THE SIGNATURE RESTAURANT of the landmark The Continental Sorrento redevelopment, Audrey’s, marks Scott Pickett’s first foray outside of Melbourne.
“You can see the ocean, so we wanted this to be a restaurant that had a sense of place,” he says. “We’re working with lots of local farmers and fishermen. There’s a plethora of amazing produce down here.”
Audrey’s is named for Pickett’s grandma – a “very humble” woman who nevertheless loved nothing more than half a southern rock lobster as a birthday treat.
The seafood-focused menu pays tribute to both Audrey’s culinary influence and the bounty of the Mornington Peninsula. While Pickett’s fine dining flair remains on full display, there’s a simplicity at the heart of the food, he says. “It’s kind of stripped back to its core and its essence.”
@audreys.sorrento
BARRAMUNDI WITH SAUCE ROMESCO AND HEIRLOOM TOMATO
3-4 (1kg total) red capsicums100ml vegetable oil140ml extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to serve200g whole blanched almonds4 garlic cloves2 tbs red wine vinegar1 tsp paprikaFinely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon400g heirloom tomatoes, chopped1 eschalot, finely chopped4 x½ bunch of basil, leaves torn
