Cocktail afficionado Stefano Filardi of Maybe Sammy fame – yep, one of Sydney’s most celebrated cocktail spots and one of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024 – is in Melbourne for one-night only at Showroom Bar – the glamorous destination within The Royce Hotel on Friday 12th September.
He joins Executive Chef Pawan Dutta who has designed a bespoke five-course menu to complement the signature martinis and Perrier-crafted cocktails you won’t want to miss.
The menu covers all the hallmarks of this fab restaurant bar; think duck liver parfait with black pepper meringue and raspberries, Moreton Bay bugs with lemongrass velouté, and grilled Sher Wagyu among the highlights, all crafted to harmonise with Stefano’s inventive pairings.
Stefano Filardi heroes these dishes with a charming list of cocktails from the bright and playful Clover (vodka, lime and raspberry syrup), exotic Krabi (coconut yoghurt, Tequila Blanco and Chardonnay verjus) and Midnight Lights, a decadent finale of mango, single malt Scotch whisky, Suze and ginger-pink peppercorn syrup.
Filardi has spent the last five years at Maybe Sammy and still collaborates on events with the iconic cocktail bar. He also splits his time working at Ester restaurant in Sydney; from bar work to DJ shifts.
Stefano Filardi spoke to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series
MY CITY
I was born in Bologna, Italy and moved to Sydney six years ago. Before that, I was based in the UK and worked in China and Hong Kong. I have always worked in hospitality as my family back in Bologna ran a small restaurant – it’s where I grew up.
I ended up in Sydney thanks to friends I knew in London who moved there. A few started working at Maybe Sammy at The Rocks. They spoke highly of Australia, and how much better the work/life balance was compared to Europe. I loved London, it was a great place to grow personally and professionally, but I was ready to try something new. Living by the ocean was also another goal I had.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
My mum and grandmother cooked every day – my brothers and I were spoiled with great food. I love the traditional dishes of my region like the tortellini in brodo – it connects directly to my roots and my family.
FAVOURITE BAR
I love Caretakers Cottage in Melbourne. It feels like a genuine place, where you find good hospitality and good ingredients. The vibe and atmosphere, the lighting and volume of music is good and they have great music taste. The bartender is one minute stirring you a martini and then runs to spin vinyl, it gives that little extra coolness to the place.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
It depends on the occasion. It can be a Guinness beer, an apertivo like an Americano or a negroni. In summer it might be margaritas, but I also love sipping a great Scotch or Mezcal, and with my girlfriend it’ll be a glass of bubbles.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
I like greasy food, comforting meals and anything spicy – that helps me the most. I have discovered in the last few years that coffee doesn’t help me the next day with a hangover.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
Byrdi in Melbourne is another great bar. I was there last year and sat at the bar and did the entire tasting menu of the food and beverages. I love what they do – the flavours here are incredible.
OVERSEAS BAR
Singapore’s Jigger and Pony is definitely a favourite of mine. I love everything about this bar; the consistency, the professionalism and how warm they are when you visit. There’s a great vibe and atmosphere.
FAVOURITE WINERY
I have visited the Marsala wine region in Sicily. Go to the small villages and take it all in, from the big producers to the smaller ones including Pellegrino Marsala. I also visited Paul DéThune in Champagne. The grand cru region of France with product that is outstanding. And if you want to be a bit adventurous, don’t go past the Lambrusco – it is very underrated as the perception is it won’t be a good wine. I recommend you try a dark sparkling red – delicious, rich and goes well fatty charcuterie and gnocchi fritto.
NEXT DESTINATION
A holiday to Thailand in January.
BOOK TICKETS HERE:
https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/roycehotel/maybe-sammy-x-the-royce-6352905078128640
