping like avocado, chicken liver parfait or a load of butter. Maybe a nap on the sofa.
Shane: Strong coffee, electrolyte water, bacon. Sometimes exercising can help shake the hangover. Sometimes that’s a very bad idea.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
Tresna: We try and get to Sydney every couple of years and it’s hard to go past Cantina OK! The cocktails are always great but it’s the atmosphere and hospitality that leaves the best impression. There’s a sense of camaraderie as you rub shoulders with the lucky handful of people that have been squeezed in for the night.
Shane: Definitely Cantina-OK.
FAVOURITE WINE
Tresna: Brian Conway is a Coburg local, and also an incredible wine maker with his label Trapeze. He recently did a wine list takeover at Gemini and we both managed to score the afternoon off. We gathered some friends and spent a leisurely afternoon opening bottle after bottle alongside some food. We couldn’t resist a second bottle of his Six Js Gamay.
Shane: I recently spent a couple of days in Noosa fishing with an old mate of mine. I took a bottle of Tachiminori Sake from Melbourne Sake Company with me to Noosa in case we managed to land any fish, which we did. We caught some beautiful Spanish Mackerel which we turned into sashimi with a brown sugar, soy and mirin dressing. I highly recommend sharing a bottle of Melbourne Sake Co. with some friends.
FAVOURITE WINERY
Tresna: I love going out to Jayden Ong in the Yarra Valley when we need a little escape from the city. The food is incredible, the wine list is epic, and you can do a tasting of the latest releases with the team. The food and wine is serious (but not stuff) and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming making it a great day out.
Shane: Definitely Jayden Ong. Followed by Four Pillars, Payten & Jones or Watts River Brewery. Or all of the above.
NEXT DESTINATION
Tresna: Our next getaway is a quick week in Bali where we’ll catch up on sleep, massages, sunshine and some great Balinese food. It’s a great destination when you don’t have a lot of time and want to be truly looked after. After a big couple of years, we need our breaks to focus on recovery instead of adventuring. I’m hoping that we can shift the balance in a couple of years and get back to the bigger energetic trips. My heart (and stomach) longs for Spain and Japan.
Shane: Locally we love to go to Lon Retreat to rest and recuperate. It’s a beautiful little hotel on the back beach in Port Lonsdale. We have a trip coming up to Bali to stay at Desa Potato Head. I like staying there as you can do yoga and sound healing in the morning and then drink cocktails watching the sun set at night – it’s a one-stop shop, and you don’t have to leave if you don’t want to. Some people hate the idea of not leaving a hotel for five days, but that’s just what we need right now. I’d really like to go back and spend some more time in Japan.
