Following on from the success of his other restaurants, George Columbaris has opened a new restaurant in South Yarra, Mama Baba. I first got to go there as part of a work function and after dining, wanted to go back and try the food again, but also the extensive list of cocktails.
The fit out is very funky and the bar area lends itself to being a great place for a Friday or Saturday night catch up with friends in a more relaxed setting.
So for the second outing I met up with one of my 'bad influence' friends who loves food and a good glass of Sauvignon Blanc just as much as I do.
The menu is designed to reflect George's heritage, his Mama and his Baba. The 'Mama' side of the menu is Greek and the 'Baba' side is Italian. In some ways this works, it others it just seems a bit odd.
We enjoyed the Polenta Chips, although we were surprised at how small the portion was, just 5 chips between the two of us. We followed this by sharing a bowl of the Braised Chicken Meatballs, which was served to us in two bowls - very thoughtful, along with a delicious salad of cherry tomatoes, basil and bocconcini... again, we considered the serving of just one 'ball' of bocconcini to be a bit light on, but delicious all the same.
The drinks menu would cater for the masses and even included a few surprises such as boutique New Zealand Croucher Beer on tap. Service was great and we were even more thrilled when George himself made his way around the restaurant to greet diners, clear tables and check on dishes as they left the kitchen!
Mama Baba
21 Daly Street (off Chapel St)
South Yarra
T: 03 9207 7421
W: www.mamababa.com.au
