Since taking over the reins of pan-Asian-inspired restaurant Melrose a few years back, hospitality veterans Anna and Paul Adams have become firmly in tune with the wants and needs of the Bulimba community. That’s why they’ve taken it upon themselves to further expand and broaden the suburb’s dining scene by opening MEDÉ Modern Mediterranean on Oxford Street’s in mid-September.

“As fellow locals, we love being part of the local community and seeing regular faces at Melrose,” says Anna and Paul in a statement. “Despite the pressures facing the hospitality industry at present, and the economy as a whole, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to expand. Bulimba is a beautiful place to be and with all the new development going on around the suburb, we can only see better things for it.”

The duo has taken over the space formerly home to King Crab Co for the concept, with fit-out works currently underway to refit and revitalise the venue’s aesthetic. Brooke Harlander from Retail Collective Co and Tonic Projects have been engaged to give the corner site a bright and clean makeover, with premium touches like marble tabletops and olive-green furnishings designed to evoke the feeling of a lavish Mediterranean holiday.

When it comes to the food, Anna and Paul will be looking to showcase a diverse array of flavours, with MEDÉ catering to everything from casual lunches and intimate dinners to special celebrations.

“Mediterranean food is all about freshness and vibrancy, where the individual ingredients are allowed to stand out,” says the duo. “Our aim is to take customers on an unforgettable journey full of dynamic flavours from all regions of the Mediterranean, reimagined with a modern twist.”

MEDÉ’s kitchen will be helmed by head chef Sam Richards (formerly of Cloudland and Manly Boathouse), who will be crafting a menu informed by culinary traditions and contemporary trends, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Meanwhile, on the drinks front, we’ve been told that MEDÉ will dispense a globe-trotting wine list and a clutch of classic cocktails.

“Expect rich, grass-fed meats paired with light and refreshing sauces, and local seafood enhanced by simple garnishes that highlight its quality,” says Sam. “All fish will be line-caught, and we’ll even be able to tell you the fisherman’s name. Our beef will be grass-fed and our lamb will be organic. The menu is testament to my culinary ethos – made with love and few of my Nonna’s secrets.”

MEDÉ Modern Mediterranean is set to open on Wednesday September 18 – stay tuned for a peek inside next month.