Osborn to open ‘Australia’s best restaurant’

Ebullient Australian winemaker Chester Osborn of d’Arenberg is planning to open what he believes will be Australia’s “best restaurant” at his AU$13m Cube project in McLaren Vale.

Speak to the drinks business during a recent trip to London, Osborn said: “Australia has no Michelin stars at the moment as there is no Australia guide, which I don’t understand as there are some amazing restaurants here.

An artist’s impression of what the Cube will look like

“It’s my mission to open the best restaurant in Australia. I’m in talks with some big name international chefs about the project, which is due to open next March.

“It might be the case that we have a revolving head chef, with big name chefs working seasonal stints at the restaurant as consultants.”

A keen gourmand, Osborn wants the venue to serve locally sourced seasonal dishes that showcase the best of Australian produce.

Both the cooking and the venue will incorporate elements of theatre including molecular gastronomy and sous-vide techniques and a multi-sensory element to the dining experience.

In keeping with his local seasonal approach, Osborn has planted a variety of fruits and vegetables in a garden area close to the vines on the estate.

“We have so many wonderful ingredients to work with in Australia that not many people know about. I’m keen to make the most of our homegrown produce,” Osborn told db.

In addition to the as yet unnamed restaurant, Osborn plans to turn the five-storey Cube into a boutique hotel, only in place of rooms will be self-sufficient egg-shaped pods dotted throughout the vineyard.

Set among d’Arenberg’s Mourvèdre vines in McLaren Vale, the Cube boasts 360-degree views, a tasting room and several bars.