This pioneering bar and bistro brings the heat to a lesser-known part of Hamilton. Expect Middle Eastern feasts cleverly whipped up on the wood-fired grill and lesser-known wines on pour.
Sure, there are thoughtful, well-made Australian offerings on the wine list here, but it’s a good idea to try at least one of the Middle Eastern wines, especially when they’re available by the glass. Have you tasted wine made from narince grapes, for instance? Now’s your chance. Vinkara’s Doruk Narince is a dry white with a lovely amber hue from Turkey that works perfectly with Ach’s swordfish shashlik skewer. Or there’s a Lebanese sparkling from Château Ksara if you fancy a blanc de blancs with a difference. Or a nicely layered red from Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley to drink alongside Margra lamb. If you’re really in the mood to nerd out, ask about limited-run specials such as a natural Bethlehem red made in teeny amounts from indigenous Palestinian grapes.
Cocktails at Ach also enjoy a Levantine spin – the Dead Sea, for instance, is as blue as its muse and built around Tromba tequila and Blue Curaçao with a touch of lemon and a dash of salt, while Turkish delight fans could enjoy the A Thousand and One Arabian Delights featuring Archie Rose vodka, Alizé Rose Cognac liqueur, rose syrup and lime. Designated drivers, meanwhile, can have Heaps Normal XPA or choose an organic non-alcoholic sparkling kombucha from Melbourne’s Monceau brewery.
