Psst, get excited for our MFWF debut! Dan Docherty of Commis is slinging the drinks for a limited time only, and they’re absolutely iconic.
There is a unique romance to the old-fashioned American diner. It’s where we got our first taste of Tarantino’s pulp, Lebowski savoured his coffee, and Sally annoyed Harry with her on-the-side ordering. It’s a magical place, frozen in time – where pie and pancakes are served a la mode, shiny red vinyl is the height of decor, and nobody’s heard of bottomless Mimosas (coffee, on the other hand…). And while we don’t have those same relics on every street corner in Australia, we can still understand and harness some of that nostalgia, which is exactly what we’ve done for the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival (MFWF) this year.
Introducing, for a limited time only, Dan’s Diner – an ode to the schmaltzy Hollywood diners of time gone by, but with a modern Aussie twist – running from March 15 to 24. Taking the name quite literally, we have partnered with not one Dan, not two Dans, but four all-star Dans to help us. Dan Hunter from three-hatted Brae, Dan Puskas, another fellow three-hatter from Sixpenny, and Daniel Wilson of Yakimono are on kitchen tools (learn all about the Dan’s Diner food here), while the legendary Dan Docherty (co-owner and bartender extraordinaire of Melbourne’s Commis) is whipping up the cocktails. We chatted to the latter Dan about his expert diner- and Dan-themed cocktails and why he’s excited for MFWF.
As you’d expect from a Dan Murphy’s and Dan Docherty event, the drinks are pretty special. “The first thing I thought about when writing the cocktail list was the atmosphere and how it looks in the movies,” explains Dan. “You know, the bottomless filter coffee, or the couple sitting in the corner drinking a milkshake with two straws.” Drawing inspiration from the ’50s-style diners and the drinks you'd expect to see on those laminated menus, Dan has created a cocktail list that straddles sophistication and ’50s-fun. “It's a bit of a mash of modern Australian produce with that era of 1940s/ 1950s America,” explains Dan.
Expect to see some twists on the Gin Fizz (the Dan Murphizz shakes up Melbourne Gin Company’s Dry Gin with Marionette Apricot Brandy, lemon juice and soda) and a Manhattan (the Danhattan stirs Starward Two-Fold Whisky with Maidenii Sweet Vermouth, macadamia liqueur and bitters). Then there’s the diner-inspired cocktail inventions. The Coffee Up – which is a mix of Mr Black Coffee Liqueur, Marionette Nocino walnut liqueur and Inglewood espresso – is available in single serve or a classic diner coffee jug to share between four.
And there is also a shake, or as we’ve named it (takes a big breath in) the Dan's Super-Extra Ultra Deluxe Double-Straw Honey Wattle White Light Vodka Shake (phew), which Dan is most excited about. “In my mind, diner drinks are supposed to be theatrical – just a little bit ridiculous and just a little bit over the top”. Giving it a little absurdity is what makes it so iconically American, explains Dan. But the best part is all the delicious Australian ingredients he has gathered for the cocktail. “The fior di latte gelato we’ve sourced from Pidapipo really works very well in the shake,” says Dan. “It gives a really light, lifted and sophisticated texture so it doesn't really feel like one of those thickshakes – it still feels quite elegant.” For those who aren’t drinking or prefer non- alc, there are two delish options on Dan’s menu as well – a Cherry Cola Sour and Virgin Dan Murphizz.
Aside from the outrageous cocktail list from our dear friend Dan Docherty, the experts at Dans have curated a wide number of fab wines, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks to try, all with a special local focus on independent Victorian producers. Think Puss & Mew, MDI, Bodriggy Brewing, and William Downie, plus many, many more.
You’ll also get a chance to sip and learn during our Discovery Zone sessions, where the bar will transform into an open-invite educational tasting hub daily at 3pm. Expect to see experts from seltzer crew Wonki chatting about how they turn tonnes of food waste into delicious RTDs, or Patrick Sullivan wines explaining the wonder of chardonnay grown on unique volcanic soils. Or pop in and catch Renn and Jess Blackman from Blackman’s Brewery chatting about some of their most successful (and award-winning) beer creations, or Melbourne Gin company showing off their Dry Gin, Single Shot and Bottled Negroni, plus a few surprises as well. Of course with 10 days of festival to be celebrated, and different experts taking up the Discovery Zone mantle each day, there’s plenty to discover. Feel free to mingle and ask them all the pointy questions you have about producing alcohol while sipping on some of the best drinks Victoria has to offer.
Whether you’re keen on trying one-off menus from award-winning chefs or exploring the ins and outs of Victorian winemaking, we guarantee you’ll find something to sink your teeth into at Dan’s Diner. Swing by for a bev at the bar or settle into a booth for a feast – it’s a party either way and we can’t wait to see you.
Where: Dan’s Diner at Federation Square, Melbourne CBD
When: 15 to 24 March, open daily from 12pm for lunch, dinner and drinks (no ticket or booking required)
