For over 35 years, Victoria Street Albert Park was synonymous with Stavros Tavern. But now there’s a new kid on the block in its place, and just eight months in, it is already making a name for itself.
Venus & Co. opened by manager Nicholas Georgiades and head chef Steve Watson was only this month awarded the top prize in the Greek Restaurant category at the prestigious 2018 Victoria & Tasmania Savour Australia Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence.
“It was a pretty good feeling,” Nicholas told Neos Kosmos of the experience, having been recognised among the who’s who of Melbourne food.
“To be praised on that level really makes us remember why we’re involved in the industry. We are all very excited and proud of what we have achieved in such a short time.”
The business owners, who have a combined 50 years of industry experience, go way back, having met some 18 years ago while Nicholas was studying at university and working part-time in one of Steve’s restaurants. The pair quickly developed a close working relationship, and after a decade pursuing other projects, are now back together.
“I’ve always wanted to work with Steve again, so I decided to give him a call and it was unbelievable,” Nicholas recalls, “because when I called, he was thinking the same thing!”
Struggling to find a restaurant that did true, authentic Cypriot food, they decided it was time to pay homage to their shared Cypriot heritage.
Committed to doing it justice, the pair consulted their mums and aunties for tips and tricks, scouring recipes passed down from one generation to the next, and reworked with Steve’s modern spin.
The menu features loukanika infused with red wine and spices, eight-hour beef cheek stifado, and melt in your mouth goat kleftiko, cooked slowly over 12 hours.
Of course no Cypriot menu would be complete without koupes, made by Steve with spiced beef, currants and served with preserved lemon labne; traditional pork and lamb sheftalies; and saganaki haloumi paired with golden raisin compote and pickled zucchini.
“We’ve had a lot of positive feedback,” says Nicholas.
“We’re getting people coming in from all around Melbourne. People walk into our restaurant who are Cypriot and they’re happy as we try and use as many Cypriot products as we can.”
The perfect accompaniments extend to the drinks menu, featuring Cypriot Commandaria (an amber-coloured sweet dessert wine) and Zivania (pomace brandy), along with a number of signature cocktails created by Nicholas, which contain traditional liquors.
In true Cypriot hospitality, they have even adapted the Hellenic custom of the kerasma, treating their loyal customers to coffee with a side of kourabiedes and finikia (melomakarona).
There’s no denying their passion for what they do.
“It’s pretty special,” says Nicholas. “My mum has always been a fantastic cook, she’s written down every one of her recipes for me, and so it feels pretty good to be able to honour that.”
Venus & Co. even has mum’s seal of approval. It can’t come any more highly recommended than that.
Venus & Co. is located at 183 Victoria Ave, Albert Park, VIC. To make a booking, call (03) 9699 5618 or visit http://venusandco.com.au/
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