Bar Tartine San Francisco and Relae Copehagen alumnus Caitlin Koether has been snapped up to take The Mulberry Group’s Molli and Little Molli in a different direction after one year of operation.
The Abbortsford venues joined Melbourne’s dining landscape in April last year, with Aleksis Kalnins from sibling restaurant Hazel putting together the culinary programs for both venues. However, the group has decided to hit refresh on the menu and the fit-out and usher in a more laidback experience.
Molli will relaunch on 11 April as a day-to-night eatery, while Little Molli will make its debut later on in the month as a pantry and workshop dedicated to preserves and ferments. Koether has been busy writing up new breakfast, lunch, and dinner options for Molli, which will highlight seasonal ingredients as well as all things pickled and preserved.
“The menu is nourishing, colourful, and sometimes a little bit thought-provoking,” says the chef. “Our food is ever-changing and informed by seasonality, drawing on the techniques I was exposed to working with the incredible teams at Bar Tartine & Relæ. I want people to feel nourished and be able to come in and have an entire meal without breaking the bank.”
Breakfast options are available all day and cover matcha chia pudding; wood-fired beans with house-smoked bacon and coddled egg; and smoked pork neck with caramelised spring onion mayo. Lunch is available from 11am, with smorrebrod and tartine options sure to become Molli signatures. There’s also a salad ‘from the farm’ as well as sweet treats on offer.
The night menu is broken up into bread, dips, meat and pickles, mains, veg-centric plates, and desserts with a shared menu also on offer for $75pp. Launch plates include charred yellow beets; bonito with fish sauce, celery, and turnips; and smoked potato with black garlic and allium aioli.
The team has added in banquette seating to the venue as well as high-top tables and an alfresco dining area to suit Molli’s new ethos of welcoming guests in no matter the occasion.
Molli is open Monday to Friday from 7:00am for takeaway and from 7:30am for dine-in and from 8am on weekends. Dinner is available from 5pm Tuesday to Saturday.
