Aptly named Dan’s Diner, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival has teamed up with Dan Murphy’s to bring together three highly acclaimed chefs named ‘Dan’ from various corners of Victoria: Daniel Wilson (Yakimono), Dan Hunter (Brae) and Daniel Puskas (Sixpenny). The upscale retro diner, steeped in nostalgic Hollywood charm, is taking over Fed Square for a limited 10-day stint, running from March 15 to 24.
Inspired by the legacy of Dan behind Dan Murphy, Dan’s Diner pays tribute to his iconic 1970 restaurant, The Epicurean. Using the finest seasonal produce from Victoria, the trio of chefs have crafted an Americano-style menu, infusing diner classics with a touch of sophistication.
What’s On The Menu
Having the same name is not all the chefs have in common. The trio have each crafted their own signature plates that feature a fusion of comfort and elevated cuisine, showcasing a myriad of nuanced flavours.
Dan Hunter offers a unique spin on comfort food with his main dishes including the crinkle-cut disco fries—reminiscent of those in an old-fashioned diner—served with eggplant and chicken gravy, jalapeno for a spicy kick, mozzarella and basil. Alternatively, opt for a pancake short stack, lathered in serrano chilli honey, served golden bacon and a side of smoked eel butter.
Harnessing his expertise from the renowned Yakimono, Daniel Wilson skillfully blends varied flavours in his signature plates. He’s dishing up fried chicken and buttermilk waffles accompanied by a Japanese togarashi maple syrup, as well as his wagyu patty melt, served on sourdough with Bloody Mary-spiced crispy onions. While his mains may take the spotlight, his starter is by no means lacking, offering mini hash browns paired with Yarra Valley salmon caviar, seaweed crème fraîche and finger lime.
Specialising in seafood, Daniel Puskas is serving up a light starter of fried mozzarella and spicy tomato before launching into mains with a hefty crumbed fish burger with cheddar, lettuce, tartare sauce, and eggplant relish all encased within the bread buns and served with crinkle-cut fries.
Deciding on dessert won’t be an easy choice. Dan Hunter is taking the classic banana split up a notch with a spiced rum caramel, Daniel Wilson is serving peach cobbler doughnuts and Dan Puskas is offering his signature Sixpenny mega-slice carrot and pecan cake—pick one or sample all three.
Here’s What To Drink
The drinks menu is set to impress with esteemed bartender Dan Docherty from Collingwood’s Commis making his mark. He’s curated an extensive selection of cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages, sourcing the finest local wineries, breweries and distilleries.
Keeping with the essence of the ‘Dan’ theme, the cocktail menu adds a bit of Dan flair, offering the Danhattan—a Melbourne twist on the New York Manhattan, combining Starward Two-Fold Whiskey with Maidenii Sweet Vermouth, macadamia liqueur and bitters. There's also the Dan Murphizz—dry gin shaken with Marionette apricot brandy and lemon juice, served over ice with soda.
If that's not enough, all the Dan's will each take centre stage to each a once-off dinner. Tickets are over here if you want the full Dan experience.
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Image credit: MFWF | Kristoffer Paulsen