MELBOURNE.
Eau De Vie.
By Charl Laubscher
This low-lit speakeasy throwback is the perfect place to simmer over 12-year-old whiskeys, talk shop with talented tenders, or try Melbourne’s best secret late-night snack.
Eau De Vie
1/233 Chapel Street
Prahran
(+61) 3 9510 0955
www.eaudevie.com.au
“The Noble Experiment” at Eau De Vie is hands down the best martini in town. Made exactly to taste (wet and dirty, Bombay Sapphire, please and thank you) and mixed in front of your greedy eyes with liquid nitrogen, you’re left with a perfect drink and the distinct feeling you’re in a Cohen Brothers movie. Or try “The Grounds for Divorce” — a staunch mix of whisky, porter, walnut liqueur and other bits, served in a frozen beer bottle with a mug — is every shade of masculine from high society gentle-toff to back-room brawler. The bar is (over)run with kiwis who are much obliged to make anything you ask for, or give you something you’ve never even thought of. Last time I went, I wound up drinking duck. True Story. Lastly (and probably most importantly), they make their own KFC. The secret recipe is said to include chicken (probably) and magic (definitely).
