30 candles

Almost everyone who has lived in the eastern suburbs for at least a few years has their own Bistro Moncur story to tell. I remember, for instance, a time about 15 years ago when I booked a table and ended up sitting beside Barry Humphries, who was there dining with some celebrity mates, all behaving beautifully despite the many curious looks their way. Others have their own celebrity spotting tales to recount.

This year, the celebrity hangout with its distinctive black and white mural by Michael Fitzjames, reaches an astonishing milestone — turning 30. Three decades for a French restaurant in a city obsessed with the new and the cool (usually not French) is remarkable, and the restaurant is marking the occasion with several months of celebration.

Key to the celebrations will be two big dinners, one held in April, the next in June.

A ‘Celebration of the Bistro Moncur Menu’, on Wednesday, April 26, will feature an all-star line-up of chefs from the restaurant’s past and present, including Damien Pignolet (the co-founder and original executive chef, 1993-2011), Jason Roberts (head chef, 1998-2002), Tom Walton (head chef, 2008-2011) and present head chef Tom Deadman. The four will unite for a nostalgic four-course dinner with matched wines; cost is $350.

Then on Thursday, June 22, there will be a French winter feast, again with matching wines, $350. 

Bistro Moncur owner Alister Campbell says the venue’s longevity is a testament to the chefs and the staff who have pushed to create an extraordinary experience for all guests.

“We’re so grateful for our chefs and employees, past and present, who are custodians of the Bistro Moncur legacy,” he says. “Their service and professionalism are paramount to customers returning over the years and we look forward to welcoming them for our 30th birthday celebrations.”

Deadman (ex-Icebergs Dining Room + Bar) is also introducing new dishes to the menu including fromage blanc with zucchini flower, roman bean and nasturtium, and Aquna Murray cod with panisse and bourride. The new dishes will join Bistro Moncur classics that include steak tartare with bitter leaves and grilled sirloin MB3 with Café de Paris and fries.

“This menu takes diners on a trip around France with lots of influence from the south Provençal, where I was lucky enough to live recently,” Deadman says. 

“Working on farms and seeing first-hand the importance of the seasons gave me a newfound passion for cooking and I look forward to sharing this with guests through our 30th birthday menu. It has been a thrill to come on board the Bistro Moncur team at such an exciting time and I feel honoured that I’ll play a part in its future and help pave the way for Bistro Moncur’s next 30 years.” 

Bon anniversaire, Bistro Moncur.

116A Queen St, Woollahra

bistromoncur.com.au