Eau-de-Vie is the OG for Melbourne’s speakeasies, the absolute embodiment of the concept. Flair and flame, smoke and mirrors, it’s the golden age of bartending theatre, baby, and they don’t make ‘em like this anymore.
We sat down with James Green over a Negroni for a catch up.
James Green is the passionate and talented Head Chef of The Sanderson and Eau-de-Vie Sydney.
Tell us a bit about your hospitality journey and what you love about the industry?
I’ve been in the industry now in some capacity for over 20 years, starting in the family business at 15, before taking a more permanent role in the industry when I was 20. From there, I worked in some great restaurants in Sydney and overseas, ranging from Otto in Woolloomooloo, to Momofuku in Toronto and WD-50 in NYC. Upon returning home I had a stint at Icebergs in Bondi, before embarking on more senior roles around Sydney, as Executive Chef at Q Station in Manly, Head Chef at North Bondi Fish and Executive Chef at Manta before joining the Speakeasy Group prior to the opening of The Sanderson and Eau de Vie 2.0.
I think what I love most about the industry is the outlet for creativity, I find it very satisfying. The other thing I love is the close sense of community within hospitality, everyone looks after one another, supports each other’s venues, particularly in Sydney. It’s very close knit.
What is a day in the life in your role look like as The Head Chef of The Sanderson and Eau-de-Vie Sydney?
It varies from day to day, from the more routine duties of checking in on the produce, ordering and training staff, to the more creative and exciting side of developing new dishes, exploring new products, and working with our res & events teams developing some bespoke experiences for guests. I also spend a good amount of time developing relationships with some terrific producers and suppliers around the country, which flows through onto the menu.
What do you love most about your role as Head Chef?
I love that it provides me the perfect outlet for creativity, where I can take a dish from ingredient, to idea, and then through trial and error, to the finished product. Working with great products is also key in that process, we are super producer focused at The Sanderson in particular, and working with some of the best ingredients the country has to offer is incredibly inspiring.
I also find it really satisfying to see the chefs on our team learn and grow as we mentor them.
Favourite dish on The Sanderson menu?
Probably the dry aged Wollemi duck with whisky mustard glaze. I love duck, and this one is right up there.
Where would we find you on a day off?
I generally try and switch off, so you’ll usually find me on the golf course, watching a movie with my partner, or heading out for a nice dinner somewhere.
We spoke to the slick CBD restaurant’s head chef about its new BYO Cellar Thursday offer and its cocktail degustation collaboration with sister bar Eau de Vie – both exciting additions to a restaurant that’s all about celebrating special moments with unforgettable experiences.
On this International Women’s Day, I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to all the phenomenal women who contribute their talent, passion and dedication to The Speakeasy Group and our wonderful guests each and every day!
From front of house to behind the scenes we have some seriously talented and powerful women making huge contributions that are invaluable to our success and our guests enjoyment within our venues. Your presence enriches all those who surround you.
Today we celebrate your accomplishments and from myself a massive thank you for your ongoing remarkable efforts.
Happy International Women’s Day!!!
Greg Sanderson.
In Melbourne, the bar scene is as much about innovation as it is about tradition. Here, bars are more like creative labs, where the craft of cocktail-making is constantly refined. Seasonal ingredients and bold experimentation shape the menus, meaning even the classics are often given a fresh and bold twist. Featuring Boilermaker House, Eau-de-Vie and Nick & Nora’s.
Melbourne Comedy Festival favourites are back in town. With “Our Exclusive” sample of The Comedy Festival shows from this year and last year. This will be a night where you are guaranteed the best medicine – plenty of LAUGHTER !!!! You will get to enjoy over 2 Hours of great stand-up comedy.
When: Tuesday 12th, Wednesday 13th, Thursday 14th, Friday 15th, Tuesday 19th, Wednesday 20th OR Thursday 21st March.
Doors Open: 6.30pm (if you want to come & buy some dinner/snacks at 6.30pm – Joe King Bistro Menu
Show Starts: Starts: 8pm (runs for 2+ hours)
Cost: NO ENTRY FEE CHARGE (for the show, normally $35pp)
Where: The Comics Lounge 26 Errol St Nth Melb
To Book: email [email protected] with your name, number of tickets & which show you would like, your confirmation email will be sent straight to the bookings office.
Lights out, and away we go, Vikings!
Join us at Mjolner Melbourne for this special ticketed event on Thursday, March 21st, to celebrate the F1 Grand Prix 2024. The perfect race week dinner, immerse yourself in speed and storytelling during this epic four-course feast, expertly paired with the stunning @sthugowines and hosted by the winemaker.
The ticket price includes four feast-worthy courses, featuring Mjolner signatures like Bone Marrow and Short Ribs, thoughtfully paired St Hugo wines, including the limited edition Daniel Ricciardo DR3 range. PLUS, included in the ticket price is a DR3 Magnum to take home for every guest!
Tickets for this one-of-a-kind F1 Grand Prix week experience are EXTREMELY LIMITED. Secure your ticket now via the link in bio and be part of an evening where the Viking spirit meets the rush of the racetrack!
From wine bars to speakeasies, raise a glass to some of these wonderful drinking establishments in Melbourne CBD and the surrounding suburbs.
Count Her In – Accelerating Gender Equality Through Economic Empowerment
Join us as we unpack IWD 2024 and what it means, specifically, for women in the Hospitality Industry. The Speakeasy Group are so excited to be hosting two events celebrating all that it is to be a woman in the industry that we love.
Speakeasy Staff get free tickets – please enter the code SGSTAFF when purchasing tickets below and you’ll get your ticket on us.
Monday March 4th @ Pearl Diver
6:00pm – 8:00pm
https://bit.ly/3UpNsoy
Hosted by the ever dynamic, industry powerhouse, Hilary McNevin, along with a line-up of inspirational panellists from a broad cross section of our fine industry, kick-ass women & allies alike.
Lend your voice to the Q&A as we pave the way for a more inclusive and empowered future.
Engage with like-minded professionals with some space to connect over some delicious drinks & nibbles (after all, it’s what we do)!
Thursday March 7th @ Nick & Nora’s
1:00pm – 4:00pm
https://bit.ly/4bsMApa
What does economic empowerment mean for women in hospitality? Ever wish you’d learned how to file a tax form instead of trigonometry at school?
Join us for a trio of practical and interactive workshop sessions for some life hacks on economic empowerment you can actually use!
We look forward to hosting you.
We’ve rounded up the top spots for exchanging footsies, sweet nothings and ambrosial delights with that special someone in your life.
