QT Sydney joins the French Renaissance, opening Parlour, an all-day, late-night neo-French bistro led by Creative Director, Food and Beverage, Chef Sean Connolly.
Designed to replicate a night in Paris, Parlous is a low-lit and intimate affair serving up classic French fare inspired by Connolly’s classical training. It’s a celebration of what he describes as ‘French avant-garde.’
“I get shivers talking about the technicality of French cooking, its thoughtful food that takes three days to get to the plate. If I was a film director, Parlour is what a French restaurant would feel like. The venue feels like an evening in Paris,” said Connolly.
Aside from the delights of escargot, confit duck and crepe suzette flambé, the wine experience at Parlous is an ode to Old World French wine traditions and the contemporary New World wines they inspire.
The astonishing wine list showcases over 350 wines (25 of which are available by the glass) from France and Australia, curated by Chris Morrison, Director of Beverage for QT, who led the group to be awarded 18 glasses at the 2022 Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards.
The list sees Tasmanian sparking going up against Vintage Champagne and the wines of Chablis facing off against Margaret River’s best Chardonnay. Meanwhile, the elegant and savoury Syrahs from the Northern Rhone battle robust Shiraz specimens from the Barossa Valley.
The wine cellar, or The Bureau, is housed in a ticket booth for the movie theatre built in 1929 and is the domain of Parlou’s all-female sommelier team led by Head Sommelier Samantha Belt, who skilfully guides patrons through the expansive selection housed in the cellar.
The cocktail menu is a collection of classics with a contemporary twist, paying homage to the world’s most renowned cocktails throughout history. Highlights include French 75, Champagne Framboise, Martini Francois, Kir Royale and Crème Brûlée Martini.
Stay up-to-date with the latest industry news with the Drinks Trade e-newsletter.
