It's not often that we pay heed to my portly food reviewing colleague in the (currently) free media but on this Saturday, he and we nailed it.
Vincent Wine Bar opened a short month ago but is hitting its straps early. Nestled on the corner of Brisbane and William streets, this funked out little venue has real promise.
Sharp, well seasoned staff and an honest, open approach to food and wine.
But the best thing is that Vincent has three distinct spaces - bar, courtyard-ish and a lovely high ceiling rooom that oozes Mrs Brown charm.
The food and by-the-glass wine offerings change daily and it has french bistro vibe etched deep.
The menu caters for all palates and predelictions, with a nice spread of veg and protein based offerings. We chose the Baharat Lamb Meatballs with chickpea and chorizo (24) and the Proscuito, caramelised figs, walnuts, gorgonzola and rocket (22).
And they were presented a scant ten minutes later - mind you the place was largely, and briefly, empty.
The tight meatballs were a tribute to the spice combination with the golden nutmeg flavour shining through. The tomato, chorizo and chickpea ragu turned this from peasant food into a killer winter dish.
The proscuito dish was bowled over by the plump, delicious figs. Two outstanding dishes.
To setup the palate we laid in two perfect glasses of of Contessa Pecorino from Abruzzo. Followed up by a delicious Calvachina Bardolino, an edgy light red from Veneto.
Vinvent is a place to keep an eye on, we certainly will be back.