A former Collingwood factory has been transformed into a buzzy Mediterranean restaurant and basement bar. You’re invited to experience it with a one-off menu, drinks and a Q&A.

 

James Klapanis – the man behind St Cloud Eating House and Young’s Wine Rooms – is about to open the doors to Orlo, an eclectic new Mediterranean restaurant in the heart of Collingwood. With the help of Carlo Grossi (ex-Alta Trattoria and Grossi Florentino), he’s serving a menu that champions elemental cooking, making use of a large woodfired oven and Josper grill in the open kitchen. Downstairs, Klanais has also opened basement bar Cordial Club, which will have drinks from Joe Jones of Purple Pit and Romeo Lane fame. 

 

Both venues are located within a heritage 1900s building, paying tribute to the building’s history in their own small ways.  

 

You’re invited to experience Orlo when it opens exclusively to Access members for a private Readers dinner. Start in Cordial Club, where you’ll be served roaming snacks such as southern rock lobster scotch eggs and Italian swordfish skewers, as well as a cocktail by Jones. Then, you’ll be seated at Orlo for a set menu of the restaurant’s signature dishes, including sunchoke risotto with hazelnut and marjoram; tender char sui style Sommerlad chicken; and a classic burnt Basque cheesecake to finish. 

 

Between courses, you’ll hear from Klapanis and executive chef Matteo Tine in conversation with Broadsheet Melbourne’s food and drink editor Audrey Payne. 

Tickets drop on June 17 and are very limited, so don’t miss out.