In its thirteenth year, Melbourne’s iconic and most high end Greek restaurant, The Press Club, is closes its doors this Saturday.

“I won’t lie. These will be the hardest words I have to write. I am emotional,” said George Calombaris when he first announced the news on Instagram.

“I can’t stop crying but I know good things have to come to an end. The Press Club has given me everything. Not just me but also thousands who have experienced it.”

The famous MasterChef judge that opened the prestigious The Press Club back in 2006, said that it was a longtime dream of his that came true to put Hellenic ideas on the map. In its lifetime the venue welcomed over 600,000 guests, and traveled Mr Calombaris and his team of chefs’ menu across the globe. Initially, The Press Club was located where Gazi is, then Mr Calombaris moved his high-end venture to a smaller, more boutique fit-out next door.

“Yes, it’s the end. And also the beginning,” he said whilst emotional, accepting that as much as he’ll love the past he aspires to always look forward.

“Now, it’s time for a new chapter and to write a whole new book. On 29 June 2019 we will serve our final menu before we enter an exciting phase of reinvention. We are incredibly proud of the past and now more than ever, inspired by the future,” he added.

Chefs Reuben and George. Photo: The Press Club

For the days leading up to the final dinner, the Greek Cypriot chef and his team created a menu combining the flavours of Greece with some of the best produce Australia has to offer.

The tasting menu consists of a series of smaller dishes allowing to experience more flavours between main dishes designed to take diners and their taste buds to Greece and back again.

Three different degustation menus were put together, the Alpha Journey, the Lamda Journey and the Omega Journey.

“I am an Aussie. I am a Hellene. We never stop dreaming, thinking and creating. We make mistakes. Lots of them. The Press Club will always be in my heart and soul – 12 years of memories. More than a restaurant; it’s a place that creates stories, innovation, love and life. (….) Thank you for your support. To the next chapter.”

Calombaris will keep ownership of the site but will be turning it into a different project, “an exciting phase of reinvention” as he called it.

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