A gastro pub in a remodelled 1930’s art deco space? Check. Accessible French food? Check. Beautiful wine? Check. The experienced and loved Reymond family behind it all? Check. L’Hotel Gitan seems to have it all.
Taking the place of Prahran’s Hotel Max, L’Hotel Gitan, thanks to SJB Architects and Leeda Projects, creates a space that nods to the 1930’s art deco beginnings, but gives it a few French touches.
Expect a relaxed yet elegant space, where you’ll feel comfortable day or night whether you take a seat at one of the tables, or linger at the bar. Copper light fittings and table tops, marble bench tops, white stools, and black details sit nicely next to the art deco tiles. The space is warm and inviting. Exactly how you want your French bistro turned pub to be.
Let’s talk food. Start with small plates of freshly shucked oysters, duck liver parfait with red plum liquorice chutney, and Banyuls miroir, or Morton Bay bugs served tempura with harissa dressing. Next, try the seared scallops with Tasmanian salmon and passionfruit ceviche, or the Gitan steak tartare. The main affair serves up six different cuts of beef including the 1kg Ranger’s Valley Bavette, or perhaps something a little lighter like the Nicoise Salad.
With 18 wines by the glass and 15 beers either on tap or bottled, there’s a lot to choose from if one tipple is all you’re after. Go for a NV Jansz Premium Sparking Rose from Tasmania, the 2011 Denis Pommier Chablis from Chablis France, or for a Spanish red, go for the 2013 Telmo Rodriguiez ‘LZ’ Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain. If you’re going beer, stick local with the Two Birds Golden Ale, or go off shore for the Kronenbourg 1664 from France.
A long lunch might be in order, what do you say?
L’Hotel Gitan
32 Commercial Road, Prahran VIC 3181
(03) 9999 0990
www.lhotelgitan.com.au/
Photos by Sharyn Cairns
