Alibi, Sydney's latest cocktail destination and the first Australian hotel with a 100% plant-based dining menu, opens this Thursday, 22 March at Ovolo Woolloomooloo. Alibi is spearheaded by renowned US plant-based chef, restaurateur and global plant-based dining pioneer, Matthew Kenney. This is his first venture in Australia and will have a seasonal, colourful and innovative menu designed to share alongside an exciting cocktail and wine programme.

Alibi, which features lounge and bar seating, plus share tables, is an alternate destination for the already established Woolloomooloo dining hub, and for those who embrace a healthier lifestyle, a unique after-dark option.

Ovolo Hotels Founder & CEO Girish Jhunjhnuwala recognises the global wellness trend, particularly in Australia, with customers wanting to embrace wellness and the demand for a clean lifestyle and plant-based foods.

“We have listened to the market and know that healthy eating that doesn't compromise on taste is a priority, so we made the decision to partner with Matthew to develop a new plant-based concept not yet seen in an Australian hotel,” he said.

The Alibi menu has been devised to bring as much of Kenney's food philosophy and style to the plate as possible. Trained at the French Culinary Institute, Kenney and his team use a combination of classical and innovative cooking techniques to give locally-sourced plant-based ingredients a creative makeover. Smoking, fermentation and molecular techniques all feature.

Alibi's signature dishes include Kimchi Dumplings with Sesame and Ginger Foam, Heirloom Tomato and Zucchini Lasagna with Pistachio Pesto and a fun-take on the Roman classic pasta, Cacio e Pepe, with Kelp Noodles and Crispy Olives. Hibiscus Strawberry Cheesecake with Lime Curd, Vanilla Shortbread and a Sorrel Gel plus a deconstructed Tiramisu with Frozen Almond Chantilly rounds off the dessert menu.

The new menu, overseen by Group Executive Chef, Kasper Christensen, ex-Noma Sydney, also extends to Ovolo Woolloomooloo's breakfast, room service and conferencing offering, with a focus

on, but not exclusively, plant food. Ovolo's renowned free Happy Hour for guests continues and will feature a 100% plant-based offering.

Alibi will match Ovolo Woolloomooloo's colourful feel and concept, from the vivid produce in dishes to the dynamic and innovative drinks programme, particularly the cocktail list that offers guests a truly unique experience including molecular techniques, cooking and even pastry.

The wine list, by former sommelier of the year and wine book author, Chris Morrison, shines the light on a section of smaller producers from Australia but also features well-known wineries for those who find navigating wine lists a task. All have been chosen for their drinkability, value and ontrend styles or varietals. A focus on owner/operator producers shares Alibi's own philosophy of sourcing local, sustainable and seasonal where possible.

Kenney, who continues to pioneer his plant-based cuisine and philosophy via his restaurants, cookbooks and entrepreneurial pursuits, is confident that Alibi will be well received by both Sydney and its visitors.

Kenney said: “The lifestyle is already here, the products are here, the quality of ingredients is incredible. Australia is the founder of avocado on toast – we have our own version of course!

“People should expect a beautiful, bright modern interior with lots of seating options plus a globally inspired menu that matches that – it's so colourful and vibrant.

“I think some venues don't have all the components – they might have great food but not atmosphere, for example. But I think Alibi has everything,” he concluded.

Ovolo Hotels Group Executive Chef, Kasper Christensen, who has Quay and Noma Sydney on his resume, will continue to develop the menu seasonally with Kenney.

On a mission to redefine modern hospitality, Ovolo Hotels refuse to take a cookie cutter approach to their properties. From check in to check out, Ovolo guests enjoy all the comforts of intelligent, effortless living. From property-wide free wi-fi with an unrestricted number of devices and downloads, through to easy access power outlets at your bedside, it's the attention to all the little details that make Ovolo Hotels stand out.

Alibi opens this Thursday, 22 March from 6pm and will be open Tuesday to Friday dinner only and lunch and dinner Saturday. There will be a limited menu with plant based offering available for daytime snacking Tuesday to Saturday.

Address Alibi Bar + Kitchen Ovolo Woolloomooloo 6 Cowper Wharf Road Roadway 2011 +61 2 9331 9000

Opening hours Tuesday to Friday, 6pm to midnight Saturday, 12pm to midnight

Instagram @alibi_woolloomooloo Facebook @alibiwoolloomooloo

Website http://alibibar.com.au/

#AlibiBar #WhatsYourAlibi

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For media enquiries contact: 

Ovolo Hotels Merren Lynch, Ovolo Hotels | merren.lynch@ovolohotels.com | 0402 231 022 | 02 9331 9067 Stephen Howard, Ovolo Hotels | stephen.howard@ovolohotels.com | 0435 106 187 | 02 9331 9068

Ovolo Hotels

Ovolo Hotels is an independent hospitality company that owns and operates a collection of individually designed hotels and serviced apartments. Founded in 2002, Ovolo is a family-owned and privately-operated business with a charitable core. The company now runs four hotels and a serviced apartment in Hong Kong, and six hotels across Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane. Ovolo has also recently launched a new brand Mojo Nomad, in Aberdeen Harbour Hong Kong. Mojo Nomad is a cohabitation concept for global nomads that combines travel, lifestyle and community at its core and will be entering the Australian market in the near future.

About Matthew Kenney Cuisine

Matthew Kenney Cuisine is an integrated, California-based lifestyle company. The brand provides innovative, high quality products and services in the culinary art and wellness markets through its six business segments: hospitality, education, media, products, wellness and services. The foundation of his work is based on proprietary techniques and creative thinking applied to prepare minimally processed, plant-based cuisine that is both refined and healthful.

Matthew Kenney Cuisine owns and operates multiple plant-based restaurants including: Plant Food + Wine in Venice, CA, Make Out in Culver City, CA, Matthew Kenney NM in Beverly Hills CA, New Deli in Venice, CA, Plnthouse: the good kitchen at the 1 Hotel South Beach in Miami, FL, Essence in London, New York City's Double Zero, XYST, Bar Verde and Plantmade. As well as Plant Cafe in Bahrain and Make Out in Bogota, Colombia. [13] The company has also launched MK Wellness, a plant-based yoga and a travel brand. Kenney also founded the global education business, Plantlab Culinary.