A new Chapel Street cocktail bar Sistine on Chapel, from the Valarc Group [Ines Wine Bar, Tartine and Ned’s Bake & Bistro] might be a playful take on all that is holier than thou, but the Renaissance inspired decor and plush velvet is wickedly charming for a fun night out.
Sister on Chapel features a reserve wine list, cocktails for the adventurous and classics, plus late-night DJs on Friday and Saturday nights.
The bar also comes with The Immaculate Conception vending machine – where snacks from the Ines Wine Bar Kitchen are on rotation. They serve caviar served with a mother-of-pearl spoonful.
We spoke to Valarc Group Owner Matteo Bruno for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
Having lived on Flinders Lane for over 10 years, Melbourne CBD always feels special to me for the fact that it retains a sense of community, despite the transient nature of a busy city. I’ve always felt a closeness between business operators and residents that reside here.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
A dish on the tasting menu many years ago at Quay Restaurant which literally brought tears to my eyes. My wife was as shocked as I was at tearing up at the table, but a broth with pork jowl wrapped me in the biggest hug and transported me right into my mother’s kitchen. Technically impressive, yet so simple.
FAVOURITE BAR
Siglo in the City. Classic Melbourne vibes. Dirty Martini.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
I’m probably still in a spicy margarita era, hopeful to develop into a big glass of Barolo with age.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
There’s no such thing. Physical work is a great way to pass the time when you’re in the throes of a hangover, otherwise a chilled bottle of wine. The first glass is tough but halfway into the bottle and you’ll feel reassured that nap time isn’t too far off.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
Charlie Parker’s below Fred’s in Paddington is fun, especially before and after dinner upstairs.
OVERSEAS BAR
Can’t go past an all-day party at Bagatelle New York. It’s more like a restaurant but after food service the curtains are drawn, music is pumped, and everyone is up on their chairs. It’s all about large format champagne at this place.
FAVOURITE WINE
Always Barbera. I discovered there’s an uncanny similarity in soil profiles in Northern Italy as there is in the parts of Victoria, so my team and I planted a vineyard in the Macedon Ranges incorporating Italian varieties, namely Barbera. Next year we will hopefully be drinking our very own Barbera we planted by hand.
NEXT DESTINATION
Back to Asti, a small town near Milan to visit family and some wine producers. My 100-year-old Nonna Ines still lives there (the namesake of Ines Wine Bar). It’s also near the Barolo regions and of course the producers of the best Barbera in the world.
Tell us about the decision to open a new cocktail bar Sistine?
I’ve always wanted to create a unique experience for our guests so adding a private bar above our restaurant has been a long goal. Our manager Tegan was super keen on the idea, so it’s become her project. A beautiful, late-night haunt to let loose and have some fun.
What makes Sistine different from other cocktail bars in Melbourne? There’s an obvious nod to the Vatican – what prompted this.
Apart from the play on words and location, “Sistine on Chapel”, the religious connotation associated with Sistine was a nice contrast to what we created – an irreverent and debauched place to share your sins.
Cocktails on the list now:
There’s really something for everyone on our list, whether you’re a sinner or a saint. My current favourites are:
ROYAL LUCRE – a bubbly and easy drinking cocktail with Pear, orgeot and champagne.
The house filthy Martini – MARTYR’S BRINE with Belvedere, olive, rosemary and capers.
The House Spicy Margarita CORINTHIANS 7:3 made with Jalapenos Tequila, Cucumber, Lime, Mint.
Dark cocktail for the lads – PORTRAIT OF A HERETIC – Rye, Averna, Pedro Ximenz.
Wines to try:
At Sistine we draw on our extensive wine list from downstairs at Ines Wine Bar. At the moment we’re particularly loving.
Terrazze Della Luna Pinot Grigio – From the border region of Trentino-Alto Adige, this sip is an elegant upgrade from your favourite Pinot Grigio; A vibrant wine with zesty citrus and pear aromas.
Good Catholic Girl’ Riesling – Julie, Daughter of Wine Maker, Jim Barry, created GCG wines. This Riesling was picked on the day of St Xenia of Petersburg who, after her husband’s death, dressed as him to give away all of his belongings to atone for his sins. “A saint for the sick, jobless, and probably cross dressers.” It has a great story and a crisp, flinty glass to enjoy alongside caviar from the vending machine.
Bishop’ Shiraz – People still come from far and wide to taste wine from the valley, and the Bishop is a true expression of a Barossa Shiraz. Complex and luscious with a dark cherry and coffee bean nose. Bold, juicy and savoury palate.
