Pei Modern shuts down
The Pei Modern in Sydney's CBD is closing down.
Pei Modern has been operating out of the Four Hotel since September 2014.
Chef Mark Best is moving on and he has big plans ahead. It looks like he's been planning if for some time. In 2016, his fine diner Marque in Surry Hills closed down. And some might have thought Best has been dropping hints about moving offshore when he got involved with the recently launched Genting Dream cruise ship
It has to be said that Mr Best is now no longer involved with the Pei Modern in Melbourne. Located on the forecourt of the Sofitel on Collins in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, it closed for renovation last year. And the restaurant is changing direction.
As it will be a big change.
Owner David Makintosh has told Good Food it will re-open in June as a warm and inviting supper club, perfect for late night dining.
He still has to come up with a name for the new club but he has teamed up with Joe Jones of Romeo Lane.
What's it going to look like? He's drawing his inspiration from restaurants like J. Sheeekey in London as the famous and now-defunct Stork Club in New York. Another one they are looking at is Restaurant Hubert in Sydney.
So expect the new Melbourne venue will have banquettes, booths and carpet. And of course, every table will have small lights and dimmers.
One other thing: they're not ruling out the possibility of live jazz, perfect for Melbourne, a city with Australia's best jazz scene.
As for the Sydney version of Pei Modern, it's anyone's guess.
The Four Seasons isn't saying much.
A spokesman for the Four Seasons wasn't giving much away when he spoke to Good Food.
Apart from indicating the yet to be named restaurant will open in April with Best at the helm, he wasn't saying much else.
"He'll be executive chef," the spokesman told Good Food. "With Marque restaurant no longer he more time. He'll be here in the pans."
Still, he did drop a hint of bringing back "a bit of five star elegance."
by Leon Gettler, February 13th 2017
