State of Grace - Cocktail Bar & Restaurant

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Launch - New Cocktail Menu
State of Grace at 27 King Street, Melbourne is very conveniently located, especially because it's so easy to get to via public transport. We caught the train to Flinders Station, and from there, hopped onto tram 70 (or 75 will take you there), across from the front steps of Flinders Station, and three stops later we were at King Street, just across from the Aquarium. From there it was but a short 5 minute walk to the cocktail bar and restaurant.
Walking through the door, you can't help but be impressed by the massive chandeliers hanging off the ceiling. The decor was a little old world and charming, especially the unexpected hidden space just off the main area, filled with books, looking like a narrow library. At the end of rows of books is a gold plaque urging you to find the classic book on the shelf - 'Fall from Grace'. Pull the book out and magically a door opens to 'Fall from Grace' - a hidden drinking den tucked away downstairs. Head down a couple of dozen steps or so, passing walls filled with mirrors in ornate gilded frames. 'Fall from Grace' is the place to go for the newly curated cocktails and table service for paired meals.
I'm so glad we got there on time as the new cocktails and canapés were already being served and I didn't want to miss seeing or tasting all six. I later spoke to Duty Manager Rachel Smart who gave me a rundown on the cocktails. The new theme is called
The Last Supper - where each sip tells a story, and every taste transports you to a realm of culinary artistry. It's inspired by Manhattan jazz bars and Leonardo da Vinci's iconic painting. The
six new cocktails are meticulously crafted, blending salty, sweet, sour and umami notes. You can pair these drinks with the chef's curated dishes - from succulent pate to decadent desserts for an unforgettable dining experience.
Here's a countdown of the six new cocktails.
I Prefer a Liquid Lunch - salty, spirit forward, dirty martini twist. Roku, Dry Vermouth, Amaretto and clarified Miso. A bold twist on the classic dirty martini, inspired by the sophistication of Beverly Hills supper clubs. Pairing suggestion - Cured trout, crème fraîche, shallot, pickles, capers, lavosh.
Summer in Seville - sour, citrus, basil, herbaceous. Four Pillars Rare Dry, House-made Mandarin Syrup, lemon and basil. A vibrant cocktail inspired by the sunny shores of the Mediterranean, with citrus notes and the aromatic freshness of basil and herbaceous undertones. Pairing suggestion - Stracciatella & Confit, tomatoes, dried olive, basil and sourdough.
Butterfly Effect - a dreamy, floral, honey, champagne cocktail. It's Butterfly Pea and Chamomile house-infused Gin, honey syrup, and topped with Moët Chandon Brut. Each sip a revelation like the flutter of a butterfly's wings with delicate notes of honey. Pairing suggestion - Salt & Vinegar Squid, aioli, lemon, saltbush.
Holy Negroni! - bitter, berry, spirit forward. Blackberry and Cinnamon house-infused Gin, Campari, Lillet blanc. One that'll leave a lasting impression, this cocktail is a homage to the revered spirit-forward profile, elevated with a berry-forward infusion. Pairing suggestion - Crispy Halloumi, strawberry, balsamic, native pepper berry.
Leaf Your Hat at the Door - pandan, coconut, tropical fizz. Coconut Tequila, Mango, Kiwi, Pineapple and Lime. Topped with a pandan and coconut foam. Refreshing flavours that dance on your palate to sip and unwind to. Pairing suggestion - Poires Belle, coconut parfait and salted caramel.
Rockerfeller - spirit forward, umami base, cherry, chocolate. Duck-fat washed, it's not suitable for vegetarians - rosemary infused Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Cherry Liqueur, Sweet Vermouth. A tribute to the spirit of NYC's iconic supper clubs with a Manhattan spin-off twist. It's an umami based infused with the richness of cherry, rosemary and chocolate. Pairing suggestion - Duck pate, roasted peach, apricot chutney, lavosh.
'The Last Supper' theme is open-ended at the moment, but State of Grace does try to change their menu every six months. Next to Rachel, her fellow collaborator, (both pictured below) also a Duty Manager, is Lucas Smith. The creation of the new cocktails have spawned from 'Research and Development Days' - with staff bringing their ideas into the mix. Everyone in the bar can put their ideas forward, and the best of the best is chosen, shaped up, tweaked, and finalised by the mixologist, followed by a taste test to ensure a top-notch specialty cocktail has been produced. Now you can head to 'Fall from Grace' for an elevated experience of brand-new cocktails and food pairings.
Tasting every single cocktail, depending on personal taste, you'd like some more than others like I did. However, to be honest, there was something delightful in each and every one of them to enjoy. I loved the deep, rich, intense taste in my favourites, and I'm not going to sway you by naming them, because I could easily be happy with any one of them. Drinks are just getting more sophisticated and like cooking, seem to be trending in getting that balance of sweet, salt, and umami flavours. No complaints here, as every note was a thoughtful one, and hit the right spots.
State of Grace made sure Fall From Grace was the entertainment sector for the night of the new cocktails launch. There was popcorn free flowing, as were drinks, and if you wanted, you could order something to eat from the menu too. We were given a little taste of burlesque, when a feathered dancer arrived to entertain us, much to the delight of everyone, giving us the full burlesque show experience, right down to the last vestiges of plumes of feathers and tassels.
Housed in the majestic Melbourne Steamship Co. building which was once offices,
State of Grace is warm and welcoming with its old-world-style bar complete with balustrades in a setting that's a little European. There's the main bar area on street level, the hidden cellar bar - Fall From Grace, where we were, and of course the rooftop under the twinkling stars. It's a go-to place open for your lunch break, dinner feast or late-night bites. You can
book in or walk in.
See the menus below for the three eateries at the venue. With the introduction of a new menu serving modern Australian fare with a touch of European flavours - now is the time to go try it out for yourself.
Rooftop Menu - think casual grazing plates, and pizzas, matched with delicious cocktails, tap beers and tinnies.
State Level Menu - premium beverages and canapés with a view onto bustling King Street. Perfect for your next cocktail affair with direct bar access.
Fall From Grace Menu - delectable canapés and an extensive drinks menu and of course the six new cocktails.
Aside from
Weekly Specials like
A Stately Long Lunch - a three-course feast,
The Last Supper of course, exclusive to 'Fall From Grace' and available throughout winter,
Sundays with Grace - for the traditional Sunday Roasts,
Weekday Lunch Specials - choose a dish from a bespoke menu, along with a glass of house wine or pot of beer, for $20. State of Grace also has the community at heart with
Local Heroes . Every Wednesday you can do good as State of Grace donates $1 from every Espresso Martini sold, to
Minus 18 , champions for LGBTQIA+ youth.
King's Birthday - Monday 10 June 2024
See here to book in to State of Grace for the
Kings Birthday long weekend. Open from 12pm on Monday 10 June, you can enjoy
$20 Lunch Specials until 3pm. Book your table in advance and enjoy the specials to commemorate the official birthday of King Charles III, Head of the Commonwealth and King of Australia. With the holiday falling on different dates throughout the country, it must be noted that it doesn’t fall on the king’s actual birthday. Charles III was born on November 14, 1948. The official date was set to June to increase the chance of fair weather during the birthday celebrations in the United Kingdom. Stay in touch with State of Grace via social media and be privy to what's on, at all times.
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#date_night 287673 - 2024-06-05 03:55:32