SMITH STREET WELCOMES SAINT CRISPIN

Collingwood has welcomed a Saint Crispin, in the new restaurant by chef restaurateurs Scott Pickett (Estelle) and Joe Grbac (Ex Press Club). Complimented by a front of house team lead by Ashley Firman (The European), this latest addition is already proving a celebrated and exciting contribution to venue hungry Melbourne.
At 300 Smith Street, Saint Crispin is thriving with energy from the open-kitchen that abuts well into the dining room to the bustling service and enthusiastic patrons seated at the green marble bar and along the banquets lining the restaurant wall.
Chefs and business partners, Pickett and Grbac have found synergy and a complimenting comprehension of a cuisine style from time working at Two Michelin Starred The Square in London under mentor and friend Phil Howard and developed a menu demonstrating techniques, flavours and balance imbedded in these two world class chefs, in a menu driven by the seasons.

A complexity of flavours that indulge with dishes such as Grimaud duck, heirloom beets, foie gras parfait and cumquat, or Veal cheek, hand rolled macaroni, miso eggplant and almonds, as well as Jerusalem artichoke, parsnip, sunflower seeds and Tuscan black cabbage and desserts to suit all palates from the chocolate lover to fruit fancies with Poached rhubarb, burnt custard and blood orange.
Front of house is Ashley Firman, an industry comrade for more than 20 years from The Botanical, Ondine, then running internationally renowned Ku De Ta in Bali, Indonesia. Since returning to Melbourne Firman based himself at The European. Comprised by Estelle Sommelier, Ben Skipper, the wine list shows his passion for lesser-known varietals balanced with popular Australian labels, creating a beautiful balance between the familiar and adventure.
Originally a cobbler’s workshop, Saint Crispin (the patron saint of cobblers) has been given a light makeover with existing timbers, high ceiling and brick alcove enhanced with textures walls, big banquets and plush emerald arm chairs that soften the green marble and copper elements of the kitchen and bar.

A passion project for the pair, Saint Crispin is the first venue for Grbac and the second for Pickett who also owns and operates Estelle Bar & Kitchen in Northcote. The restaurant is open dinners Wednesday to Sunday and lunches Friday to Sunday.