The Bourbon brings a taste of the South to Potts Point

By Mariam Digges

Alaskan crab clusters
Alaskan crab clusters
The newly revamped Bourbon offers a taste of Creole to Potts Point, with live music to boot.

If you think you knew The Bourbon – think again; the Potts Point landmark has reopened after extensive renovations as a swish new Creole wine and dine joint.

A nod to the jazz saloons of New Orleans, the revamped Bourbon is paying homage to its deep southern heritage. A split-level floor plan sees the room divided into a brasserie-style front (complete with a stage that houses live music each night), lively bar proper on mid-tier, and an intimate dining area out back. It’s well thought out, but we’d expect no less from the venue’s new owner, Chris Cheung of the Coogee Bay Hotel.

The vibe is reminiscent of the opulent 1920s; electric blue armchairs, marble and brass highlights, Italian glass, and walnut timber have been used to erase any memory we had of the bar’s former self.

In the kitchen, James Metcalfe (of Etch and Bécasse) is serving up his refined take on New Orleans dishes like Grilled Jumbo Shrimp, Glazed Beef Rib (four hours slow cooked) and Jambalaya. If you’re after something less Creole, the Grill offers respite from the spicy South with staple steak cuts (the sweet side of Bourbon butter is a nice touch, though), or the more decadent lobster and chips – grilled and served with Montpellier butter, truffle, and parmesan fries. Like most brasserie fare, you have the option of ordering large or to share, but regardless of the path you take, you can be sure it will arrive with flavour jumping off the plate (the clam and corn chowder deserves a shout-out here).

The dessert list reads like an Americana dream; Pumpkin Pie with pumpkin brulee, maple syrup and ginger ice cream; Pecan Tart with burnt Bourbon; and to our delight, a swish version of the beloved S’Mores.

But, it’s the live music element that really gives this venue a whole new jazzy incarnation; the Bourbon and Beefsteak is nowhere to be seen. Let the good times roll.

The Bourbon is located at 22 Darlinghurst Rd Potts Point, Sydney, NSW 2011

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